User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1051 Ratings

User score distribution:

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  1. Aug 23, 2016
    10
    Like this delicate butterfly lost in vapors and cogs of LIMBO,

    INSIDE is a state of grace.
    An accomplishment.

    Thank you Arnt Jensen, thank you Playdead.
  2. Nov 12, 2016
    10
    Just finished Inside. Didn't take long. Didn't take much effort. Was one of the best gaming experiences I have ever had. While the gameplay is linear like the studio's previous game, Limbo, it bring a whole other level to this experience. You feel connected like you are the boy running scared. The puzzles sometimes slow you down but you flow through them with urgency. The atmosphereJust finished Inside. Didn't take long. Didn't take much effort. Was one of the best gaming experiences I have ever had. While the gameplay is linear like the studio's previous game, Limbo, it bring a whole other level to this experience. You feel connected like you are the boy running scared. The puzzles sometimes slow you down but you flow through them with urgency. The atmosphere created is haunting. It is pulled off not by detail, but by shadow and mystery. Who are these people that want to do us harm? Please do yourself a favor and check this game out. It's one amazing ride.

    P.S. think of Stranger Things as you start this game out and you will be drawn in immediately. I like to consider this a companion piece to that show. In fact they could build a show or movie around this game.
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  3. Apr 30, 2017
    10
    This game is a worthy successor to Limbo (and may I say, a superior one) with its stunning visuals, dark, rich atmosphere, ambient music, smart puzzles, incredible attention to detail, its gripping story told without words, its perfect ending, and last but not least, its realistic animation.
  4. Mar 5, 2017
    9
    While it added (some) of the color that Limbo chose not to use, Inside is even more grim and ominous that it's spiritual predecessor. While still having no dialogue or text, Inside tells much more of a story than Limbo did. Unfortunately, however, it seems that more focus on the story meant less focus on the puzzles. While the graphics are beautiful and the gameplay is incredibly smooth, IWhile it added (some) of the color that Limbo chose not to use, Inside is even more grim and ominous that it's spiritual predecessor. While still having no dialogue or text, Inside tells much more of a story than Limbo did. Unfortunately, however, it seems that more focus on the story meant less focus on the puzzles. While the graphics are beautiful and the gameplay is incredibly smooth, I found the puzzles to be much simpler and the secrets much easier to find in this game than in Limbo. I died a lot less times while playing Inside. Still a GREAT game if you loved Limbo, but be prepared for it to be just slightly below Limbo overall. Expand
  5. Mar 30, 2017
    9
    Great ambientation, like a indie game but so beautifull. Simple gameplay, but great. Maybe it's not too long for a game, but deserves a good score this one
  6. May 10, 2019
    10
    Another 10 for Playdead. I always tell people, if you've ever seen the movie "7", this game will remind you of it, because everything that happens is continually more and more shocking until the final mind-bending ending. This game is indescribable. If you haven't played it you are missing out on one of the greatest games of all time. Period.
  7. Aug 30, 2016
    10
    It looks beautiful. Lighting and animation are top tier. Image quality is flawless. Physics are class leading.

    Thematically the game is unique. Very hard to describe. A kind of industrial dystopia but without being rooted in any of the usual tropes of the genre. The muted palette and the sound design come together beautifully to create a sinister, disturbing and nightmarish scenario
    It looks beautiful. Lighting and animation are top tier. Image quality is flawless. Physics are class leading.

    Thematically the game is unique. Very hard to describe. A kind of industrial dystopia but without being rooted in any of the usual tropes of the genre.

    The muted palette and the sound design come together beautifully to create a sinister, disturbing and nightmarish scenario that never falters.

    The puzzles are challenging but never frustrating and never fail to give you that deeply satisfying "aha" moment when you finally figure them out.

    It's very hard to find any fault with this game. I just can't think of one.
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  8. Oct 3, 2016
    9
    9 out of 10. The artwork is simply sublime throughout. Sparse and beautiful....a nice evolution from what was beautiful about Limbo. The ending was a little disruptive to that sense of artfulness, but that's secondary to personal taste more than anything. The puzzles were fun. Challenging enough for this simpleton :) with a few of the more complex ones requiring that I seek some You9 out of 10. The artwork is simply sublime throughout. Sparse and beautiful....a nice evolution from what was beautiful about Limbo. The ending was a little disruptive to that sense of artfulness, but that's secondary to personal taste more than anything. The puzzles were fun. Challenging enough for this simpleton :) with a few of the more complex ones requiring that I seek some You Tube guidance. Just my speed, in other words.

