INARI Game on Kickstarter: The Ultimate Test for Action Platformer Fans
- Michael G.

- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
The INARI game on Kickstarter is redefining what high-speed action platformers can achieve, and if you've been craving a game that challenges your reflexes while rewarding absolute mastery, this campaign deserves your immediate attention. With over $71,000 pledged from 1,589 backers—obliterating the original $10,000 goal—INARI has proven that gamers are hungry for precision-based combat that doesn't hold back.
This isn't just another indie platformer. INARI is a ruthless, adrenaline-fueled experience where one hit means death, teleportation is your lifeline, and every split-second decision determines whether you survive or restart. Set in an Eastern fantasy world where steampunk machinery collides with ancient mysticism, this is the game action enthusiasts have been waiting for.
The Core Mechanic That Changes Everything
What makes INARI absolutely brilliant is how it builds everything around a single, perfectly executed mechanic: kunai-based teleportation. You throw a kunai, and you instantly teleport to its location. That's it. That's the foundation of the entire game.
But don't let the simplicity fool you. This mechanic becomes the key to survival, aggression, platforming, and dominating the battlefield. Teleport aggressively to ambush enemies before they can react. Evade death at the last possible moment by blinking across the screen. Chain teleports to navigate impossible platforming sections with fox-like agility.
The genius lies in how this single system creates endless tactical possibilities. Every encounter becomes a puzzle of positioning, timing, and ruthless execution. When you nail a perfect sequence—teleporting through a gauntlet of enemies and traps without missing a beat—it feels absolutely electric.
One Hit Point: Where Legends Are Forged
Here's where INARI separates casual players from masters: you have exactly 1 HP. One mistake, one mistimed dodge, one failed read—and you're dead. This isn't artificial difficulty; it's a design philosophy that demands flawless judgment and perfect timing.
Every battle becomes a test of nerve. Every movement carries weight. The tension of clinging to that single life point transforms standard encounters into heart-pounding duels where victory feels genuinely earned. If this sounds too punishing, INARI includes a Story Mode with multiple HP for players who want to experience the narrative without the hardcore challenge. But for those seeking the ultimate test? One-hit-death is where the real game lives.
Eastern Fantasy Meets Steampunk in the Bronze Citadel
The world of INARI is visually stunning and thematically rich. You play as Izuna, Executor of the High Realm—known to mortals as the Reaper. Your mission? Hunt down and eliminate the Seven Daughters, princesses who dared to defy the heavens and protect the mortal realm from tyranny.
Your first target is Princess Ikane, a brilliant strategist who rules from the Bronze Citadel. This fortress represents the apex of mortal technology, with colossal gears grinding endlessly and advanced defense networks that would make any military strategist jealous. Ikane won't face you directly; instead, she's already calculated your invasion. Every trap, every enemy placement, every defense mechanism has been positioned with surgical precision. The entire citadel is her chessboard, and you're fighting against a mind that's always three moves ahead.
A Soundtrack That Hits Different
The music of INARI deserves special recognition. Traditional Eastern instruments blend seamlessly with metallic textures and mechanical beats, creating a soundscape that's simultaneously ancient and futuristic. Every track was crafted to match the emotional intensity of the gameplay, pulling you deeper into this world where fantasy and steampunk collide. When you're carving through enemies at breakneck speed, the soundtrack amplifies every moment of triumph and tension.
Gameplay That Evolves With Every Princess
Each of the Seven Daughters fights with a distinct style shaped by their unique powers and ideology. Combat constantly evolves as you progress, shifting the flow of battle and forcing you to adapt. This variation is at the heart of what makes INARI compelling—just when you think you've mastered the game's rhythm, a new Princess introduces mechanics that challenge everything you've learned.
Platforming That Feels Incredible
INARI doesn't compromise on movement. Izuna moves with the speed and agility that would make Sonic jealous. Running, jumping, wall-climbing—it all flows seamlessly thanks to fluid frame-by-frame animations that make every movement feel sharp and satisfying. The controls are precise and responsive, exactly what you need when platforming sections demand pixel-perfect execution.
Levels incorporate mechanics like freezing devices that alter combat flow and timed challenges that reward speedrunners. If you're the type of player who loves shaving seconds off clear times and perfecting routes, INARI gives you plenty of room to optimize.
