Bendy and the Ink Machine (2017)
Game Description:
In "Bendy and the Ink Machine," players step into the shoes of Henry, a retired animator who returns to his old animation studio after receiving a mysterious invitation from his former employer, Joey Drew. Set in the 1930s, the once-thriving studio is now abandoned and overrun by eerie, living ink creatures. As Henry explores the dark, twisted corridors, he uncovers the sinister secrets behind the studio's downfall and the malevolent force known as Bendy. The game combines first-person puzzle-solving, action, and horror elements, immersing players in a unique cartoon-inspired world. With its gripping storyline and atmospheric tension, "Bendy and the Ink Machine" challenges players to survive the ink-soaked nightmare and unravel the mystery of the ink machine.
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What Parents Should Know About Bendy and the Ink Machine
Age Rating
Release Date
2017
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Bendy and the Ink Machine is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Violence. This is a first-person horror game in which players explore a 1930s animation studio overrun by cartoon characters brought to life. As players explore the sepia-toned studio, they can solve puzzles and engage in melee-style combat against fantastical creatures (e.g., ink monsters, cartoon characters). Players use pipes, axes, and machine guns to kill enemy creatures in frenetic combat; enemies generally disappear amid large splotches of ink when killed. Cutscenes depict additional acts of violence: a cartoon character impaled through the chest with a sword; a cartoon character lodging an ax into an ink creature's head.
Content Warnings:
Violence
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Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Bendy and the Ink Machine may not be suitable for younger children. The game does not contain profanity, but it features intense violence and horror elements. Players engage in combat using weapons like pipes, axes, and machine guns against ink monsters and cartoon characters, with enemies disappearing in large splotches of ink. Cutscenes include graphic scenes, such as a character being impaled with a sword and another using an ax on an ink creature. The dark, eerie atmosphere and mature themes suggest it's best suited for teens 13 and older, as the horror elements can be unsettling for younger audiences.
Why Your Kid Might Like Bendy and the Ink Machine
Teens enjoy "Bendy and the Ink Machine" for its unique blend of horror and nostalgia. The game’s setting in a 1930s animation studio offers a fresh twist on the horror genre, combining cartoonish visuals with eerie, suspenseful gameplay. The mysterious storyline keeps players engaged as they uncover the dark secrets of the studio and the enigmatic ink machine. The first-person perspective and puzzle-solving elements add layers of immersion, making it a thrilling experience for those who appreciate a good scare mixed with a bit of brainwork.
The atmospheric tension and creative design of the ink creatures provide a sense of adventure and challenge. Players are drawn to the game's ability to balance action with moments of quiet exploration, allowing them to piece together the story at their own pace. The character of Bendy, with his sinister yet intriguing presence, adds to the game's appeal, making it a memorable experience. For teens who enjoy a mix of horror, mystery, and creativity, "Bendy and the Ink Machine" offers an engaging escape into a world where cartoons come to life in the most unexpected ways.