Though the game was released some time ago, Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna) still stands as a remarkable blend of culture, history, and classical 2D gaming trends. The story is enthralling and magical, only enhanced by the frequent clips of Alaskan Native elders and tribal members reflecting on different topics related to the stories. Certain legends, such as that of the Northern Lights being the spirits of children, or what the owl represents in Alaska culture is only a few of the topics that allows the player to become immersed in what they are playing.
I truly wished more games would create an educational and historical angle when it comes to reinventing and recreating the past. Though many games would rather amp up the graphics or concentrate on the narrative, I believe that through historical context, an additional rich layer of gameplay can be created.
I initially sought this game as a calming aid for anxiety but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of meaning and story-telling shown by the game’s creators: Upper Line Games and E-line Media. Despite plenty of awards, I had not heard personally of anyone playing the game, which disappointed me. Was it too old of a game? And how old is too old? This is a question the game also seeks to answer as it bridges the near mythical world of the Alaskan Native ancestors with the crushing reality of modern issues like global warming or shifting populations. It’s clear that the people and the culture are one, a marriage between the past and present.
While there are subtitles, most of the game is in Inupiaq, a dying language spoken by only about 2,144 people. The slow, enunciating voice of James (Mumiġan) Nageak (an Inuit linguist), provides a sturdy narration to the adventures of the young Inuit girl and her fox spirit companion. Moving, magical, and fantastic, this older game will open your eyes to new paths of enlightenment, the importance of community, and how teamwork changes everything.
Story Quest Decoded 