    All in all, the game was a joy. A bite sized delight
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  9. Aug 29, 2016
    10
    Simply one of the most considered and perfectly crafted games ever made. LIMBO was one of my favourite games six years ago, but now it honestly just feels like a prototype for THIS game. Tells a convincing atmospheric narrative entirely wordlessly. The puzzles are intimately related to the narrative and balance the difficulty that you'll have to think without getting a walkthrough.Simply one of the most considered and perfectly crafted games ever made. LIMBO was one of my favourite games six years ago, but now it honestly just feels like a prototype for THIS game. Tells a convincing atmospheric narrative entirely wordlessly. The puzzles are intimately related to the narrative and balance the difficulty that you'll have to think without getting a walkthrough. Everyone needs to play this. Expand
  10. Sep 10, 2016
    9
    While this little gem is heavily inspired by the game Limbo, by no means that means it lacks originality and excellence. Although Limbo is a unique and brilliant game, this piece of art has taken that and gone a step forward.

    At first, I was a bit hesitant, since even the beginning of the game resembles Limbo so much, I could only fear for a huge dissapointment. But this game is
    While this little gem is heavily inspired by the game Limbo, by no means that means it lacks originality and excellence. Although Limbo is a unique and brilliant game, this piece of art has taken that and gone a step forward.

    At first, I was a bit hesitant, since even the beginning of the game resembles Limbo so much, I could only fear for a huge dissapointment. But this game is absolutely brilliant.
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  11. Sep 23, 2016
    9
    A bit short for twenty dollars, but, that aside, this is an exemplary title. Inside more focused on its dark atmosphere than it is gameplay, and that's where it succeeds wildly. That's not to say that the gameplay's bad; on the contrary, it's totally fine. The puzzles are simple, reasonably challenging, and completely fair. They never bothered me and I only had to sit and think once orA bit short for twenty dollars, but, that aside, this is an exemplary title. Inside more focused on its dark atmosphere than it is gameplay, and that's where it succeeds wildly. That's not to say that the gameplay's bad; on the contrary, it's totally fine. The puzzles are simple, reasonably challenging, and completely fair. They never bothered me and I only had to sit and think once or twice, and I never felt as though I was breezing through it with ease or anything. Every time I died, I thought, "I could have avoided that if I was thinking," which is a good indicator of the game's fairness.
    Inside certainly isn't for everyone; many gamers will scoff at the game's simplicity and artsy-fartsyness, dismissing the platformer as "indie hipster crap." If you enjoy indie hipster crap and you have a roomy wallet, then this may be the game for you.
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  12. Aug 23, 2016
    10
    Genius, thought-provoking, creepy, shocking, exhilarating, unsettling and downright gorgeous, INSIDE is a masterpiece. You owe it to yourself to play this game.
  13. Aug 31, 2016
    10
    This is truly a piece of art and one of my favourite games so far this year. Limbo was my first "indie game" back when it came out and this is a more than worthy successor. Inside's dark and creepy atmosphere and the great puzzles don't leave a lot to be asked for. Now I want to play limbo again.
  14. Dec 1, 2016
    10
    I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

    First, if you haven't played INSIDE, play it NOW! Second, I beat the game 7 times in a matter of a week. I can't stop thinking about it. If you like subtle storytelling, this is for you. Takes an hour and a half to beat if you've played it before but your first time will take double that. Clever and dark, this is my Last of Us for this
    I'm going to keep this short and sweet.

    First, if you haven't played INSIDE, play it NOW!
    Second, I beat the game 7 times in a matter of a week.

    I can't stop thinking about it.

    If you like subtle storytelling, this is for you. Takes an hour and a half to beat if you've played it before but your first time will take double that.

    Clever and dark, this is my Last of Us for this year.

