Developed by ExoGenesis Studios and published by Headup, Inayah—Life after Gods is a 2D Metroidvania with beautifully crafted animation.
A game could have a million errors, but if it can get just one thing really right, it has the chance of being regarded as a great game. My feelings for Inayah—Life after Gods—are exactly that.
This is one cliche-filled cookie-cutter game, but I still want to go back and play it again. I want to explore more and know more. It’s all down to one thing: The upgrade tree.
Controversially Good
Close your eyes and imagine a Metroidvania with a white female protagonist. Unless you’re picturing a dancing monkey with dysentery, you may have already mapped out the entire game of Inayah.
It is just that simple. You jump, you strike, and you collect stuff. Nothing to add, nothing to change.
Let’s move to the real star of the show.
The upgrade tree(s) of Inayah caught my attention early on.
Here’s how they work:
You kill enemies, and that gets you points. With those points, you buy upgrades. That’s it!
What’s so special?
The size!
There are a lot, and I mean a lot, of upgrades available. These go from slight attack upgrades to completely game-changing moves and powers. Combined with a total of 3 very different weapons, there is an insane amount of upgrades at your disposal.
Above all that, getting money in this Inayah is very fast and easy; ergo, getting the upgrades is not a waiting affair. You will be making an upgrade at least once every three minutes.
This is a type of gameplay I never knew could be enjoyable. But after my hours with Inayah: Life after Gods, I can safely say that it is a very unique and fun way to play a game.
Such a shame the plot could not hold up its side of the duties.
Cliché Sensei Revenge Plot
The story is as basic as it gets: an orphan girl, Inayah, whose father was killed when she was young, is raised by an old man—think of the archetypical “sensei” figure. Early in the game, this mentor is killed by a supernatural evil being, setting Inayah off on a quest for revenge.
There’s nothing about this plot that feels fresh or exciting; it’s a well-worn path that many games, movies and stories have walked before. The narrative is functional, but it lacks the depth and innovation that could have made it stand out.
Inayah is A Fun Experience
Inayah – Life after Gods is a game that lives and dies by its mechanics. While the story is undeniably cliché and offers little in terms of originality, the gameplay delivers a surprisingly addictive experience.
The sheer volume of upgrades available to the player creates a compelling loop of progression and rewards, making every moment of combat feel purposeful and satisfying. The world may feel familiar, and the plot may lack depth, but the fast-paced, constantly evolving nature of the upgrade system keeps you coming back for more.
Inayah – Life after Gods proves that sometimes, all it takes is one strong gameplay element to elevate a game above its flaws.
If you’re someone who enjoys a Metroidvania with plenty of room for exploration and experimentation, then this game will likely be a satisfying ride, even if it doesn’t break any storytelling conventions.
For all its predictability in terms of plot, Inayah – Life after Gods is still a fun, engaging title that proves gameplay can often make up for what the story lacks. Whether you’re in it for the upgrades or the challenge, there’s something undeniably addictive about this game that will keep you hooked long after the credits roll.
