Inner Ashes, developed by Calathea Game Studio and published by Selecta Play, is a first-person narrative adventure that delves into the emotional realm of Alzheimer’s disease. While not for everyone, its captivating story and well-crafted gameplay make sure this game offers a unique perspective on the impact of Alzheimer’s on individuals and their relationships. While not without its flaws, Inner Ashes succeeds in delivering a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
The premise of Inner Ashes revolves around the protagonist, Henry, who is battling early-onset Alzheimer’s. Players assume the role of Henry as he embarks on a quest to remember the events that led to his estrangement from his daughter, Enid. The game strikes a delicate balance in portraying the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s while unraveling the intricacies surrounding Henry and Enid’s relationship.
The narrative of Inner Ashes is undoubtedly the highlight of the game. The story unfolds gradually, revealing the struggles of a single father raising his daughter amidst the turmoil of his own deteriorating memory. Henry’s journey is touching and emotionally engaging, drawing players into the very essence of his experiences. The game effectively incorporates educational elements as well, providing insights into Alzheimer’s disease in an organic and non-intrusive manner.
Gameplay in Inner Ashes revolves around exploring Henry’s memories, which are represented as dreamlike islands in his mind. Players must solve puzzles and uncover fragments of the past to progress. Interestingly, the mechanics draw inspiration from techniques used to assist Alzheimer’s patients, such as using post-it notes to aid object recognition and tangram puzzles to stimulate memory. While the gameplay can be simple and the pace slow at times, these design choices effectively immerse players in Henry’s perspective, creating a sense of empathy and understanding towards a condition most have heard of but few are intimately familiar with.
The puzzles in Inner Ashes are diverse and engaging, each offering a unique challenge. From fitting shapes into bowls to fixing objects and exploring the environment, the game keeps players engaged during its short runtime. Design-wise the puzzles aren’t all winners as it can be vague what you’re supposed to do, but once players grasp the mechanics, the satisfaction of solving each puzzle and uncovering new aspects of the story is rewarding.
Visually, Inner Ashes presents a distinction between Henry’s real-world surroundings and his memories. While the graphics are decent, it’s the visual design that makes a real impression. The environments within Henry’s memories are beautifully portrayed, with each location exhibiting its own thematic elements. The comic book-style cutscenes that conclude each memory segment are a fitting and effective way of conveying the story.
The audio design in Inner Ashes is praiseworthy, with a score that captures the nostalgic and bittersweet essence of the game. The music evokes a range of emotions, combining happiness with sadness, reflecting your journey through memories. The voice acting is a bit of a mixed bag though, with varying performances between characters.
Despite its strengths, Inner Ashes does have a few shortcomings. The game’s walking simulator-like pace may not appeal to all players, and the subject matter isn’t going to be engaging to everyone. Inner Ashes is a moving and impactful game that sheds light on the emotional toll of Alzheimer’s disease, and effectively combines educational elements with a well-crafted narrative, inviting players to empathize with Henry’s journey. Inner Ashes is a reminder of the power of storytelling in addressing sensitive topics, and it is a game that should be considered for its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes that take mental health seriously while providing an entertaining experience.
Score: 7.5/10
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