    I didn't think playdead would be able to make a better game than Limbo. I was wrong.
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  15. Sep 21, 2016
    8
    Exelent game experience but the ending was a little to pretentious maybe a more prolonged poetic clousure could have make of this a true mastertpice instead of the abrupt and simple metaphor that end my otherwise flawles adventure.
    A terrific indi, not as good as soma but great nontheless .
  16. May 28, 2017
    10
    Playdead have done an incredible job to surpass their previous game, Limbo. Inside is a true work of art, both disturbing and gripping in equal measure.
  17. Jan 4, 2017
    9
    This is a beautiful and simplistic successor to Limbo that tells an intriguing story without the use of words. Playing with headphones is a must! The sound design and immersion is incredible in this game! I felt that the length was OK and none of the puzzles were incredibly hard. 100% one of the best games I've played in a while, and it has proven to be a better game than Limbo. I'mThis is a beautiful and simplistic successor to Limbo that tells an intriguing story without the use of words. Playing with headphones is a must! The sound design and immersion is incredible in this game! I felt that the length was OK and none of the puzzles were incredibly hard. 100% one of the best games I've played in a while, and it has proven to be a better game than Limbo. I'm looking forward to more things that Playdead has to offer! Expand
  18. Dec 12, 2017
    10
    This is one of those special games, that without saying a lot, it makes you feel a lot.

    This game in essence is a lot like Limbo, Journey, Ico, Shadow of the colossus etc. All those are games that rather than focusing on amazing gameplay itself, they focus on being emotionally strong and how to tell a story in a special way, with little worlds, just trying to transmit feelings in a
    This is one of those special games, that without saying a lot, it makes you feel a lot.

    This game in essence is a lot like Limbo, Journey, Ico, Shadow of the colossus etc. All those are games that rather than focusing on amazing gameplay itself, they focus on being emotionally strong and how to tell a story in a special way, with little worlds, just trying to transmit feelings in a rawer way. Having said that, if you enjoyed any of the games I’ve just mentioned, most likely you will enjoy this one.

    Graphics and sound. Graphically speaking, you won’t find photo-realistic graphics etc., but artistically speaking the game is superb, they make use of a very limited variety of colours (mainly black, white and grey) to offer a fantastic gloomy setting that goes very well with the game’s universe. They might not be the best graphics, technically speaking, but artistically they made a great job at making the game’s world feel unique, gloomy, sad and tense, a lot like the game’s story itself. Sound is superb as well, there is little music, it’s mainly ambient sound and these are designed to maximise the game experience as in adding tension or whatever to the area you’re in, again sound direction is fantastic.

    Gameplay, we’re basically speaking about a platforming-puzzle game. Platforming is kind of easy, it’s more about solving puzzles. I feel it is quite fun, as the game is a lot about finding out how to progress and make it to the next area rather than just jumping around. A few collectibles in the game as well, that require thinking to find them, it is quite a decent challenge. Bad thing about this, is that the game itself is not very long (maybe 4-6 hours) and the fact that it is about “finding out” (puzzle solving) how to advance, once you’ve done it, that’s it there is little replay value here. This is probably the main criticism that can be made to the game. However, it is a very satisfying experience, very intense a lot of times, that won’t disappoint. Said that, I wouldn’t pay too high of a price for this, but if it is for sale it is definitely worth, but be aware of the game’s length.

