Ink Inside Review

Video GamesReviews

Feb 1

Ink Inside turns an unproduced animated show into a charming action RPG featuring combat inspired by dodgeball.

*Ink Inside*. Credit: Blackfield Entertainment / Entalto Publishing

Cartoon action RPG Ink Inside from Blackfield Entertainment and Entalto Publishing creates a vivid fantasy world within the sketchbooks of a girl, based on the pilot of an unproduced animated series by Richard Mansfield. You play as Stick, an unfinished doodle voiced by Brian David Gilbert, as he battles the “Sog,” a creeping manifestation of water damage that threatens to erase entire worlds hidden inside forgotten notebooks.

I love the core concept of the game. Boxed away in a closet, a girl’s childhood sketchbooks slowly decay under a leaking ceiling. Within them, water becomes an apocalyptic force, corrupting friendly doodles into washed-out monsters and draining once-vibrant landscapes of life. Stick’s mission is to restore what’s been lost, rescuing corrupted characters by hurling throwable “cores” in the game’s inventive dodgeball-meets-beat-’em-up combat system.

Combat feels genuinely fresh. charge, and throw cores with distinct perks while weaving between enemy attacks. Special moves let you “break the rules” by crossing the invisible center line that normally protects enemies, opening them up to close-range melee strikes. The result is a combat loop that feels playful, kinetic, and refreshingly original. Local co-op enhances this further, encouraging coordinated throws and satisfying combo setups.

A rest-anywhere mechanic tied to your special move gauge allows you to heal without trekking back to checkpoints, keeping exploration fluid and frustration-free. Progression feels natural, with new gear and abilities unlocking at a steady, rewarding pace.

The game’s memorable characters are brought to life by excellent voice work. While the writing doesn’t particularly stand out, it’s elevated through committed performances, particularly Gilbert's endearing Stick. Detective Fuzz and Traff, the Princess of Cursing—voiced by Deneen Melody—are also memorable standouts.

The game’s expressive character animation truly captures classic, elastic cartoon energy. The world’s art and design don't match the charm of the character art; the environments feel less inspired than the vibrant personalities inhabiting them. Live-action cutscenes that explore Hannah’s story provide important emotional grounding but feel sluggish compared to the energy of the rest of the game.

Ink Inside successfully translates the warmth and energy of a modern animated TV show. While not every element reaches the heights of its character work, the unique combat system and genuine heart make this a worthwhile action RPG experience.

Ink Inside is available now on Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S.