Bendy and the Ink Machine

Pros

• Fun and free horror game with an original plot
• Easy controls, entertaining narrative and excellent art design
• Pays tribute to the archetypes of modern horror films and old-school cartoons

Cons

• Not exactly scary compared to other horror games
• Can be beaten in a couple hours and lacks serious replay value
• Might frighten younger gamers with violence, mature themes and evil versions of Disney characters

Bendy and the Ink Machine is a retro horror game that plays like an interactive cartoon with tons of scary puzzles in an abandoned haunted mansion.

For a quirky spin on the horror genre, players should check out Bendy and the Ink Machine. This free title follows a first-person perspective as players navigate a haunted house in response to a mysterious letter sent from an old acquaintance. As Bendy, they are urged to solve a pressing mystery at the residence, and the nightmarish events inside quickly spiral out of control.

The campy 3D graphics are reminiscent of vintage animation, and there are plenty of homages to Disney and Looney Toons. There is a lot of meta humor involved in this release, especially since the plot revolves around the eponymous ink machine that has run amok. The powerful device is suddenly in overdrive, and it is producing too many evil cartoons to handle.

In terms of horror, Bendy and the Ink Machine is not exactly scary. It relies primarily on jump scares and sound effects to elicit a reaction from players. While it may lack legitimate terror, it's still an engaging and entertaining program. The controls are simple, and the instructions are very clear. The story unfolds naturally, and everything progresses at a steady pace. Ultimately, this game is easy to master!

Fans of in-depth storytelling will not be disappointed by the plot. The clever story is a unique creation from the developers, and crafting a solid narrative seems to be one of their strong suits. This witty tale is accessible to most audiences, and it garners throwback appeal with the visual appearance of an early 3D console game. Some kids might be frightened by the on-screen characters alongside depictions of violence, but older players will probably be amused by the humorous parodies. Warped versions of Mickey Mouse and Goofy are prevalent, and their disturbing likenesses play a key part in the quest. “Alice in Wonderland” was clearly an inspiration for this title as well.

Although this game possesses an original concept to tie the story together, its gameplay elements are pretty run-of-the-mill. With basic controls and linear navigation, this gaming experience can easily be found elsewhere. Still, Bendy and the Ink Machine offers a fun romp that will satisfy casual gamers. It only takes a few hours to complete the entire exploration, so this download is definitely worth a shot for anyone who has a love of horror tropes and old-school cartoons.

Pros

• Fun and free horror game with an original plot
• Easy controls, entertaining narrative and excellent art design
• Pays tribute to the archetypes of modern horror films and old-school cartoons

Cons

• Not exactly scary compared to other horror games
• Can be beaten in a couple hours and lacks serious replay value
• Might frighten younger gamers with violence, mature themes and evil versions of Disney characters