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InnerSpace

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of InnerSpace
Item: InnerSpace
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Indie, Simulation, Single Player

AvailableJan 16, 2018

PlatformXbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4

DeveloperPolyKnight Games

Overview

InnerSpace is an exploration flying game set in a world where physics are inverted. Take the role of an unnamed Cartographer to explore the Inverse, a collection of worlds where the Ancients once lived. Collect relics, and encounter each world's mythical demigod, in a quest to discover the secrets of the Inverse, its history, and its future.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

InnerSpace dazzles with atmospheric, philosophy-driven exploration and environmental storytelling, drawing comparisons to Journey and The Witness, but its abstract, underdeveloped narrative frustrates as much as it fascinates, leaving players divided between awe and alienation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

74%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The narrative of InnerSpace is widely praised for its atmospheric storytelling, philosophical depth, and emphasis on exploration as a means of uncovering its world’s mysteries. Critics like COGconnected and Everyeye.it highlight the game’s wordless approach, where existential themes are conveyed through environmental artistry and the journey of the Cartographer and Architect to unravel the history of the Ancients. Push Square and TheXboxHub commend the engaging yet vague plot, noting how interactions with the Archaeologist and relic collection provide lore without overt exposition. MondoXbox and IGN Spain appreciate the rich backstory of the Antichi civilization and their conflict with Semidei, while New Game Network acknowledges the light but effective narrative structure. The game’s focus on discovery over traditional storytelling resonates with reviewers who value its contemplative tone and unique universe, drawing comparisons to Journey and The Witness for its emphasis on introspection and curiosity. However, several critics criticize the narrative for being underdeveloped, abstract, or overly minimal. PlayStation LifeStyle and Critical Hit argue that the story feels unnecessary, with complex exposition detracting from the experience, while Games.cz and Hardcore Gamer describe plot elements as forced or disconnected from gameplay. Nintendo Life and Switch Player note that unclear progression and lack of direction make tasks frustrating, and TheDigitalFix and Cubed3 find the fragmented lore insufficiently engaging. Digitally Downloaded and FNintendo criticize the narrative’s reliance on vague hints and lengthy text sequences, which disrupt exploration. Additionally, Nintendojo and Trusted Reviews suggest that while the world itself conveys history through environmental storytelling, the lack of emotional depth or character development leaves players uninvested. These critiques highlight a recurring issue: the story’s abstract nature, while praised by some, feels incomplete or disconnected for others. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward appreciating InnerSpace’s unique approach to storytelling, even if it falls short in traditional narrative execution. Positive reviews emphasize its philosophical themes, atmospheric world-building, and emphasis on exploration as a core mechanic, with COGconnected, Push Square, and IGN Spain praising its imaginative concept and contemplative tone. However, negative critiques from PlayStation LifeStyle, Critical Hit, and Nintendo Life underscore the narrative’s lack of clarity, emotional resonance, and structural coherence. While some see the story as a strength that complements the game’s aesthetic and gameplay, others view it as a missed opportunity to deepen player engagement. Ultimately, InnerSpace is seen as a divisive experience where its abstract storytelling appeals to fans of minimalist narratives but frustrates those seeking more explicit plot progression or character-driven themes.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

InnerSpace dazzles with surreal, immersive exploration and innovative mechanics but falters under clunky controls, confusing navigation, and repetitive tasks, leaving its ambitious vision mired in frustration despite its serene charm.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