Boss Battles That Define Excellence
The true highlight of INARI lies in its intense one-on-one boss duels. Take Commander Kamura, who reacts instantly to your teleportation and counters aggressively. These aren't scripted encounters you memorize and exploit—they're dynamic battles where bosses strike back relentlessly, creating edge-of-your-seat duels where every moment crackles with tension.
Victory isn't about grinding stats or overpowered builds. It's decided by split-second decisions and absolute mastery of the kunai teleportation system. When you finally defeat a boss after dozens of attempts, understanding their patterns and executing flawlessly, the satisfaction is unmatched.
Narrative Depth That Rewards Investment
INARI is genuinely story-driven. As you confront each Princess, hidden truths about the world gradually reveal themselves. Are you truly the hero enforcing divine will, or are you the instrument of tyranny crushing justified rebellion? The game explores these questions through cinematic sequences where illustrated portraits shift during dialogue, reflecting the deep, subtle emotions of individuals caught in war's machinery.
These quieter moments between intense battles carry the story forward, giving weight to your actions and drawing you deeper into the moral complexity of your mission. It's rare to find an action platformer that cares this much about narrative without sacrificing gameplay.
Inspired by the Best, Built to Stand Apart
The development team openly acknowledges their inspirations: Katana ZERO's one-hit-death tension, Celeste's precision platforming, Ghostrunner's high-tempo combat, Hollow Knight's atmospheric art, and Nine Sols' Eastern fantasy interpretation. They've even drawn from Minato's teleportation in Naruto for the kunai mechanic.
But INARI isn't just homage—it's synthesis. The team has taken these influences and forged something distinct, with its own identity and mechanical depth.
The Team Behind the Vision
1HP STUDIO formed when university friends reunited after years in the game industry, determined to finish what they started. Living together in a small studio apartment, working day and night, they created the first version of INARI in 2022. The response at exhibitions exceeded expectations, earning features in indie game magazines and strong player feedback.
Their studio name says it all: "The real fight begins at 1 HP." Just like in action games, they believe the most thrilling moment comes when only one hit point remains. With limited resources but unlimited commitment, they're making every moment count.
Try It Now: Playable Demo Available
One of the best things about this campaign? There's a playable demo available right now. You don't have to take anyone's word for how good INARI feels—you can experience the kunai teleportation, test yourself against the one-hit-death challenge, and see if you have what it takes to become the Reaper.
With 23 days remaining and already crushing funding goals, INARI represents the kind of passion project that deserves support. This is precision action platforming at its finest, built by developers who understand what makes the genre compelling and aren't afraid to demand excellence from players.
If you've been waiting for an action platformer that respects your skills and rewards mastery, the INARI game on Kickstarter is calling. Answer before fate catches you.
Frequently Asked Questions about INARI Game on Kickstarter
How can players access the INARI demo?
The playable demo is available by clicking the "PLAYABLE DEMO" button at the top of the Kickstarter page. Players simply need to download the file, unzip it, and run the executable to start playing. The demo is currently Windows-only, with recommended specs of i5-9400F / GTX 1060 / 8GB RAM / 2GB Storage. Controller support includes Xbox and PlayStation DualShock controllers.
What languages does INARI support?
The current build supports English, Japanese, and Korean. While 1HP STUDIO has the capability and network to support additional languages, they cannot confirm more localizations at this time due to budget and development constraints. Additional language support will be reviewed later in development.
What platforms will INARI release on?
INARI is primarily being developed for PC, with console versions under consideration. Mobile platforms are not currently planned.
When will backers receive their rewards?
Digital rewards will be delivered within one month after the game's official paid release on Steam (separate from the demo release timing). Physical rewards may take longer due to manufacturing timelines and international shipping conditions, with potential delays depending on circumstances at the time of release.
When do backers receive their Discord VIP role?
Discord VIP roles will be assigned after the campaign successfully ends and all pledges are processed. The team will send out a survey to collect Discord information from backers, and roles will be assigned once that information is gathered. Since surveys can only be sent after Kickstarter completes payment processing, there's no exact date available, but the team has committed to proceeding as quickly as possible.























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