Inkulinati are legendary figures who engage in strategic battles within the pages of medieval manuscripts. These masters wield Living Ink to conjure fantastical beasts, bringing them to life for epic confrontations. Expect the unexpected, from donkeys playing trumpets with their posteriors to deadly snails devouring enemies, and bishop cats battling heretics with fervent prayers. Beneath the comical facade lies a tactically rich, turn-based combat system. Players assume the role of an Inkulinati master, commanding living illustrations across the battlefield. Each uniquely inked creature fulfills a specific strategic role, and iconic medieval characters such as Dante and Hildegard can dramatically shift the course of battle. Master the art of Living Ink, hone your quill, and develop unique strategies to become the greatest Inkulinati of all time!
Inkulinati presents a uniquely compelling gameplay experience. While turn-based strategy games are a well-established genre, this title distinguishes itself with its distinctive art style and unconventional premise. While an initial learning curve is present, the gameplay becomes increasingly engaging and entertaining as you progress.
Further setting Inkulinati apart is its narrative foundation in medieval writings, with elements of the game drawing inspiration from texts over 700 years old. Encounters with figures like Death, or even Dante Alighieri, one of history’s most renowned writers, enrich the gameplay.
Mastering the use of Living Ink to strategically “draw” your way out of perilous situations requires some initial investment, and the game presents a significant amount of information before allowing players to fully engage with the core mechanics. The graphics are crisp and evocative, successfully capturing the aesthetic of medieval manuscripts in both color palette and design. Animations are simple yet effective, complementing the overall visual style. The game was tested on Playstation 5, exhibiting no performance issues due to its modest resource demands.
As previously noted, Inkulinati‘s initial learning phase can be lengthy, which may deter some players. A significant frustration stemmed from the tutorial’s inconsistent focus, overlooking fundamental aspects, such as the control scheme for drawing and moving units, while dwelling on less critical details. An early mishap involving the artist falling off the map, resulting in a sudden defeat, felt particularly unfair due to this lack of initial guidance.
The game’s soundtrack, while thematically appropriate, features a repetitive loop that can become tiresome over extended play sessions. Players may find it beneficial to either mute or disable the music.
In conclusion, Inkulinati offers a genuinely unique strategy experience that distinguishes itself from its contemporaries. However, the game would benefit from a more comprehensive tutorial system, addressing critical gameplay mechanics that are currently glossed over. While the initial learning curve and occasional frustrations may not appeal to all players, those who appreciate the strategy genre will find this title a worthwhile addition to their collection.
Daedalic Entertainment provided a review code for this assessment. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
