Innards is an action RPG adventure that unfolds through a sprawling, interconnected world built around non-Euclidean and hyperbolic geometry. Players take on the role of Dex, a low-level functionary navigating the decaying digital remnants of the abandoned Withinternets, where strange machines and self-assembling entities known as Junkbags have taken root. The game emphasizes exploration and progression in the style of a Metroidvania, with a custom engine supporting genuine alien geometry that bends space in unexpected ways.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on traversing a vast, linked environment filled with distinct regions that reward careful mapping and backtracking. Movement and combat feel direct, relying on simple action mechanics where the player wields a mouse-pointer cursword to engage enemies in close-range encounters. Progression comes through discovering new abilities and paths that open previously inaccessible areas, encouraging thorough investigation of the warped spaces.
Visuals stand out with prerendered 3D assets that create a psychedelic stop-motion aesthetic, giving the world a distinctive, unsettling texture. Characters range from eccentric allies to hostile figures, delivering odd humor amid the narrative of cults, crime syndicates, and the remnants of a long-dead digital entity called Mother Carrion. The setting draws from themes of decomposition and adaptation, with environments that reflect the strange, hungry machines inhabiting the hyperbolic folds.
Exploration forms the backbone of advancement. Players navigate ultraparallel lines of flight and radiculating networks that carry various elements of Junkbag society, from passengers to violence. The geometry itself becomes a puzzle element, forcing adjustments in how distances and connections are perceived. Combat stays focused and approachable, pairing with the emphasis on discovery rather than complex systems.
Game Modes
Innards supports singleplayer only. The experience unfolds as a continuous adventure without separate modes, letting players move freely through the world while following the story of Dex and the emerging cult threat. Progression ties directly to exploration and ability acquisition, with no divisions into competitive, cooperative, or limited-session formats.
Story and World
The narrative follows Dex as he balances minimal-effort syndicate work with personal interests, only to confront rumors of a metastasizing cult worshiping an avatar of Mother Carrion. This conflict pulls him deeper into the anti-planet's viscera, where crime functions as another bodily process of the world-corpse. The setting expands on the long-abandoned Internet's evolution into strange, self-assembling forms, populated by Junkbags of varying ambition and intelligence.
Unique areas showcase the custom engine's capabilities, presenting interconnected zones that twist conventional spatial logic. Humor emerges through eccentric characters and the absurd details of digital-native life, such as entities opening mortgages amid the decay. The world feels alive with metabolites, capital, and violence flowing along its curved networks, all viewed through Dex's reluctant involvement.
Current State and Development
The project remains in active development, with recent updates refining core systems and expanding acts. Act 1 stands nearly complete, while later sections continue to grow. It is offered as a free experience during this phase, with plans for a later Steam release while staying accessible without cost. Input options include keyboard and gamepad support, and the average session length runs around an hour for those testing progress.
Is It Worth Playing?
Innards appeals to players who enjoy Metroidvania-style exploration paired with straightforward action combat and unconventional geometry. The prerendered visuals and eccentric tone provide a memorable atmosphere for those drawn to singleplayer adventures with strong emphasis on discovery. Early feedback shows a 4.7 out of 5 rating from a small number of players, reflecting appreciation for its unique approach during development. Those seeking polished, complete experiences may prefer to wait for further updates, while fans of non-Euclidean worlds and rewarding progression can engage now to follow its evolution. The free availability lowers the barrier for trying its distinctive mechanics and story setup.
