Never Alone: Kisima Ingitchuna
Jun 23, 2016 10 years ago
Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) is an atmospheric puzzle platformer and the first game to be developed in collaboration with the Iñupiat, an Alaska Native people, drawn from a traditional story that has been shared across the generations. Nearly 40 Alaska Native elders, storytellers and community members contributed to the development of the game. It features two characters, and it can be played in single-player mode or play cooperatively with a friend as you trek through frozen tundra, leap across treacherous ice floes, swim through underwater caverns and face enemies both strange and familiar. You'll explore awe-inspiring environments, perform heroic deeds and meet legendary characters from Iñupiaq stories — all narrated by a master storyteller in the spoken Iñupiaq language.
What it’s like
Never Alone is a poignant puzzle-platformer that serves as both an interactive experience and a cultural archive. You control Nuna, a young Inupiaq girl, alongside her fox companion, Kunuuksaayuka, navigating a harsh, frozen tundra filled with mythical creatures from traditional folklore. The gameplay revolves around cooperative mechanics where you switch between characters to solve environmental puzzles, utilizing the fox’s agility and Nuna’s strength. The narrative is deeply woven into the journey, presented through live-action cutscenes featuring real Iñupiat elders speaking in their native language, accompanied by English subtitles. This creates a respectful, educational tone that emphasizes community, survival, and respect for nature. While the platforming mechanics are straightforward, the atmospheric visuals and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack create an immersive emotional landscape. It is less about mechanical complexity and more about experiencing a unique cultural perspective through interactive storytelling.
Strong in Atmosphere / MoodAudio / MusicStory / NarrativeVisuals / ArtCharactersExploration / WorldPolish / PerformanceWriting / Dialogue
Keep in mind The platforming mechanics can feel repetitive or imprecise for players seeking tight, responsive controls typical of modern action-platformers. Additionally, the heavy reliance on dialogue-heavy cutscenes may slow down the pace for those preferring pure gameplay over narrative exposition.
AI-generated from catalog data.
Screenshots
Releases
| Platform | Region | Type | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (Microsoft Windows) | Worldwide | Full release | Nov 18, 201412 years ago |
| Xbox One | Worldwide | Full release | Nov 19, 201412 years ago |
| PlayStation 4 | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 11, 201412 years ago |
| Mac | Worldwide | Full release | Feb 26, 201511 years ago |
| Wii U | Worldwide | Full release | Jul 09, 201511 years ago |
| Linux | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 23, 201511 years ago |
| PlayStation 3 | Worldwide | Full release | Dec 23, 201511 years ago |
| iOS | Worldwide | Full release | Jun 02, 201610 years ago |
| Android | Worldwide | Full release | Jun 23, 201610 years ago |
