PlatformOVERALL
PC8.20
Overall 8.20
Inside is the next game from Playdead after their indie hit Limbo. Limbo won a bunch of awards for being an artsy puzzle platformer. I found it to be a good game but nothing special as it was short, and didnt have much depth. Inside is like Super Limbo, kind of this 16 bit version with all the improvements over its 8-bit predecessor. The story, game and artsyle are all new but it's still the same puzzle platforming genre, clearly they learned from the mistakes of Limbo as Inside is genuinely great.

What makes Inside work so well is how effortlessly the game introduces new gameplay elements and situations at a near constant pace and it never feels forced nor betrays the story. It's still a rather short game but there is so much going on with every moment of the game that it feels fulfilling in a way Limbo did not.  Some of these puzzles are very well done, the solution is always in front of you but there are some very clever uses of physics and gameplay mechanics to make them all memorable.

Like in Limbo nearly everything instant kills you in the most horrific way possible so be readdy to see this boy die many times. While there is definetly a trial and error mechanic at work with the game it doesn't feel like it's cheating. To me the game flow felt so damn good, every puzzle and room just perfectly led into the next. I was never stuck in one spot to long, never reached a frustrating portion, it's all good stuff.

The story of Inside is a strange one, there is no dialogue, it's all told through the experiences and locations. Let's just say the ending will leave you kind of like " what? " but in a good way. I really love the artsyle in this game and it's superb animation. There are some really well hidden extra collectibles that lead to an optional but important story moment well worth reaching.

Inside is a great short indie puzzle game. It maximizes every second of its time to deliver constant variety over those three hours. For me there is only so much love I can give a small and still rather simple game like this, so because of what it is it's not going to be one of my favorite games of the year but this game is definetly worth the $20.
Posted by Dvader Wed, 18 Jan 2017 18:44:45
 
Thu, 19 Jan 2017 22:34:02
Dead Inside.
 
Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:05:11
This review is in limbo.
 
Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:15:25
I didn't like limbo all that much.  I think I bought it in a humble bundle once.  I'm guessing that will also be how I one day end up owning Inside.
 
Mon, 23 Jan 2017 14:59:23
Limbo sucks ass.
Log in or Register for free to comment
Recently Spotted:
robio (4m)
Login @ The VG Press
Username:
Password:
Remember me?