Investigate the first three curious cases of this darkly occult detective adventure game, officially releasing later this year
NICOSIA, Cyprus — Oct. 1, 2026 — Publisher CRITICAL REFLEX (Mouthwashing, No, I’m not a Human) and developer Hey Bird! have opened the doors to the bizarre world of Inkblood with the release of the occult detective game’s first official public demo during Insider Gaming’s 28 Games Later showcase. The new demo, perfect both for fans of observation, investigation, and deduction games as well as all things eerie and mysterious, is available now on Steam through the upcoming October Steam Next Fest.
In Inkblood’s new demo, you’ll delve into three murky mysteries in a world teetering on the brink. As an Inquisitor, you must investigate the wicked machinations behind each unsettling scenario, including the tutorial case, the murders at the Burned Inn (featuring a new ending since the game’s playtest earlier this summer), and a totally new case featuring an encounter with an unexpected ally. Use your occult tools and the secrets of your traveling carriage to see not only what is, but what once was, and deduce the truth, no matter how unpleasant it may be…
About Inkblood
Wicked sorcery abounds, rotting the minds of people and the very fabric of reality itself. Prove your worth as the Inquisitor, figure out what is happening, and don’t fail the Inquisition as your predecessor did…
The full release of Inkblood will challenge you to solve 10 unique cases, each filled with escape room-style puzzles and clever obstacles to overcome. Examine both outside and inside of your carriage, with non-linear investigations inspired by games like The Room, The Case of the Golden Idol, and Strange Horticulture. Be warned – not every mystery in life is meant to be solved…
Inkblood will officially release later this year. Play the new demo and wishlist now on Steam! To dive deeper into all things CRITICAL REFLEX, visit www.criticalreflex.com.
About Hey Bird!
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a fish? We honestly don’t know. We found an egg and this thing came out of it. All we know is we like making weird games and experiences.
About CRITICAL REFLEX
CRITICAL REFLEX is an indie game publisher obsessed with genre-blending, rule-breaking, brain-melting games. We help devs polish the weird, sharpen the wild, and launch their projects loud. Known for titles like Buckshot Roulette, Lunacid, Mouthwashing and No, I’m not a Human, we champion the unforgettable experiences. Genre is a prison and we ate the warden.
About CR Channel
CR Channel is the CRITICAL REFLEX publishing label focusing exclusively on indie horror. Join the Discord here: https://discord.gg/FrzN8srBfy
