Some games feel important. Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) is one of those games. Comprising both the original game and the Fox Tales DLC, Never Alone: Arctic Collection is the best way to play this groundbreaking game.
On the surface, it’s a relatively simple 2D puzzle platformer in the mould of previous indie darlings such as Limbo, Braid and millions of other imitators. It combines simple platforming with occasional physics puzzles to test the old noodle, a good chase sequence now and then, and some obnoxious boss fights
However, the aim of Never Alone is not purely to entertain but to educate as well. Don’t worry about this isn’t another Mario is Missing. Thankfully, Never Alone is not a history pop-quiz masquerading as a trip to the Mushroom Kingdom. Or in this case, the Arctic Circle.
No, Never Alone’s aims are much nobler and much more subtle in execution. If in hindsight, both on the screen and off, an all-too-depressing reminder of the troubles and challenges facing indigenous peoples around the world.
A collaboration between the Iñupiat people of Northern Alaska and independent game developer E-Line Media, Never Alone was created to share and preserve Native Alaskan culture and teachings. This is what makes it so special; Never Alone is not merely a western produced game influenced by native Alaskan culture – it’s a product of it.
Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna in Iñupiaq) tells the tale of Nuna. A young Iñupiat girl who, with the help of an arctic fox, goes on a quest to find the source of an endless blizzard that threatens to destroy her village.
Venturing into the wilderness, as the blizzard pushes them back with every step, Nuna and Fox encounter all manner of life within the harsh environment. Along with hungry wolves and Polar bears, Nuna and fox are beset by mischievous sky spirits and stalked by the terrifying Man Hunter, the Iñupiat version of the Big Bad Wolf.
It is only by working together that the pair can overcome these obstacles and find the source of the blizzard. What with this being a cooperative platformer, Nuna and Fox have different abilities which they must use in conjunction with each other to push forward. Fox can jump higher than Nuna and clamber up the side of ledges, as well as call on the help of the spirits to create platforms to help the pair traverse difficult terrain. Meanwhile, Nuna can push blocks and use a bolo to break through walls of ice that block their path.
Although there is little direct characterisation, the action unfolds via an Iñupiat narrator who sets the scene much like the narrator in Bastion. The dev’s decision to present the entire game in Iñupiat with subtitles instead of English helps to give Never Alone a feeling of weight and authenticity. It’s like having your very own tribal Elder recanting the tale to you while a real blizzard blows outside.
This beautifully-crafted fable is further fleshed out with the inclusion of scrimshaw-style cut scenes which frame the action and collectable cultural insight videos which are littered throughout the game. Each is very easy to find and well worth the trouble. Every vignette delves deeper into the cultural significance of Never Alone’s cast and setting, explain the game’s allegorical elements, and provide deeper insight into the teachings and philosophies of the Iñupiat.
Though they look fantastic, Never Alone’s boss battles don’t lend themselves to solo-play at all. In particular, the final fight against the Manhunter demands a level of coordination between Fox and Nuna that is almost impossible when you have to constantly switch between them. It is very much a case of rubbing your belly whilst patting your head… and doing the Can-Can while avoiding flaming sacks of shit thrown at you by an angry man in a parka. I know the game is called Never Alone, but it should be just as playable for shut-ins as it is for them-lot-that-go-out-and-talk-to-other-people.
Despite this minor niggle, I would still recommend taking a trip into the blustery northern wilderness with Nuna and Fox. Never Alone may not be perfect, but it has more than enough heart to make up for its shortcomings. It is also the strangest and rarest of things – a game that manages to entertain and educate.
However, like most trips into the wild, you best bring a friend along (So you have someone to eat if you get lost if nothing else). And remember to keep your hood up, or the spirits of dead children will rip your head off.
Now that’s some sound advice.