Following Freeware: April/May 2017 releases

Steve’s Selections

Bendy and the Ink Machine: Chapter One – Moving Pictures

It’s been many years since you worked at the animation studio. Now your old friend Joey Drew has invited you back, promising to show you a new wonder he has discovered. Arriving at the labyrinthine workshop, you are surprised to find it apparently deserted. As you investigate the empty corridors, you find silent machinery and a grisly sight. All the while you have the feeling you are being watched. Perhaps if you can bring the machinery back to life you can find out what Joey was up to and maybe uncover what has happened to your old friend.

The debut of a new episodic series, Bendy and the Ink Machine: Chapter One – Moving Pictures from Meatly Games is inspired by classic 1940s cartoons. The presentation is first-person 3D, with the action taking place entirely within the sprawling maze that is the studio. The graphics have the appearance of a classic cartoon in muted browns, though with many features having a slightly sketchy half-finished appearance. You will find drawing boards and rickety chairs, as well as the imposing Ink Machine. There are also numerous posters featuring the titular Bendy, a mildly demonic figure with a wide grin. Whilst you meet no other characters in the game, the protagonist voices his reaction to various occurrences throughout, with voice work to a high standard. An ominous backing tune, mostly consisting of a low undulating tone, adds to the oppressive atmosphere.

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