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There ’s just something indescribably special about anindie horrorgame that ’s authentically well told andThe Inner Friend , the former game by PLAYMIND , is just another exemplar of this . Above everything else , The Inner Friendis unsettling in the most brilliant way potential . One could argue that the biz is too short or that the puzzles are n’t challenge enough and there ’s a valid argument to be made there . ButThe Inner Friendis first and foremost ahorror gameand , thanks to some superbly detailed visuals and a story that ups the surreal ingredient , it absolutely succeeds .
The Inner Friend ’s story is difficult to explain in standard terminal figure , but the fundament surrounds face puerility awe . This is accomplish through elaborate aspiration - like levels where the admirer , who is in the shape of a child - like mannequin , completespuzzles . The localization of these levels are fascinatingly ordinary , from school to an extremely off - putting tomentum salon , but it ’s the dreamy lineament that lends the biz charm and scourge in equal measuring stick . In fact , atThe Inner Friend ’s most surreal moments , it almost play to mind what would happen ifDavid Lynchtried his hand at a TV game .
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The Inner Friend ’s gameplay is as simple as its story is complex and unearthly . Told from a third - person perspective , players will work puzzler in both the traditional good sense and with ahorrortilt . This include keep off foe and calculate out the timing of their way of life as well as move books in a classroom to block up beams of luminousness that automobile kill the protagonist . As mentioned before , none of these puzzles are all that complex and more astute player can blow through them with relative relief . While this is unsatisfying , it does n’t really detract from the experience too much , though that will diverge from player to musician .
The length ofThe Inner Friendis another country that some instrumentalist may find aggravating . The puzzle experts will probably be able to finish the game in just under two minute while everyone else should still be capable to get to completion in around three hour . There arecollectibleswhich add somewhat to replay time value , but again , that is n’t go to appeal to everyone . While no pillager will be discover here , the finish of the game is a little sudden as well , and the events of the taradiddle do not palpate wrapped up at all in a meaningful way . Hopefully this intend a sequel will finally be originate .
The nontextual matter itself is minimalist in nature , but every design option is careful and bring to the thematic timber of the secret plan . While all of the grade and their design add to the horrible nature of the biz , perhaps no layer is more drop numb terrifying than the whisker salon mission . Not only is the creature on this deputation in effect shivery , butThe Inner Friendups thing from dreaming - similar timbre to straight up incubus . This level will likely be the biggest talking full point of the game for console musician , much like it was when the championship first release on personal computer in 2018 .
The Inner Friend , in malice of its shortcomings , is truly a New chef-d’oeuvre in horror narrative . As a complete and whole game , it does n’t quite reach the same levels , but its efficient utilization of repugnance , from visuals to genuine scare , should still be celebrated . Players who manage more for effective theme - aim plot and less about complexgameplaywill probably findThe Inner Frienda pleasure to behold . For everyone else , well , it might be concentrated to rationalise the $ 15 price tag for a yoke hours of easygoing puzzles and non - traditional storytelling .
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The Inner Friendreleases April 28 on Xbox One and PlayStation . It was previously released on PC in 2018 . Screen Rant was provide an Xbox One copy for the purposes of this reexamination .
