Leap Studio brings Realm of Ink to early access, a promising Hades-like that has personality and is built on a solid foundation. Let’s try to understand the progress made.
Realm of Ink is a notable rogue lite that draws heavily on titles like Hades. Its overall construction, like the central hub, takes after the aforementioned title hands down. In general, certain titles might seem like bad copies, but Realm of Ink seems to learn and interpret the genre in its own way.
I have already spoken extensively about its mechanics, based on Ink Gems, Perks and Elixirs. However, Realm of Ink seems to have significantly improved both the graphic and gaming impact.
Let’s see together what has changed.
Characters and Plot Development
Realm of Ink is in early access, but it already lays solid foundations regarding the plot.
The story takes place in a fantasy realm called the Realm of Ink. The inhabitants of this world exist only as the creation of a superior entity, unaware of their condition. Controlled by the mysterious Spirit of the Book, they obediently follow their already predetermined destiny, unaware of the loop they experience.
The role of the protagonist is interesting and, despite being the same, the gameplay can vary. In fact, by collecting collectibles from the bosses, we can unlock different characters, as many as 9. A good thing because each character has a specific weapon with specific abilities. This leads the player to adopt a different tactic depending on the character we use.
Realm of Ink Central Hub
The Central Hub has been significantly improved, and spans two floors. Many characters will support us, and on a gameplay level they will be our databases of games played and objects found. Within it there will be points where we can improve our characteristics and skills. The interactions and dialogues are also good and, depending on our result, they will reveal parts of the story to us.
In the Hub we have a space for Momo, our pet. After each boss fight we will get some food for our ally. In the central Hub we can feed him so that he can level up and unlock new potential.
In the Hub we can unlock and change our character. This also leads us to a change of weapon and moveset that revolutionizes the game. In the sense that each weapon has its own approach and style, and the player must understand and adapt to it.
Furthermore, thanks to the Fox Blood collected we can enhance 3 branches of passive skills. These affect aspects such as attack, defense and drop chances. By activating these features we can also unlock unique and very useful passive skills in the game.
Weapons and Characters
We are trapped in an inky nightmare. By defeating bosses we can obtain gems. In this way we can unlock our alter egos that have different weapons and different movesets. There are 9 weapons and representations of them in total. The diversity and originality of the weapons is very good. Still in the Hub we can familiarize ourselves with the moveset. Weapons usually have light and heavy attacks, some have really interesting special dynamics. They are often unique combinations or strategies to be implemented in battle to make the most of the chosen weapon.
Without giving spoilers I can say that they are all very original and non-repetitive. They stimulate the player to adapt and learn new strategies. The weapons, or figures, are acquired by defeating the main bosses. A greater incentive to repeat the campaign.
Furthermore, once the main boss has been defeated, we will have the possibility of evolving the fighting style of our weapon as loot. Always randomly, we can choose between different evolutions of the fighting style.
Stages and Their Development
The increase in both graphics and level design of the stages is notable. Cut scenes, completely redesigned environments and really well-built levels. I really noticed the difference between the alpha version and this one. This leads me to think that it is truly care and love towards this product. I hope the developers continue to develop the product and add improvements, because this game deserves it.
We have 4 stages, divided by a mid boss and a main boss. Before each battle there is a safe point where we can refresh ourselves and purchase skills or increase the levels of our Ink Gems.
Mid bosses only have one phase, while main bosses have two phases with different movesets. The bosses are really well thought out, readable and fun to face. Even if I repeat myself I want to say that depending on the weapon chosen we should face different strategies, a good point on my part.
My Two Cents
Realm of Ink is definitely a game with personality and well made. Although it is very inspired by Hades, it manages to have its own autonomy and interesting gameplay. The title has its own style and personality, with some original and interesting ideas. Obviously there are some weak points. Being in early access it needs refinement, especially in the last two stages. In fact, as the difficulty and quantity of enemies increases, the gameplay becomes dirtier. In fact, many enemies on the screen make some attacks barely visible. Both our pet and our opponents can sometimes make the game difficult to read. Especially area attacks, when present in large quantities, make the game sometimes chaotic. The final boss is also very aggressive and has many attacks that are difficult to read. Furthermore, these attacks are spammed, forcing the player to take damage without the possibility of reacting.
Obviously these are all problems that can be solved with patches and expansions. In fact, the game will be updated in such a way as to complete both the storyline and add other features.
However, Realm of Ink starts from a very solid base and good content despite early access. It is certainly capable of entertaining fans of the genre with good gameplay, despite the problems that need to be fixed.
Give this title a chance, you won’t regret it.
