The Inner World – The Verdict

The Inner World – The Verdict

In a universe made entirely of mud, something is afoot. Surrounded by the dirt of the universe, the realm of Asposia lies. It is an inverted world whose people live in the hollow sphere formed where mud isn’t. Sealed inside this tiny bubble, the people are  kept supplied with air by three great wind-holes, whose ever-blowing gales they rely on for life’s precious oxygen are beginning to dwindle. What will happen when the final remaining wind stops? Nobody knows, but they’re guessing it’s not going to be good. Not only that,  there’s also the Basylians to worry about, great serpent-like beings that are preying upon the Asposians and turning them to stone.

Robert, however, has more important things to worry about. Through a rather unfortunate turn of events, his master has misplaced an important artifact inside a pigeon, a pigeon owned by the even equally elusive Laura. One thing leads to another, items are combined and conversations are had as the two set out for a surprisingly fun adventure from the folks at Studio Fizbin.

It is a little-known fact that Hedgehogs have no bones, they are made purely of weetabix.
It is a little-known fact that Hedgehogs have no bones  – they are made purely of Weetabix(TM)

I’ve already spoken previously about how quickly I fell in love with the graphical charms of this adventure. After sitting down with it, I’m glad to see that my first impressions were well justified. It’s a proper adventure of the traditional school, with puzzles that border on  the strange without feeling unfair or ridiculously obtuse. Even if you do become utterly flummoxed, there’s always a very comprehensive hint system built into the game, always willing to lend a hand. The Inner World’s multi-platform roots have had a somewhat detrimental impact on the interface. I struggled initially to get to grips with the touch and hold mechanics for object interaction. Frequently where I meant to use an item, I instead looked at it, and several puzzles managed to apparently solve themselves after I clumsily slipped up with the control scheme. Regardless, this clumsiness soon passed, and within less than an hour I was pointing and clicking like a pro.

abr
Alcohol and gambling, this joint has it all.

Despite the clumsy interface, it’s the atmosphere of the Inner World that will ultimately sell it to you. The beautiful backgrounds and 2D characters have been lovingly made and the character of Robert is one you will fall instantly in love with. Then he opens his mouth, and you’ll want to hug him and squeeze him until his eyeballs pop out. Or is that just me? And then there’s the hedgehog. I love that hedgehog, and when you meet him, so will you. Clocking in at around seven hours, depending on how much you like to poke around at stuff and think things through, The Inner World is long enough to keep any adventurer satisfied for at least a couple of nights of point-clickery. You can pick it up now on Steam, where currently weighing in at only £9, I’d thoroughly recommend this one for any adventure fan.

Verdict – Headshot

Platforms Available/Reviewed – PC

Please check this post for more on our scoring system. Review based on Steam copy provided by PR.

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