Inner Ashes - Game Review
8Inner Ashes - Game Review
Hey there, fellow gamers! Welcome back to the Veteran Game channel, your hub for all things gaming. Today, we have something rather special and unique to discuss – a game that bravely dives into a sensitive topic. We're talking about Inner Ashes, the debut title from Spanish developer Calathea Game Studio, which is now available on Switch, PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Alzheimer's disease, a devastating condition affecting over 55 million people worldwide and growing by an estimated 10 million annually, is a rarely explored topic in video games. However, Inner Ashes came onto my radar, bringing a fresh, bold approach to gaming by focusing on this deeply emotional and delicate subject matter.
In Inner Ashes, you walk in the shoes of a character named Henry, navigating his journey through a narrative adventure that combines environmental interaction and puzzle-solving to guide you on a path of self-discovery. You'll witness the heartbreaking effects of early-onset Alzheimer's and piece together the fragments of Henry's memories surrounding his estrangement from his daughter, Enid. The game's unique style beautifully encapsulates the different stages of Alzheimer's and Henry's forgotten memories, providing a profound exploration of his mind across various settings.
Interestingly, the game is played entirely from a first-person perspective. This could be a deliberate choice to let players truly see the world through Henry's eyes, fostering a deeper connection and empathy with his character. Even the controls displayed on the top left-hand side of the screen, which initially seemed odd, serve as a thoughtful reminder and respectful nod to the real-life challenges of memory impairment.
The game kicks off at Henry's residence, which bears significant narrative weight. Post-it notes litter the house, acting as visual aids to help Henry recall how to interact with objects and unlock past memories. This attention to detail reveals the tremendous time and effort invested in crafting this game.
Inner Ashes shines visually, with stunning graphics drawing inspiration from emotionally evocative titles like That Dragon Cancer, Firewatch, and Last Day of June. The dreamy color palette and atmospheric tones echo the fact that we're journeying through Henry's mind as he grapples to reconnect with his past and his relationship with Enid.
The sketchpad within the game serves a dual purpose, functioning as both the main menu and a repository for collected photos and letters. The storyline unfolds in a comic-book style within the sketchpad, with incomplete areas depicted as blurry watercolors, symbolizing Henry's current inability to recall those memories.
The game's audio is expertly tailored to its style, featuring soft tones that further contribute to the dream-like atmosphere. The shift in music between night and day, coupled with convincing voice acting, immerses you in the authentic interactions between a father and daughter.
You'll also encounter watercolor puzzles – I'm not too proud to admit that these gave me a run for my money! The main story will approximately take you around 2 hours to complete. However, if you're after the coveted platinum trophy, I recommend taking your time and really immersing yourself in the story.
Inner Ashes is a testament to the powerful storytelling potential of video games, tackling the sensitive topic of Alzheimer's disease with tact and finesse. The developers have done an incredible job, offering an experience that's both educational and tasteful, showcasing a profound understanding of the subject matter.
In conclusion, Inner Ashes is an impactful exploration of a complex issue, wrapped in a beautiful gaming experience. It's a gentle reminder of the power of video games to connect us to critical and often overlooked aspects of the human condition.
And there we have it, folks! That wraps up our review for today. Stay tuned to the Veteran Game channel for more gaming insights, reviews, and discussions. Until next time, keep gaming, keep exploring, and keep pushing your virtual boundaries. Happy gaming!