INK (PlayStation 4) Review

INK is, much like other platformers, all about guiding your character, in this case a fleshy white square, to the exit, which is a rainbow portal here. This is achieved by jumping around platforms and dodging enemies, but INK is unique because all of its platforms are completely invisible. Only by jumping or colliding with platforms can you cover them in ink, and navigate the levels.

This is interesting, but it's also extremely attractive because the ink changes colours as it's used, thus the levels end up caked in vibrant colours. While levels start out seemingly empty, they end up a brilliantly collection of neon shades, almost like you playing a game built into a paintball fight.

The game controls well, too, allowing the player to execute double jumps, into wall jumps, and double jumps again. The degree of mobility is commendable, and allows the player to react to platform discoveries and enemy placement well. There are plenty of types of hazards to keep players on their toes, and this gives them all the tools they need to do so gracefully.

INK follows the age old platforming tradition of being really difficult, although it's easier than many of its kin. Most of the levels require gamers to kill enemies before the portal will load. When they die, any enemies they kill will return, while any ink they have splattered around the level remains. This means each death isn't wasted, but the player is still expected to get better as they play more.

Unfortunately, that's about it. There are 75 levels, with a boss battle every 25 stages. Also, throughout the levels, there are hidden collectibles that are available to find. Beyond this, and only if you care about trophies, there's some of those, and that's it. There's not a lot of replayability here, and there's not much of a reason to return to earlier levels. With INK, what you see is what you get.

Finally, this title functions well, too, and doesn't seem to run into issues crashing. All in all, INK is a fun, engaging, simple platformer that is visually pleasing. While this is a simple game with only the basics included, you will find your time with INK has not been wasted.