83%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of InnerSpace is widely praised for its immersive exploration and unique environmental design, with many critics highlighting its focus on open-world discovery and creative puzzle-solving. COGconnected commended the intuitive flight controls inspired by Battlefront 2, while PlayStation LifeStyle noted that the mechanics improve over time, offering a rewarding experience as players adapt. The game’s surreal environments—such as inverted planets, dyson spheres, and interconnected worlds—are frequently lauded for their visual appeal and sense of wonder. Critics like Video Chums and Vooks emphasized the relaxing atmosphere, with InnerSpace’s emphasis on freeform flying and environmental interaction creating a meditative pace. Additionally, the game’s core mechanics, such as transforming between aerial and underwater modes (as noted by MondoXbox) and solving puzzles through exploration (highlighted by PlaySense), were seen as innovative and engaging, despite some implementation flaws. However, several critics pointed to significant drawbacks in control responsiveness, navigation, and design clarity. Push Square and GameSpew criticized the lack of a hover function and unwieldy controls, which made puzzle-solving frustrating, while Wccftech and MondoXbox highlighted issues with cramped spaces and poor level design that hindered progression. The absence of clear objectives and guidance was another recurring complaint: TrueAchievements noted "trial-and-error mechanics" that alienated players, while IGN Spain and New Game Network criticized the underdeveloped progression system and repetitive collection tasks. Navigation challenges, such as disorienting environments (TheXboxHub) and awkward camera systems (PlayGround.ru), further compounded frustration. Many reviewers, including Critical Hit and Nintendojo, felt the game’s emphasis on exploration became monotonous due to its lack of dynamic challenges or stakes, with some calling the core loop "chore-like" despite its serene aesthetic. Overall, critics agreed that InnerSpace’s strengths lie in its creative world-building and relaxing gameplay, but these were often overshadowed by technical and design flaws. While COGconnected and PlayStation LifeStyle acknowledged the game’s potential for growth as players master its mechanics, the consensus was that control issues, unclear direction, and repetitive tasks detracted from the experience. The game’s unique vision and atmospheric charm resonated with many, but as noted by IGN and Trusted Reviews, its lack of polish and frustrating mechanics prevented it from fully realizing its ambitious concept. Despite mixed reactions, InnerSpace remains a polarizing title that appeals to fans of exploration-driven games but struggles to balance innovation with accessibility.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Praised for its surreal, dreamlike visuals and bold artistic vision, InnerSpace captivates with hypnotic environments and organic-tech fusion, yet struggles with technical flaws, navigational confusion, and repetitive design that undercut its immersive potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of InnerSpace are widely celebrated for their unique artistic vision, surreal aesthetics, and immersive atmosphere. Critics consistently praise its minimalist yet poetic approach, with COGconnected highlighting the contrast between sharp polygonal edges and detailed Cartographer models, creating a memorable aesthetic. PlayStation LifeStyle draws comparisons to Flower and No Man’s Sky, emphasizing the blend of organic and technological elements, cel-shaded textures, and vibrant colors. Video Chums describes the visuals as "super-trippy" with hypnotic underwater movements and striking color combinations, while IGN Spain notes the minimalistic use of basic polygonal shapes and pastel hues that hide deeper, more intricate designs. The game’s ability to evoke a dreamlike, contemplative tone through its art direction is a recurring theme, with critics like TheXboxHub and Nintendo Life praising its "stunning" and "otherworldly" environments, including surreal landscapes like the Sunchamber and Mornsea. These elements collectively create a visually rich world that prioritizes atmosphere over technical polish. Despite these accolades, several critics point to flaws in the visual design that detract from the experience. Games.cz notes technical limitations such as low-poly models and missing textures up close, while New Game Network criticizes repetitive ruins and lackluster texture quality. Nintendo Enthusiast highlights gameplay issues caused by the abstract design, such as difficulty distinguishing between walls, water, and foreground objects, leading to frequent collisions. Cubed3 and Digitally Downloaded mention washed-out color schemes and fixed camera perspectives that hinder navigation, while SomosXbox notes that some scenario designs disrupt exploration flow. Additionally, PlayGround.ru points to a limited blue-and-gray palette in underwater sections, causing monotony, and Trusted Reviews mentions frame rate drops on the Switch version. These critiques suggest that while the art style is innovative, its execution sometimes prioritizes aesthetics over practicality or technical refinement. Overall, critics agree that InnerSpace’s visual design is a standout feature, with its surreal, imaginative worlds and atmospheric creativity earning widespread praise. While some technical and navigational issues are noted, the game’s ability to evoke wonder through its artistry—whether through inverted landscapes, vibrant color palettes, or abstract environments—resonates strongly. Critics like IGN and Nintendo Life emphasize that the visuals, despite minor flaws, effectively sell the game’s unique identity, creating a deeply immersive experience. The consensus leans heavily toward admiration for the artistic direction, with many viewing it as a bold, if imperfect, achievement in visual storytelling. As PlayStation LifeStyle notes, the blend of organic and technological elements, paired with a focus on exploration, makes InnerSpace a visually compelling journey that prioritizes emotional resonance over technical perfection.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

