Bendy and the Ink Machine® is the first person puzzle action horror game that will forever ruin your childhood love of cartoons.
The first-person experience places players in the role of Henry, a former animator who has been called back to the abandoned Joey Drew Studios. Navigating the studio, players encounter a blend of puzzle-solving, light combat, and exploration within the game's unsettling, ink-based environment.
The studio's hand-drawn visuals, described as having a "disturbingly realistic/surrealistic weight," immerse players in the eerie, spine-tingling atmosphere. As they venture through the shadowy corridors, players constantly feel a sense of uncertainty and dread, with the ominous presence of the twisted, ink-based creatures lurking around every corner.
Progressing through the studio requires players to solve various puzzles, which are integrated seamlessly into the gameplay. While not overly taxing, these puzzles encourage players to carefully examine their surroundings and engage with the environment, rather than serving as arbitrary obstacles.
When confronted by the game's ink-based creatures, players have the option to either engage in combat or attempt to evade them. The combat, while not overly challenging, still poses a genuine threat, forcing players to strategize and make quick decisions to survive.
The game's episodic structure, with the first chapter available for free, allows for a well-paced experience. As players progress through the chapters, the story and gameplay expand, introducing new mechanics and challenges that keep the experience engaging and varied, despite the relatively short length of each chapter.
While praised for its atmospheric, immersive qualities and the integration of puzzle-solving and exploration, some players have noted issues with the game's mechanics, such as the slow running speed, clunky combat, and occasional technical problems like frame rate drops and save file bugs.