PGC NEWS

INMOST, an indie game initially released on Apple Arcade, stands out among the curated selection of independent titles on the service. Published by Chucklefish, known for acclaimed games like Stardew Valley and Wargroove, INMOST carries high expectations. Does it live up to the hype? Let’s delve into this poignant adventure.

A Story of Flowers, A Story of Pain

“Do you remember?… Do you remember it? The story of the flowers?… I was wrong. It is a story of pain.” This haunting opening sets the stage for INMOST’s emotional journey. Players control three interconnected characters: a young girl, a hero, and a knight, each with unique abilities and limitations. Hidden Layer Games masterfully weaves their narratives together, using the metaphor of “flowers” to mask a deeper, more painful truth. The storytelling is tight, leaving no gaps in the narrative and providing a cohesive experience from beginning to end.

INMOST’s pixel art style effectively conveys the game’s somber atmosphere.

But what makes INMOST truly special is its underlying message. The game’s conclusion is both moving and thought-provoking, offering players a powerful lesson about love and loss. “Do you remember?… Do you remember it? The story of pain? I was wrong. It is a story of love.” INMOST is a game that explores the complexities of human emotion, challenging our understanding of pain and love.

Gentle Exploration, Challenging Action, and Perilous Combat

INMOST is more than just a platformer. With three playable characters, it offers a surprisingly diverse gameplay experience. Each character’s unique limitations and abilities shape the gameplay, creating distinct segments within the game. As the girl, unable to jump but capable of climbing using furniture and boxes, players engage in gentle exploration and puzzle-solving.

The girl’s segments focus on exploration and puzzle-solving.

The hero’s sections introduce a sense of mystery and danger, with challenging action sequences and environmental puzzles. Finally, the knight’s gameplay focuses on perilous combat, facing off against terrifying enemies in intense encounters. This varied gameplay allows INMOST to focus on its narrative strengths, showcasing the characters’ emotional development and intertwining their stories.

The Art of Simplicity

INMOST’s presentation is a harmonious blend of minimalist pixel art and a dramatic soundtrack. The visuals are uncluttered yet evocative, utilizing a dark color palette with splashes of vibrant hues like deep blue, pink, orange, and red. The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, using somber piano melodies and haunting violin strings to create a captivating atmosphere. Effects like fog and shadows further enhance the game’s sense of mystery and dread. Despite being an indie game, INMOST excels in its audio-visual presentation, contributing to a cohesive and immersive experience.

Game Information

• Developer: Hidden Layer Games
• Publisher: Chucklefish
• Genre: Adventure
• Release Date: October 11, 2019
• Platforms: Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, PC

Minimum Requirements

• OS: iOS 13 / macOS 10.15

Test Configuration

• OS: iOS 13.3.1
• Device: iPhone X

Conclusion

INMOST is a powerful and moving experience that explores complex themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Its varied gameplay, stunning pixel art, and haunting soundtrack combine to create a truly unforgettable adventure. While starting on Apple Arcade, its availability on other platforms makes it accessible to a wider audience, offering a unique and emotional experience not to be missed.