InnerSpace's sound design is praised for its serene, immersive ambiance that enhances the game’s contemplative tone, though critics note inconsistencies, minimal audio depth, and repetitive tracks as drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of InnerSpace are widely praised for their ability to enhance the game’s atmospheric and immersive qualities. Reviewers consistently highlight the subtle, evocative, and relaxing nature of the soundtrack, which complements the game’s meditative exploration. For instance, Everyeye.it describes the score as “discreto ed evocativo” (subtle and evocative), while Push Square notes how soothing background tones align with the game’s serene visuals. Video Chums calls the audio “pitch-perfect,” emphasizing gentle melodies that blend seamlessly with gameplay, and TheXboxHub likens the soundtrack to a “flotation tank experience,” underscoring its calming effect. Additionally, interactive elements like adaptive music tempo changes (noted by GameCritics) and tactile feedback via HD Rumble (mentioned by Nintendo Enthusiast) add layers of immersion. Critics across platforms—PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch—agree that the audio design contributes significantly to the game’s contemplative tone, with The Digital Fix praising its “awe-inspiring” quality and Vandal calling it “sensational.” However, some critics point out limitations in the soundtrack’s consistency and originality. Wccftech notes that the music is “inconsistent,” often absent during exploration, while Games.cz criticizes its lack of prominence despite appreciating moments of silence and space. New Game Network mentions minimal audio design, with missing engine sounds for the airframe and grating crash effects detracting from immersion. Similarly, SomosXbox acknowledges the chill-out music but states it’s not a standout element, and Nintenderos warns that repetitive tracks can become annoying if players get stuck. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack effectively supports the game’s atmosphere, its subtlety and occasional absence may leave some feeling it lacks the depth or variety to fully elevate the experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that InnerSpace’s sound design and music are a key strength, creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere despite not being groundbreaking. The majority of reviews—spanning platforms like PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch—highlight its ability to enhance the game’s relaxing and mysterious tone, with many praising its ambient qualities and interactive elements. However, there is a shared acknowledgment that the soundtrack’s subtlety and occasional inconsistencies prevent it from being a defining feature. As IGN notes, the “chill, electronic” score complements the gameplay, while GameSpew and MondoXbox emphasize its role in fostering a reflective experience. While some critics, like The Digital Fix and Vandal, celebrate its creativity, others, such as Wccftech and Games.cz, suggest it could have been more impactful. Ultimately, the sound design is seen as an essential but not exceptional component of InnerSpace’s overall charm.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

InnerSpace stumbles with chaotic technical flaws across platforms—PS4’s clunky controls and resets, Xbox One’s smooth but lackluster performance, PC’s minor quirks, and Switch’s laggy, glitch-ridden nightmare. While some versions function, the Nintendo port is a disaster, dragging down an otherwise ambitious title. Technical polish? A distant memory.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

