Main game
2.15 average rating based on 26 ratings
A fun little exploration game with a cool concept, interesting worldbuilding, and just enough gameplay to fit the loose narrative and fairly narrow spread of mechanics. The exploration element is strong enough that not being able to figure out what to do next isn't usually all that frustrating, and there's a sort of dream logic to figuring out some of the puzzles that fits nicely with the ethereal environment and sound design. A perfectly pleasant experience.
Similar to the game ABZU, but worse graphics, controls, navigation. Even when holding the brake, the whole time the plane is too fast to hit targets, and the large FOV distortion is really perturbing and disorientating. The "too fast" + FOV was enough to get me to stop playing early on. I like the idea, but the execution is unpolished.
The first warning sign was that the loading screen references mouse controls but the mouse isn't enabled in the menu. There are some games that have keyboard menus, but those generally don't use the mouse and this game does.
The second warning sign is the fact that you see three loading screens before the tutorial starts. Wat.
The third warning sign comes in the form of one of the most idiotic tutorials i've ever seen. It doesn't actually tell you the controls. I had to exit the tutorial -which resets it-, go to the menu, find the weird icon they use for settings (if you're only using icons at least use recognisable ones) and look up how to throttle down. I figured out throttle up was Space. Throttle down is... Left Shift?
I ragequit the tutorial (lol) because it had me hit a bunch of rocks after i already hit a bunch of rocks. After yet another loading screen the game finally starts. And it's awful. Get this.
It's a flying game. Using keyboard controls for all movement.
The last time i had to aim with the keyboard was probably in Doom (1993). For the past quarter of a century …
The first warning sign was that the loading screen references mouse controls but the mouse isn't enabled in the menu. There are some games that have keyboard menus, but those generally don't use the mouse and this game does.
The second warning sign is the fact that you see three loading screens before the tutorial starts. Wat.
The third warning sign comes in the form of one of the most idiotic tutorials i've ever seen. It doesn't actually tell you the controls. I had to exit the tutorial -which resets it-, go to the menu, find the weird icon they use for settings (if you're only using icons at least use recognisable ones) and look up how to throttle down. I figured out throttle up was Space. Throttle down is... Left Shift?
I ragequit the tutorial (lol) because it had me hit a bunch of rocks after i already hit a bunch of rocks. After yet another loading screen the game finally starts. And it's awful. Get this.
It's a flying game. Using keyboard controls for all movement.
The last time i had to aim with the keyboard was probably in Doom (1993). For the past quarter of a century i've aimed at stuff with a mouse. And this game doesn't even let you do that, the mouse is only used for two buttons (dive and something else). Do you know how incredibly uncomfortable that is? It's an insane choice, especially for a game that's supposed to be relaxing. WTF.
Gameplay: 3/5 Story: 2/5 Presentation: 3.5/5
Basis:
Story= plot progression, intrigue, characters, world
Gameplay= Mechanics, gameplay options (freedom), repetition, goals, difficulty
Presentation= graphics, animation, environment/character design, Art direction, Script, music
The story existed, but it felt like it was trying too hard for the type of Zen flight game that it is. Beautiful art style. Some ship models had mega frustrating controls. There was no clear guidance on how to swith model types if that is even a thing.
Free on the Epic store this week:
https://www.epicgames.com/store/en-US/product/innerspace/home
Next week we get GoNNER and Offworld Trading Company.