Inhuman Resources: A Literary Machination Review
Let’s face it: the corporate world can already feel like a horror story, but Inhuman Resources: A Literary Machination takes that idea and cranks it to eleven. Developed by Finnegan Motors and published by Indie Asylum, this visual novel dives headfirst into the dark, twisted depths of SMYRNACORP—a corporate dystopia dripping with psychological intrigue, moral dilemmas, and just the right amount of existential dread. It’s like someone took every nightmare you’ve ever had about work and turned it into an interactive RPG experience. Fun, right?
At its core, Inhuman Resources is a visual novel, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all reading and no action. This game has choice-based mechanics that let you shape your “employee profile.” Whether you’re cracking safes or hacking into computers, every decision you make affects your path through SMYRNACORP’s eerie corridors. And trust me, those choices aren’t just surface-level; they unlock hidden paths and alternate storylines that’ll keep you guessing. Not choosing to do certain things also locks you out id decisions later on in the game.
The game is divided into parts and chapters, like a real novel, giving it a neat structure while still throwing plenty of twists your way. It’s short—clocking in at a couple of hours if you're a fast reader—but don’t let the runtime fool you. With multiple endings and replayability baked in, it’s one of those games you’ll want to revisit to see how things could’ve gone differently.
Here’s where Inhuman Resources shines. The game isn’t afraid to tackle heavy themes like mental health and the instability of modern employment. And it does so with a biting sense of humor—unlocking “clinical depression” as one of the first achievements is both hilarious and uncomfortably relatable. It’s a satirical jab at corporate exploitation that manages to be both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Then there’s Obuya Burgard, the senior supervisor who embodies everything wrong with outdated corporate practices. His line—“How can we think outside the box if we lack the tools to grasp how big the box has become?”—perfectly captures SMYRNACORP’s inability to adapt to a chaotic digital age. Clever writing like this makes the game’s critique of corporate culture hit home.
SMYRNACORP is described as like stepping into a time machine. Think 1940s aesthetics mixed with surreal elements—grillage elevators, typewriters, statues of contorted figures—it’s all designed to make you feel uneasy in the best way possible. Even the Latin phrases etched into the reception desk (MEMORIAE. PERPETUITAS. MUTATIO) add layers of mystery and hint at deeper themes of historical erasure and transformation.
Each character within the story also adds depth while challenging your ethical boundaries. It’s not just about solving puzzles; it’s about figuring out who you can trust (spoiler alert: probably no one).
What Works:
- Atmosphere: From sound design to visuals, SMYRNACORP feels hauntingly real. As a visual novel game, fans of the genre should love it.
- Narrative Depth: With branching paths galore, there’s always something new to discover.
- Themes: Tackling mental health and corporate exploitation with wit? Yes, please.
- Accessibility: Fully localized in English and French means more players can dive in.
What could be better? If there’s one downside, it’s wanting a bit more - but perhaps thats where the replayability comes in. While the game packs a punch in its experience, some players might wish for more time to explore certain narrative threads or character arcs. This genre of game also isn't for everyone - if you love to read stories and love this genre, I do think this is a pretty solid game to play.
Inhuman Resources: A Literary Machination is a blend of psychological horror, dark humor, and interactive fiction makes it a standout title for fans of narrative-driven adventures. Sure, it could be longer, but what it delivers in its concise runtime is nothing short of brilliant.
If you’re ready to dive into a world where corporate chaos meets "Blade Runner-esque" existential dread—and maybe laugh along the way—this game is absolutely worth your time. I’m giving it a solid 8/10 for its genre because, let’s face it: bureaucratic madness has never been this fun!
