Inmates is a psychological horror adventure game for PC in which players control Jonathan as he awakens inside a run-down prison cell with no recollection of how he got there. The experience centers on uncovering the reasons for his confinement while navigating a suffocating environment filled with disturbing imagery and mind-bending challenges. Built with Unreal Engine 4, the title emphasizes first-person exploration and puzzle-solving to advance a narrative that questions whether events are real or part of an ongoing nightmare.
Gameplay
Players move through the prison in first person, examining objects and interacting with the surroundings to reveal clues about the facility and Jonathan's situation. Puzzles appear throughout the confined spaces and require careful observation and logical connections to progress. The core loop involves steady movement between areas, solving these obstacles, and listening to environmental audio cues such as a radio broadcast that provides narrative context. Controller support allows for comfortable navigation, and the short overall length keeps the focus tight on atmosphere and discovery rather than extended sessions.
Disturbing visuals and sound design heighten tension during exploration, with the setting designed to feel oppressive and familiar at the same time. No combat mechanics exist, so progression relies entirely on environmental interaction and puzzle resolution. The game maintains a consistent pace across its estimated three to four hours of playtime.
Game Modes
Inmates operates as a single-player experience with no multiplayer options or additional modes. The entire game unfolds as a linear narrative journey through the prison, where puzzle solutions and exploration directly advance the story. There are no separate difficulty settings, alternate campaigns, or competitive elements to alter the core structure. Players engage with the same sequence of events and challenges each time they start a new session.
Story and Atmosphere
The narrative follows Jonathan's attempts to piece together his past and the dark history of the prison. A voice from an old radio serves as a recurring guide that challenges the player's assumptions about the reality of the situation. Environmental details and puzzle outcomes gradually expose layers of the protagonist's psyche and the secrets hidden within the facility. The atmosphere relies on tight corridors, decaying architecture, and unsettling imagery to create a sense of dread without relying on jump scares.
Sound design plays a key role, with ambient noises and sparse voice elements reinforcing the psychological tension. The story remains focused on personal revelation rather than external threats, encouraging players to question every discovery along the way.
Is It Worth Playing?
Inmates delivers a compact psychological horror adventure suited to players who prefer narrative-driven exploration and puzzle elements over action or lengthy campaigns. Its mixed reception on Steam, with 62 percent positive reviews from 262 user submissions, reflects divided opinions on pacing and puzzle difficulty. Some appreciate the focused three-to-four-hour runtime and atmospheric prison setting, while others note slower movement and occasional technical issues. The game receives no ongoing updates or seasonal content, remaining in its original 2017 state. Those drawn to short, introspective horror titles with environmental storytelling may find value in its approach, particularly if they enjoy titles that emphasize mental strain and confined spaces. Availability on PC with controller support makes it accessible for a one-time playthrough.
