Bendy and the Ink Machine™

Bendy and the Ink Machine is a first-person horror action game with lots of inventive puzzles. Henry decides to explore the abandoned cartoon animation studio of Joey Drew, which is full of demons of the past and definitely something else. You can download Bendy and the Ink Machine for Mac OS, Windows, and Linux Steam Machine on Steam.

Graphics 5/5

Bendy and the Ink Machine game is a rare indie creation that is styled to look like a paper cartoon, but it’s 3D. The entire cartoon studio seems to be carved out of paper and carton. That makes it look flat and volumetric at the same time. The ominous atmosphere is so intense that you may feel that someone is really watching you from behind the shoulder. The deep soundscape makes the feeling even stronger. Even though the game is stylized, it feels like a real thing due to properly used focus-work, particle engines, shading, and lighting.

Gameplay 5/5

Bendy and the Ink Machine gameplay is combined with traditional FPS and various elaborate puzzles. Level by level, you have to explore the abandoned animation studio, face Henry’s memories of the past, and meet soul-chilling characters from the cartoons that he had once drawn with the colleagues. Bendy is not the only character in this world. He also has a bunch of friends who are even scarier. Your mission is to solve the mystery of the studio and remain alive until the end of the journey. Every door and room on your way hides clues or answers to your questions, but it’s not that easy to obtain them. There are no repeating puzzles or monotonous missions. You will have to deal with surprises that can give you the creeps, and hurry up to move on until someone finds you.

Controls 5/5

Bendy and the Ink Machine latest version is compatible with the standard PC input and controllers. For this Bendy and the Ink Machine review, we used the Xbox One default gamepad, but you can use any other one. PS4 controllers usually work well via emulators, but the layout of letters will work slightly different.

Replay Value 4.5/5

Bendy and the Ink Machine full game lasts around 5-6 hours, depending on your puzzle-solving experience. It’s an excellent horror game, but you’re not likely to play the entire story more than once. There are no multiplayer features as well, so the only thing that may hold you longer is the aim to collect all trophies. You can also try the DLC for some extra cash.

The Bottom Line

There are not so many horror franchises that can really make you fear your shadow, and they are mostly very old. Bendy and the Ink Machine is a true horror that has a unique style, non-banal plot, and high-quality technical implementation. This title must take place on shelves of every horror fan.

• Graphics 5
• Gameplay 5
• Controls 5
• Replay Value 4.5

Pros

A unique style of 3D visuals;
It’s actually scary even for adults;
Exciting puzzles;
Not-trivial story.

Cons

Unavailable for consoles;
Your electricity bill may be bigger than usual.