INK

 PlayStation 4
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 2 out of 3

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  1. SnappyGR
    Sep 5, 2019
    7
    Snappy Game Reviews - Super INK Boy

    The indie scene is filled with 2D platformers but recently we got introduced to a new one with a somewhat bizarre mix of concepts. Imagine if you will, a game with the pixel-perfect challenge of Super Meat Boy combined with the eerie exploration of The Unfinished Swan, that’s pretty much what Zack Bell's INK is. INK is a very minimalistic 2D    Snappy Game Reviews - Super INK Boy

    The indie scene is filled with 2D platformers but recently we got introduced to a new one with a somewhat bizarre mix of concepts. Imagine if you will, a game with the pixel-perfect challenge of Super Meat Boy combined with the eerie exploration of The Unfinished Swan, that’s pretty much what Zack Bell's INK is.

    INK is a very minimalistic 2D platformer where you control a simple white square and have to get to the exit in each of its 75 stages by either simply getting there, destroying all enemies or collecting various keys to unlock certain gates. What makes it stand out though is the fact that every single level starts as being completely invisible with the player having to fill in the blanks, for you see, this colourless white square that you get to control is bursting with colourful ink, quite literally.

    By simply sliding around, both on the ground or on walls, these will be covered in ink of assorted colours, double jumping sprays out ink blobs in all directions and even death can be a useful method of uncovering a stage as your progress doesn't get reset with each death, instead each of your attempt builds upon the previous one making the progression feel fun and rewarding, at least for the most part.

    The game does a good job of easing the player into this mishmash of concepts by having the first dozen or so levels being rather easy but once you get past the first of the three bosses in the game you'll start coming across hazards such as deadly spikes and moving blocks that can crush you. The thing is that since you're unable to see anything before you spray it with ink you might run across some unexpected deaths, especially if you have twitchy fingers or a lesser amount of patience.

    This wouldn't be a big issue if the wait between deaths wasn't so long. With each death, you must wait about two seconds in between respawns, it may seem like I'm nitpicking but in later stages, it starts to get annoying as you'll be constantly dying and retrying.
    It's a good thing then that the game is rather nice to look at. It might look simple but I found it extremely amusing to look at all the colours pilling on top of each other as a result of my actions. The soundtrack is also quite nice with some moody ambience tunes that contrast surprisingly well with the chaos of some of the more advanced challenges.

    INK is unfortunately quite short despite the previously mentioned 75 stages as some of these are extremely easy straight lines to the exit that take only a few seconds to complete though as with any game that highly relies on skill your mileage may vary. To extend your playtime a little bit, you may want to try and grab all 20 medals hidden on your way to the exit of some of the stages. These, as pretty much every other thing in INK, need to be all coloured up before they can be collected and are usually well hidden in tricky spots.

    INK is a refreshing take on an oversaturated genre that manages to combine two seemingly contrary genres to create something quite special, I just wish there was more content in here.    … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
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No score yet - based on 3 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. PlayStation Country
    Oct 2, 2017
    50
    INK is a basic but competent platformer with an interesting colour splashing hook to get things going. However, after some time with the game, it is clear that the gimmick alone is not enough to keep things fresh. In the end, Ink just feels like it would be better suited as a mode in another game, rather than one that warrants a price tag alone.
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  2. Video Chums
    Sep 21, 2017
    76
    Ink is a pleasant albeit brief experience that 2D platforming fans should thoroughly enjoy. In the end, the precise controls and charming visual style allow the gameplay to really leap off the page.
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  3. TheSixthAxis
    Sep 19, 2017
    60
    INK is an ambitiously simplistic platformer that creates its own identity with its level splatting gameplay. The only problem is that despite the attractive colourful visuals at various points, the game’s simplicity can get tiresome in long sessions. INK is worth picking up if you’re a puzzle-platforming fan, but those looking for a bit more depth may find other 2D platformers more enjoyable.
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