    Summarising, fantastic and unique platforming-puzzle game, it does an amazing job at making the player feel the intensity of the situations (e.g. when a dog chases you to kill you, you’ll feel real tension and urge to flee). It is a game that emotionally says a lot, and won’t leave you indifferent. Just know that although intense in a lot of ways, this is a short journey (4-6 h). If you liked Limbo, Journey, Ico, Shadow of the colossus, the last guardian etc. that kind of game, I think you should definitely give this one a try. If you didn’t, spend your money elsewhere as you probably won’t enjoy Inside that much.
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  19. Apr 11, 2017
    10
    Inside is a fantastic puzzle and platforming game with beautiful art and sound design. Like Limbo, the game consists of only a few simple controls and gameplay mechanics. However the level design is a complete leap ahead of Limbo as Inside has created full 3D environments with gorgeous looking animations and detail. The puzzles are all fun, unique, challenging, and satisfying when you beatInside is a fantastic puzzle and platforming game with beautiful art and sound design. Like Limbo, the game consists of only a few simple controls and gameplay mechanics. However the level design is a complete leap ahead of Limbo as Inside has created full 3D environments with gorgeous looking animations and detail. The puzzles are all fun, unique, challenging, and satisfying when you beat them. And finally the story, location, and premise continues to get more and more intriguing as you get farther into the game. I would definitely recommend it. Expand
  20. May 25, 2018
    10
    People are so easy to manipulate. Mind-blowing ending, beautiful shades and great art-direction at all!
  21. Apr 23, 2018
    9
    It is scary, interesting and fun.
    The brainwave make me never bored........
  22. Apr 21, 2018
    10
    A masterpiece in visual storytelling. Haunting and wonderful . just loved this.
  23. Aug 26, 2016
    9
    After 6 years, Playdead, the indie company that brought us Limbo, has finally released their sophomore effort, Inside, and it's brilliant. Inside does almost everything right. The dystopian world that Playdead has constructed is filled with mostly danger, but also beauty and wonder at times. All of the hard work the team has put forth is incredibly evident. Whether it's the meticulouslyAfter 6 years, Playdead, the indie company that brought us Limbo, has finally released their sophomore effort, Inside, and it's brilliant. Inside does almost everything right. The dystopian world that Playdead has constructed is filled with mostly danger, but also beauty and wonder at times. All of the hard work the team has put forth is incredibly evident. Whether it's the meticulously crafted set pieces, or the refraction of a flashlight peering through the environment, it's all wonderful. This game is marketed as a puzzle-platformer, but in almost every instance, the puzzles don't feel like puzzles at all. They are overcome with realistic, logical solutions that will only occasionally slow down the player pressing onward, and the game is better for it. The atmosphere is terrific, and the linear nature is perfect for the $20 price tag. The game is on the short side, which is to be expected for this type of indie game, although it's intrinsically worth much more based on the quality of the product. After my third play through, I can say it was $20 very well spent. Technically, the game is almost flawless. During my second play through I noticed one instance of clipping, but it's hardly distracting, and doesn't affect the gameplay in any way. The frame rate is rock solid too. My only criticism is the way the music is implemented, or rather are not implemented during certain moments. There are a few instances I thought music could have added to the tension or subtlety of what was happening on screen. It's really the only thing keeping it away from being an absolute masterpiece. But it's still a must play, must own gem. It has a dark, perhaps deeply profound narrative that deserves to be played, and replayed for years to come. Expand
  24. Oct 3, 2018
    10
    This is the best game of its genre, hands down. It doesn't technically deserve a 10, but since it's at least a 9 and the best of its genre, in a genre that is lately overdone, it must have a bonus. Definitely recommended to anyone liking some atmospheric platformer.
  25. Oct 17, 2016
    9
    INSIDE is brilliant. It's not the best game I've played this year (Dark Souls 3), but I will remember it for a long time. Being the sequel to LIMBO, I had really high expectations for INSIDE. Well I have no doubt in my mind that this game lived up to all of them. The story is really well done even when there's not a hint of dialogue present in the game. This sounds weird on paper, but theINSIDE is brilliant. It's not the best game I've played this year (Dark Souls 3), but I will remember it for a long time. Being the sequel to LIMBO, I had really high expectations for INSIDE. Well I have no doubt in my mind that this game lived up to all of them. The story is really well done even when there's not a hint of dialogue present in the game. This sounds weird on paper, but the magic is in the theories that I'm still thinking about to this day. The game also has a beautiful art style. LIMBO had a black and white filter to the entire game, but the color palette in INSIDE reminds me more of Sin City, how only certain parts of the world are colored. So how is the gameplay? Well, it's surprisingly awesome. I heard someone complain that the game feels like it plays itself. In certain parts of the game, this is true. However, most of the game is filled with well-crafted puzzles and challenges that had me scratching my head more than once. The physics help elevate the challenge and intrigue of some of these, which not many platformers take advantage of nowadays. Despite what I've talked about so far, nothing compares to the ending. It's phenomenal. Probably one of the best I've ever seen in a video game. The events that take place in the finale of INSIDE are too good to spoil, and you need to play the game for yourself to see how amazing it is. The only complaint I have about INSIDE is that even with the added bonus of going back and obtaining the secret ending, INSIDE is very short, only lasting about 3 hours long. Besides that, INSIDE is an incredible game that is just shy of being a masterpiece. I still recommend it to anyone, though. 9/10. Expand
  26. Aug 26, 2016
    9
    This game will haunt me forever. For the best reasons. I expected a lot, after playing Limbo, but I would've never imagined that they would take it even further. So much further.

