Developer Yaza Games and Publisher Daedalic Entertainment today revealed that their absurdly charming ink-based strategy game Inkulinati will launch to early access on January 31, 2023. For those who cannot wait to wield the mighty quill, demos are available for Steam and Xbox until January 1, 2023. Inkulinati will be available on PC and Mac via Steam Early Access, GOG Early Access, and the Microsoft Store (PC Only); Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S via Xbox Game Preview and Game Pass, and coming to Nintendo Switch with the full release of the game.

Inkulinati are a legendary group who battle one another on the pages of medieval manuscripts. They fight by drawing beasts with the Living Ink. Thanks to this magical substance, those creatures come to life and an epic battle ensues. Donkeys playing trumpets with their bottoms, bishop cats vanquishing heretics with prayers, heavy but deadly snails that eat units alive, and more. Much, much more.

These comical illustrations belie the tactical depth of Inkulinati’s turn-based combat. Players assume the role of master Inkulinati commanding living illustrations on 2D manuscript battlefields. Each stylishly inked creature plays a strategic combat role, while legendary medieval characters such as Dante and Hildegard can turn the tide of battle.

Inkulinati includes both solo and local multiplayer gameplay. Players can ready their troops to delve into the game’s demanding single-player campaign, or challenge other Inkulinati locally in a revival of the old-school hot-seat-mode. The game features intricate maps that influence duels, and allows for different gameplay styles (e.g. aggressive vs. cunning).