The Inner Friend

Critic reviews

• PLPS Lifestyle

  Annette Polis · May 13, 2020

  6.5

  Even though it was a short game, The Inner Friend lingers in the back of your brain long after you put the controller down. It’s an emotional journey exploring childhood fears and trauma, and might just have you pulling out your favorite stuffed animal for a reassuring squeeze.

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• CCOGconnected

  Lou Sytsma · May 07, 2020

  7.0

  What makes the experience worthwhile are the graphics and music that build effective moods and create a level of tension that goes hand-in-hand with your character’s vulnerability. Fortunately, if you die, the resets are quick and bring you back to a point close to where you previously expired. For a first game effort, Playmind has crafted a decent experience that shines technically but lacks in storytelling clarity and game playing depth.

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• 33rd-strike.com

  Ziggy Valentine · May 07, 2020

  9.0

  The Inner Friend is a truly satisfying experience. The is game possibly too short for certain players, though there is replayability, at least till you’ve witnessed the alternate ending. Interpretation of the story could have been more transparent, however, as a psychological horror that gets the imagination going, it delivered. Trauma is different for many people and this game will have a way to get you to memory lane or at least have some self-reflection on facing your nightmares. Either way, it will connect you to your inner child. A good experience overall.

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• TTechRaptor

  Nirav Gandhi · May 04, 2020

  7.5

  The Inner Friend does a solid job of presenting a modern art exhibit as a video game, but there are many times where things went over my head. It's distinctly possible that I'm not cultured enough to understand the significance of a lot of what I've seen, but it's also possible that it doesn't really mean anything. Regardless, it's more a fascinating trip through someone else's head to fight their fears.

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• GGameSpew

  Becca Smith · May 01, 2020

  7.0

  Going into the game not really knowing what to expect, The Inner Friend proved to be a pleasant surprise. With an intriguing concept, open story, immersive environments and dynamic yet silent characters, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything else as unique. If you can look past the few technical issues – which can hopefully be ironed out with a patch – you’ll find a worthwhile story about overcoming loneliness and self-doubt, cherishing your friendships and rediscovering who you are.

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• XTXbox Tavern

  Jamie Collyer · Apr 23, 2020

  8.0

  The Inner Friend is creepy, abstract, touching, and something that will get under your skin. There’s a story here that is relatable, yet presented in a way that captures the exaggerated-ness of a child’s imagination. Movement is a little fiddly, and it’s all over quickly, but the experience is still one that will stick with us for some time yet.

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