13%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

65%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of InnerSpace varies significantly across platforms, with some systems showcasing stability while others face notable issues. On PS4, critics like Everyeye.it and PlayStation LifeStyle highlight control challenges and level resets, but there are no explicit positives mentioned for this platform. For Xbox One, Xbox Tavern praises the game’s smooth performance on Xbox One X without technical glitches, though it lacks HDR enhancements. On PC, the game is generally stable, with IGN Spain noting no major stability concerns and The Digital Fix acknowledging responsive controls despite minor quirks. Meanwhile, Nintendo Switch sees mixed feedback: while GameSpace commends the responsiveness of controls, other critics like Cubed3 and Switch Player cite laggy mechanics, frame rate drops, and crashes as major drawbacks. Negatively, InnerSpace faces persistent technical hurdles across all platforms. On PS4, control issues such as the Cartografo getting stuck and collision problems disrupt exploration (Everyeye.it) and progression is hindered by level resets during grinding (PlayStation LifeStyle). For Xbox One, MondoXbox criticizes awkward controls and localization flaws, while TrueAchievements highlights disorienting camera behavior and motion sickness risks. On PC, New Game Network and PlayGround.ru point to disorienting camera mechanics and grating sound effects, though these are less severe than on other platforms. The Switch version is the most problematic: Cubed3 and NintendoWorldReport cite laggy controls, choppy frame rates, and long loading times, while Trusted Reviews notes dithered visuals to maintain performance. Even GameCritics and IGN acknowledge navigation aids as lacking, exacerbating frustration. Overall, the consensus is that InnerSpace struggles with technical polish across all platforms, but the severity varies. The PS4 and Xbox One versions face control and design flaws, while the PC version balances stability with minor quirks like camera issues. However, the Nintendo Switch version is widely criticized for its performance inconsistencies, including frame rate drops (Switch Player, Trusted Reviews) and long load times (Nintenderos). While some critics, like Xbox Tavern and The Digital Fix, acknowledge functional mechanics, the majority agree that technical flaws—particularly on Switch—hinder the experience. Despite these issues, the game’s artistic vision and core gameplay remain intact for many players, though its technical execution remains a significant barrier to enjoyment.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Polarizing: InnerSpace dazzles with artful immersion and contemplative beauty but falters from repetitive mechanics, sparse content, and underdeveloped design—offering brief charm for niche fans yet falling short of lasting replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

40%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge that InnerSpace possesses a unique charm through its artistic design, meditative exploration, and atmospheric immersion, which can offer some replayability for certain players. Critics like COGconnected and The Digital Fix highlight the game’s inviting world and focus on discovery, suggesting that its visual and environmental storytelling encourage revisits to uncover hidden details or appreciate its aesthetic. Hardcore Gamer notes that replaying allows players to collect missed items and explore alternative paths, while Games.cz and Trusted Reviews emphasize the relaxing pace and beauty of the world as incentives for multiple playthroughs. These positives often center on the game’s ability to create a contemplative experience, appealing to fans of open-ended exploration rather than structured gameplay. However, the majority of critics express significant concerns about the game’s limited replay value due to its repetitive mechanics, lack of clear objectives, and short duration. Wccftech and GameSpew argue that the game lacks engaging mechanics and meaningful progression, making it unappealing for repeated playthroughs. Everyeye.it and PlaySense point to the reliance on collecting artifacts and exploring every area as a double-edged sword—while it adds some depth, the repetitive nature of these tasks and minimalistic design can feel hollow. Cubed3 and Digitally Downloaded criticize the game’s technical issues and underdeveloped content, while Nintendojo and Vooks note that spherical environments and relic-hunting mechanics lose their appeal over time. Many reviewers, including New Game Network and PlayGround.ru, also highlight the short main story (under 5 hours) and lack of varied environments as major drawbacks. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward a cautious assessment: while InnerSpace has artistic merit and may appeal to niche audiences who prioritize exploration and atmosphere, its replayability is largely constrained by repetitive gameplay, minimalistic design, and a lack of structured incentives. COGconnected and Wccftech encapsulate this divide, with the former noting the game’s brevity as a limitation and the latter emphasizing its failure to retain players post-completion. Meanwhile, The Digital Fix and Hardcore Gamer offer more optimistic views, suggesting that the game’s unique qualities could justify revisits for specific audiences. Ultimately, the critical reception suggests that InnerSpace is a polarizing title—valuable for its creativity but hindered by gameplay shortcomings that limit its long-term appeal.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

