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Bendy and the Ink Machine

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, iOS, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2017

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Quick resume

Bendy and the Ink Machine® is the first person puzzle action horror game that will forever ruin your childhood love of cartoons.

Global score

89/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Strategy, Puzzle

Pros

  • Unique and nostalgic art style
  • Engaging and immersive story
  • Atmospheric horror with suspense and jump scares
  • Accessible puzzles and gameplay
  • Strong community and replay interest

Cons

  • Bugs and save system issues reported
  • Some chapters considered tedious or less creative
  • Combat mechanics can be clunky
  • Limited replayability beyond story
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have freedom to explore the studio, solve puzzles, and make decisions affecting story elements, though within a structured narrative."

  • Competence
    2

    "Gameplay involves puzzle solving and some combat challenges with moderate difficulty; not highly skill-based but requires problem solving."

  • Competition
    -5

    "Single-player experience focused on personal progress without competitive or leaderboard elements."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report repeated playthroughs and long-term engagement with the story and lore, though some find replayability limited."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative or multiplayer features."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can explore and uncover lore creatively; some customization of experience through exploration, but no building or creation mechanics."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; purely individual experience."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Strong escapism through immersive horror atmosphere and story, providing distraction from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not due to obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Some exploration of game mechanics and story elements; limited experimentation due to linear narrative."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Exploration of the eerie studio environment and discovery of hidden lore and secrets is a key motivation."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character or environment customization; players mostly experience preset aesthetics."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy elements with cartoon horror setting, fictional characters, and surreal story."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No multiplayer or community gameplay; experience is solitary."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop puzzle-solving skills and understanding of story lore; some personal development."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and engagement; not designed for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building; solitary experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles; single-player narrative."

  • Progression
    3

    "Players progress through chapters, collect items, and unlock story elements, showing moderate progression motivation."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Game creates tension and suspense rather than relaxation; some players find it thrilling but not relaxing."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Strong sensory engagement through unique art style, sound design, and atmospheric horror elements."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social status or recognition systems; individual experience."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative immersion is a core feature; players highly value story, characters, and lore."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Puzzle solving and some tactical combat require mental challenge and problem solving."

  • Thrill
    4

    "Horror elements and jump scares provide suspense and thrill."

  • Value
    3

    "Generally considered good value especially on sale; players appreciate the experience relative to cost."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat and defeating enemies are part of gameplay, though violence is stylized and not gratuitous."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid threats and survive encounters, adding survival motivation."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026