The New Standard of Korean Pixel-Art Action
Move over SANABI and Katana ZERO. There is a new challenger in the high-speed pixel-art action genre, and it hails from South Korea. INARI, developed by the talented team at 1HP Studio, has officially made its grand entrance.
If you haven’t heard the name yet, the numbers speak for themselves. The trailer featured on Indie Game Hub surpassed 360,000 views, and their recently launched Kickstarter campaign reached its initial funding goal in a staggering 10 minutes. As a Korean gamer who has been following the local indie scene closely, I can tell you—the hype is real.
A World Where Gods and Technology Collide
The world of INARI is a breathtaking blend of Oriental fantasy and advanced civilization. You play as Izna, an executioner tasked by divine command to eliminate the "Seven Daughters" (Chil-ju).
What makes the narrative intriguing is the moral ambiguity. The "targets" often feel more like the protagonists, while you, the divine executor, exude a villainous aura. This "reverse-role" storytelling keeps you questioning the motives behind every kill, making the journey much more than just a mindless slash-and-dash.
Gameplay: The Art of the Shuriken Teleport
The core mechanic of INARI is its brilliant integration of a shuriken and instant teleportation. Instead of traditional platforming, combat and movement flow as one. By throwing a shuriken and instantly warping to its location, the pace of battle becomes incredibly fluid.
In INARI, you don't just dodge attacks; you dive into the heart of the danger to create an opening. It creates a rhythmic tension that is hard to find in other 2D action games.
Controls: Keyboard vs. Controller
A common question for high-speed action games is: "What should I play with?" INARI supports both.
Keyboard & Mouse: During my playtest, I found that the mouse offers superior precision. Since the game requires you to aim your shuriken instantly while dodging, the speed of a mouse is a huge advantage.
Controller: It provides that classic 'action-platformer' tactile feedback and movement feels smoother. However, aiming the shuriken with the right analog stick requires a bit more finesse and practice compared to a mouse.
My Recommendation: If you are playing on the harder difficulty, the lightning-fast response of a mouse might be your best friend.
Beyond the Path: Secrets & Exploration
It’s not just about the combat. INARI encourages exploration through clever level design. Each stage features branching paths that lead to hidden items or unique character interactions.
While the exact purpose of these items isn't fully revealed in the demo, collecting them all hints at significant rewards or even alternative narrative paths in the final release. This adds a layer of 'Metroidvania-style' curiosity to an otherwise linear action experience.
High Risk, High Reward: The One-Hit Death Challenge
For those seeking a true challenge, INARI offers a "Normal Mode" where a single hit means death. While this might sound intimidating, the frequent checkpoints and snappy respawns make it feel fair rather than frustrating.
For players who want to focus on the story and atmosphere, there is a "Story Mode" that allows for three hits. During my demo playthrough, I found that once you master the controls, the "One-Hit" mode provides an unparalleled adrenaline rush. It demands perfection, and the satisfaction of clearing a room without a scratch is immense.
Why "The REGGistry" Recommends It
From a local perspective, INARI represents the rising peak of the Korean indie industry. Following the global success of Dave the Diver and SANABI, INARI proves that Korean developers have mastered the art of combining "Eastern aesthetics" with "Hardcore gameplay mechanics."
The 30-minute demo is a masterclass in pixel-art direction. Every frame feels like a painting, and the boss battles are as beautiful as they are deadly.
Watch the Gameplay & Review
See the shuriken teleportation mechanics in action in my latest video.
Verdict: A Must-Watch Title for 2026
INARI is currently progressing through its Kickstarter stretch goals. If you are a fan of high-speed action, punishing but fair difficulty, and world-class pixel art, this is a title you cannot afford to miss.
The REGGistry Score: A definitive "Hidden Gem" that is about to go mainstream.
Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1hpstudio/inari
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3910680
Post a Comment