82%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of InnerSpace highlights its strengths as an artistic, atmospheric experience that prioritizes exploration and introspection. Critics consistently praise its visual design, with many highlighting its "visually stunning" environments, "unique world," and "poetic storytelling." COGconnected emphasizes the game’s meditative quality, calling it a "relaxing, artistic departure from typical action games," while PlayStation LifeStyle dubs it a "sleeper hit of 2018" for its immersive exploration mechanics. The Digital Fix lauds its "beauty, innovation, and emotional depth," and Nintendo Life notes its "strong sense of wonder." These reviews underscore the game’s ability to create a serene, contemplative atmosphere through its emphasis on discovery, surreal visuals, and ambient sound design. The game’s focus on player-driven exploration and minimal narrative structure resonates with those seeking a break from conventional gameplay, with many critics acknowledging its unique charm and creative vision. However, the critiques of InnerSpace center around its structural and mechanical shortcomings. Several reviewers point to issues like "lack of guidance," "repetitive exploration," and "frustrating design," which detract from the experience. Push Square notes that the game "feels incomplete as a full package," while GameSpew criticizes its "weak narrative" and "repetitive design." TheXboxHub mentions navigation challenges and motion sickness, and TrueAchievements highlights "frustrating controls" and "lack of direction." Critics like Wccftech and Cubed3 argue that the game fails to balance exploration with meaningful gameplay, resulting in a "tedious experience" despite its artistic merits. Additionally, technical issues such as clunky mechanics, unclear objectives, and underdeveloped puzzles are frequently cited, with IGN Spain noting that the game's "shallow story" and "technical issues" prevent it from fully satisfying players. These flaws often overshadow the game’s strengths, leaving some critics disappointed by its execution. Despite these mixed reactions, the overall consensus among reviewers leans toward appreciation for InnerSpace’s artistic ambition and unique vision, even if it falls short of perfection. While some critics, like Everyeye.it (7/10) and TheXboxHub (4/5), acknowledge its unevenness, others, such as PlaySense and Nintendo World Report, recommend it as a "memorable adventure" for fans of atmospheric exploration. The game’s ability to evoke emotion through its visuals and pacing is widely recognized, with The Digital Fix calling it a "must-play" and Nintendo Life describing it as an "intriguing... journey." However, the recurring complaints about gameplay mechanics, narrative depth, and design choices suggest that InnerSpace is best suited for niche audiences who prioritize ambiance over traditional game structure. Ultimately, while it fails to fully realize its potential, the game’s artistic merits and meditative appeal secure its place as a distinctive, if flawed, entry in the exploration genre.

TL;DR

InnerSpace dazzles with breathtaking visuals and meditative charm but falters under unclear direction, repetitive mechanics, and a shallow narrative, making it a divisive, niche experience for fans of atmospheric exploration over polished gameplay.

MONSTER

Reviews

72 reviews found

The Digital Fix

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A highly praised, unique experience that balances relaxation with introspection. The review recommends it as a must-play for its beauty, innovation, and emotional depth.

GameSpace

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A highly recommended, peaceful exploratory experience that emphasizes discovery and self-reflection. It is described as a beautiful, sad, and hopeful game that serves as a de-stressing escape.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is strongly recommended despite its flaws, with praise for its worlds, aesthetics, and exploration mechanics. The reviewer calls it a sleeper hit of 2018 and encourages players to experience it.

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite technical flaws and some polish issues, InnerSpace is celebrated for its beautiful atmosphere, unique exploration mechanics, and immersive world. The review concludes it's a memorable adventure worth experiencing.

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PlaySense

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 1970

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A relaxed adventure with a unique world and rewarding exploration, but its minimal story and potential for aimless searching may not appeal to all players.