Inner Ashes

Inner Ashes is a peculiar game that tells the story of a man diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer. Despite the courage to embark on this journey, Calathea Studios effort ends here, with a game that looks like a walking simulator of ten years ago.

Inner Ashes is a game that mainly focuses on the experience of a person suffering from Alzheimer's, but has a lot less focus on the gaming element. Whether this was really the intention is still the question, but you can play this game just fine if the storyline and atmosphere appeal to you and you attach less importance to puzzles and gaming. Take into account (on the Switch) some larger and smaller bugs of which the question (but the hope) is that they will still be solved.

It is pretty obvious that there is something within Inner Ashes worth talking about and discussing, especially with its narrative based around such a sensitive topic. However, as it stands, it is a game that I foresee most players walking away from this experience, being only able to make it through thanks to the story and maybe the dream world visuals or not being able to finish the game due to the lack of actual gameplay. The story here is the golden key to it all, and it shouldn’t go to waste, but either Inner Ashes should be something completely different or it needs a lot more time to be developed into something a lot more in-depth than what is here right now.

A first-person journey though the effects of Alzheimer's

Short and clear with what it wants to convey: an experience through beautiful worlds that is complemented by the harsh reality of Alzheimer's disease. A stirring of emotions with a very special art.

The game Inner Ashes bravely tackles the sensitive topic of Alzheimer’s disease with great skill and sensitivity. The developer’s approach is both educational and tasteful, showcasing a deep understanding of the subject matter. As a result, the game is a beautiful and impactful experience. It is for this reason Inner Ashes is awarded the Thumb Culture Platinum Award

Calathea Game Studio takes Alzheimer's as its starting point and, after learning about it, they build a story where its central character suffers from said disorder. With a gameplay linked to puzzles and constant iteration, we are presented with a redemption story of a father who walks on the edge of two worlds: the one he is currently suffering while fighting to continue being him and the one who confronts him with his past and the actions that separated him from his daughter. With a slow development, we are shown the different elements that string together the plot while the symptoms that Henry is suffering from become more evident. With an aesthetic artistic design and emotive and enveloping music, they manage to get you into the adventure of your own identity and after almost four hours of playing you end up crying.