InnerSpace

More than just another artsy indie game, InnerSpace nearly earns a place among the greats were it not for niggling issues with the controls.

InnerSpace doesn’t do well with direction, but I think that’s the point. You’re meant to fly through the levels without thinking if what you’re doing is right or wrong. There’s no up or down in the traditional sense. The levels are designed like an inverted sphere where gravity pulls outwards instead of inwards. The freedom that comes from that design means you never feel like you’re failing.

Discover the world of the Inverse, a collection of inside-out planets where demi-gods and ancient civilizations used to rule. InnerSpace is a relaxing, flying game where you explore the uncharted landscape of the Inverse, soar through the skies and dive into deep oceans finding relics and artifacts to uncover what happened to this mysterious place.

After the loud festive season we’ve all just experienced, filled with colorful presents and unholy amounts of cheese, I was really craving something… quiet. InnerSpace is a peaceful and reflective game that acts as a great palette cleanser for the beginning of another year of explosive releases bound to titillate gamers.

Ever since its release in 2012, a multitude of indie developers have tried to emulate the experience provided by Journey. The likes of ABZÛ and AER: Memories of Old have come close to replicating what made the PlayStation 3 release so special, but then there are other imitators that miss the mark completely. InnerSpace, the debut title from developer PolyKnight Games, just about sits in the middle of the two extremes. While the Kickstarted project does have a stunning art style to boast about, it’s the gameplay, the mystery, and vagueness that form the core of this type of game that brings the...

InnerSpace definitely sticks the landing in creating a strange and stylish set of captivating worlds that are intriguing to explore. However, the flight controls and puzzles don’t come close enough to those same high points. My feelings wavered back and forth throughout this atmospheric aerial (and at points underwater) adventure, and I ultimately realized that I liked what I saw and heard for the most part. It’s just too bad that scratching under this surface didn’t unearth more rewarding mysteries.

When you see a game about flying around an exploration-based campaign, you know you're in for a relaxing journey. InnerSpace is a peaceful and strange indie title but does it provide enough tangible gameplay to satisfy your gaming sensibilities?

InnerSpace’s Inverse is a beautiful world and soaring above it grants some sights that do impress, at least for the moments spent in it. It’s a real pity that the more I had to deal with its level design and controls, the less I actually wanted to go off the beaten path. Even when aiming for furthering the story, there’s a high chance of running into situations where there’s no clue as to what must be done. With exploration becoming less desirable the more it’s attempted, writing that shies away from going in-depth and an unsatisfactory ending, journeying through InnerSpace’s world is somethin...

If you can make it through InnerSpace's frustrating and tedious lows, there is some degree of fun to be had. However, this game fails to hold a candle to many of the games it tries to emulate. If good, arcadey flying mechanics are all you need in a game, then this might be for you. There is little else on offer to set itself apart from the rest of the pack.

InnerSpace manages to craft a bright, bizarre and beautiful world that is probably the best example of the phrase “eye candy” I can think of. Unfortunately, the act of exploring and navigating that serene, majestic world often times felt like a headache. The poor frame rate on Switch and no clear horizons made flying and swimming in InnerSpace far less enjoyable than the idea of those actions ever was.

Flight is spectacular. Coined by some as the Icarus complex, there is innate desire in most humans to take flight to great heights. I’ve discussed in previous reviews that a great flight mechanic can make or break a game. Flight needs to feel liberating and simplified while also allowing for precision, something some AAA titles managed to fumble last year. So when InnerSpace offers up gameplay that is nothing but flight—you cross your fingers and take the plunge, all the while hoping that...

We want to emphasize that 5 will always be the “average” number, not 7. So by far, it’s 50% great and it’s also 50% bad.