    The setting is similar, so is the atmosphere, world, the vibe of danger and melancholy. A kid, anonymous, nameless, possibly frightened, needs to run and survive. And through a series of interesting (but never
    This game will haunt me forever. For the best reasons. I expected a lot, after playing Limbo, but I would've never imagined that they would take it even further. So much further.

    The setting is similar, so is the atmosphere, world, the vibe of danger and melancholy. A kid, anonymous, nameless, possibly frightened, needs to run and survive. And through a series of interesting (but never too hard) puzzles, and platforming, we see his story unfolding.

    I was always asking myself: what's going on? Who are these people? Is he running from someone or towards someone? And with each step, each new chapter, I was more and more mesmerized by this game.

    Nothing could prepare me for the last stretch though. The final act was just the confirmation that "Inside" needs to be cherished not only as an "indie gem", but a true achievement in gaming.
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  27. Oct 3, 2016
    10
    I'd like to reply directly to the 7 rating from mosannam9696

    I think you've missed the point a little. You appear to have gone into the game expecting a life changing moment - while the other reviewers are rightly giving it a 10, it doesn't mean you should sit there and be on constant alert for a mind blowing experience. What I did was start the game with no preconceptions, try to
    I'd like to reply directly to the 7 rating from mosannam9696

    I think you've missed the point a little. You appear to have gone into the game expecting a life changing moment - while the other reviewers are rightly giving it a 10, it doesn't mean you should sit there and be on constant alert for a mind blowing experience.

    What I did was start the game with no preconceptions, try to understand what the game was telling me, enjoy the way in which it dealt with life and death. The challenges were perfect in my opinion; often only stopping me just enough so that I could say "Ah, that's how you do it" then move on.

    I found the ending bizarre too, but it certainly left me sitting there going "wow." Rather than previous games where I hit X immediately.

    This game will make you smile, tense; even scared and maybe confused. But never have I played a game where this has happened.
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  28. Nov 12, 2016
    9
    Worthy follow up to LIMBO. But inside is one of the first films to truly make me feel uncomfortable and more than a little depressed. I love to play it, but only for limited periods of time. Still, it's a huge success, great puzzles, gorgeous visuals, and a haunting sound design.
  29. Feb 27, 2018
    9
    Great game! The atmosphere, graphics, presentation are out of this world. Gameplay is great as well.
    this game makes you want to play it. and you cant put it down till you passed it! One of the best 2D platforms I played!
  30. Jan 23, 2017
    8
    The game is brilliant in regards to minimalistic approach to story-telling. And like Limbo, it works brilliantly. The controls are very simple and work extremely well with platforming. I do believe it is a step down from the more challenging puzzles and platforming of Limbo. I did enjoy the black and white contrasts more there. Albeit, they did showcase Limbo, after all. These colourThe game is brilliant in regards to minimalistic approach to story-telling. And like Limbo, it works brilliantly. The controls are very simple and work extremely well with platforming. I do believe it is a step down from the more challenging puzzles and platforming of Limbo. I did enjoy the black and white contrasts more there. Albeit, they did showcase Limbo, after all. These colour schemes work in their own way here and are more suited for the theme. However, those worked better for Limbo. What I am trying to state here is that if both games are compared on the basis of their colour usage and its effectiveness, then Limbo is better.

    The story execution was better in Limbo as well. I liked its minimalistic approach more. Here, things were a bit ... too obvious? I do realize that both games approach two very different topics and Inside is more of a social commentary if anything else, but that is how I felt about it.

    Regardless of what anyone thinks, I thought the game was very well put together, despite a few of its flaws. It is short and to the point kind of affair. Every gamer should give it a try as not everything is about big, flashy AAA titles. Limbo and Inside prove that many things can be done in a highly complex and effective manner by the use of simple controls and graphics. It reinforces the idea that "little things" make big differences sometimes.

    I expect to see more from these highly talented Developers. They have my thanks, as I had a great time.
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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Sep 28, 2016
    90
    If we had the technology, we’d force all of you to lurch up out of your chairs and go buy this. [November 2016, p64]
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Sep 26, 2016
    90
    Certain standout moments play unlike any other game. Your first play-through may frustrate but the emotional aftermath hammers home the depth of the achievement. It's the nightmare cousin of Journey. [Oct 2016, p.78]
  3. Sep 15, 2016
    90
    An awesome puzzle game with a fascinating style and a dark, but intriguing storyline. Fans of Limbo shouldn't hesitate.