This means no achievements, and more crucially for the developer, reduced store visibility. This Xbox iteration has one last caveat – despite being available on both PSN and the Switch eShop as a standard release, it has launched as a Community Game. Right to the point where I was able to completely stroll through two puzzles, bypassing them entirely. More damaging is that the collision detection is largely unpredictable. There were lots of instances where I accidentally grabbed the wrong item, prompting puzzles to be started anew. Playing on Xbox One, the controls aren’t entirely intuitive either. The isometric perspective can occasionally obscure vital objects, and there are a couple of instances where it breaks its own rules. This isn’t an entirely frustration-free experience, however.
Hidden collectables are there for those looking to revisit after completion. Coupled with no punishment for failure – or even a Game Over screen to speak of – this is a surprisingly relaxed experience one that asks for no more than 2-3 hours of your time. While the occasional puzzle may require some experimentation, most are relatively straightforward, housed within a single screen. There’s no combat whatsoever – the focus is solely on puzzle solving, with the occasional cut-scene to drive a story entailing love and loss. There’s plenty of traditional block shoving, platform raising, and switch flicking too. Later puzzles feature elements such as wind, water, and fire, all of which must be harnessed accordingly to progress, such as using fire to burn wooden structures and guiding water to create icy platforms. These are then used to traverse various oriental locations and solve puzzles, using blocks to fill in gaps in structures and creating paths for balls to roll along. Our hero is blessed with the ability to ‘redraw’ objects, including blocks, bridges, and ramps. The hero’s long-time companion Akio tags along, helping wherever she can. No sooner than putting his sword away, he discovers the local wildlife is being injured, prompting a journey to find out who’s responsible. You play as an ageing nameless samurai ready to retire and enjoy a quiet life.
It definitely helps to draw you in, pun not intended. Puzzle adventure Inked: A Tale of Love taps into this, featuring isometric levels with a sketchbook art style where colour is used sparingly. Ergo a reminder that striking art can be created using even the most basic of writing implements. I think this comes from the fact that they’re simple, everyday, items. I’ve always had an appreciation for artwork created using ballpoint pens.
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