Review: Inscryption, the comical psychological-horror game created by one person

Indie game developers have once again proven their might: the latest title from publisher Devolver was created by just one person.

Inscryption is an interesting combination of game elements. In the beginning it's essentially a card/board game with a side of escape room, but as you progress through the insidious world you realise not all is as it seems.

I'm not usually one for video games that utilise card mechanics — I could never get into Gwent (The Witcher) or Hearthstone — so I thought I may struggle with something like Inscryption.

READ MORE: Price of groceries set to increase amid global container shortage

Thankfully, this comical psychological-horror game (who would've thought they could go together) is so much more than that.

Inscryption has incredibly been developed by just one person, a man named Daniel Mullen from Vancouver. Mullen has created other titles like The Hex and Pony Island.

When the game begins you find yourself in a room with a few items on the walls, on shelves and on dressers. There's a locked combination safe, a painting and an old clock just to name a few things. It's with these items that the escape room mechanic comes into play.

It's not until you take a seat at the table in the middle of the room that the real games begin.

You're not alone, it's a card game for your life.

Each card has its own characteristics, from health and attack points to special abilities.

READ MORE: Parents of missing WA girl Cleo Smith make emotional plea

Collect cards to assist you in battle, move your token across the board and find clues that will help you unravel the mysteries of why you're trapped in this room.

Using the cards, you'll need to tip the scales in your favour — literally.

Points are awarded for each attack in the form of golden teeth. A tooth is placed on the scale and if your opponent's side of the scale hits the table you win.

It's dark, it's spooky, it's comical and it's half-punishing.

When you lose a game, you die. But it's not exactly game over. There are perks to death in the form of a new card for your deck that reflects your loss.

Death in Inscryption, similar to a rogue-like game, has many other benefits but we'll keep this spoiler free.

As the story progresses prepare for the tables to turn upside down and "flatten out", so to speak.

READ MORE: No way home for stranded Aussies with unrecognised vaccines

Saying more will ruin the mystery, but the entire world evolves once you reach a certain point.

Nothing is as it seems.

Its timing couldn't be better given Halloween is just around the corner. If you're looking for a new strategy game to enforce that insomnia, Inscryption will do just that. Not only because it's creepy, it's also highly addictive.

Inscryption is out now for PC, you can find it on Steam, GOG and Humble for about $28 — an absolute bargain.

There's no word whether it'll make its way onto consoles at this point, but we'll be sure to keep you updated.