User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1051 Ratings

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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. Aug 10, 2017
    10
    Quite simply a masterpiece. Every bit as good as Limbo and in some ways better.
    Superb graphics, engaging gameplay, fiendish puzzles...
    You could argue that the end is slightly weaker than the rest of the game, but I loved it from start to finish.
    Roll on the next release from Playdead.
  4. 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
  5. Sep 10, 2016
    10
    Absolutely amazing and well polished title from the beginning to the end. So far it is one of the best gaming experiences I've lived this year. This is a real game design and storytelling lesson that should be studied in game or movie schools.
    Well played Playdead!
  6. Nov 18, 2020
    10
    Most enjoyable game ~ I haven’t had so much fun since Breath of the Wild.

    I finished the game in one sitting [circa 3 hours] and I urge you to treat yourself and try this game.
  7. 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.
  8. 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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  9. Jan 11, 2017
    10
    Absolutely exquisite, Inside is not only a great piece of art design and intriguing dystopian yarn, it's a gamer's game. The main character has great feel, reminiscent of Ico, and the puzzle design is not only clever - and makes you feel clever in solving them, but playfully messes with your head - using deception, forcing you to take risks, goading you into trying out what worked beforeAbsolutely exquisite, Inside is not only a great piece of art design and intriguing dystopian yarn, it's a gamer's game. The main character has great feel, reminiscent of Ico, and the puzzle design is not only clever - and makes you feel clever in solving them, but playfully messes with your head - using deception, forcing you to take risks, goading you into trying out what worked before only to see it then fail. But never being arbitrary or obscure or tedious and presenting a well managed learning curve. Some set pieces i thought were astonishing, which seems odd to say for a game that effectively plays in two dimensions. The shockwave level for example for its sheer ingenuity, or first diving in the bathysphere. By not letting you move into the screen it allows your imagination to fill its murky backdrops with a vision of a malign, desolate and dangerous world you are traversing. Unique, memorable, skilful and focussed. I wonder what Playdead have for us next? Expand
  10. 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.
  11. Jan 5, 2021
    10
    An incredibly creepy atmosphere with a compelling and intriguing story. There's so many interesting interpretations of what the game represents and it's fascinating to read.
  12. Jun 21, 2017
    10
    There were instances where I almost felt grief because of certain parts (pertaining to the gameplay) but before that happened those parts ended playing out gracefully. And with some of the level design looking like it would be a mountain to climb just ended up being a bump in the road. This game is a near flawless piece of work. With the few effortless hours I spent playing this game,There were instances where I almost felt grief because of certain parts (pertaining to the gameplay) but before that happened those parts ended playing out gracefully. And with some of the level design looking like it would be a mountain to climb just ended up being a bump in the road. This game is a near flawless piece of work. With the few effortless hours I spent playing this game, almost all the gameplay there in, but say thirty seconds holds significant value over the time "spent" to see this game to its end. And at that end I was amazed and afterwards elated. Expand
  13. May 15, 2018
    10
    Beautiful, haunting, expertly paced are all words to describe Inside. It's one of the darkest yet interesting games I've ever played. It honestly shook me by the end.
  14. 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.
  15. 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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  16. Oct 10, 2017
    10
    This game is creepy horror done right. While there little to no jump scares, The game creepy atmosphere and graphics as well as the music keeps me intense though out the whole game. The game also loves foreshadow which add to the intensity. The controls are very simple and easy to get use too. The narrative is brilliant. Overall a game worth it's 20 dollar price tag.
  17. Sep 9, 2016
    10
    Inside is one of the best games I've played this year, and even has some replay value. 20$ is a perfect price for a game this fun and good looking, with an amazing story. (told through no words) The art in this game is stunning at times, and it's only "flaw", is that if you're looking for a very difficult puzzle game, this is not it. Highly, highly recommend.
  18. Sep 12, 2016
    10
    Inside is nothing short of a masterpiece, a future cult classic. The meticulous sound design, graphics, and attention to detail only compliment what, as a hardcore sci fi fan, is an undeniable triumph. Sensational sci fi mystery with such a shocking and thought provoking climax that actually works, is so rare that I am so satisfied with the game I felt the need to tell metacritic about itsInside is nothing short of a masterpiece, a future cult classic. The meticulous sound design, graphics, and attention to detail only compliment what, as a hardcore sci fi fan, is an undeniable triumph. Sensational sci fi mystery with such a shocking and thought provoking climax that actually works, is so rare that I am so satisfied with the game I felt the need to tell metacritic about its genius. Puzzles aren't too hard which may annoy some, but that really doesn't stand in the way of what a great game this is. 10/10, superb story telling, and also the post game analysis with friends is where it's at, that's what will make it a great. Enjoy! Expand
  19. Sep 14, 2016
    10
    THE best game I've played in a long time. Playdead hit the nail on the head once again. Play it to the end, then sit back and try to fathom what its all about. SUCH a good game in all aspects. Bravo Guys!
  20. Jan 24, 2017
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is amazing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Expand
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. Sep 22, 2016
    10
    Another World (Out of this World) meets Stranger Things... Visually a work of art... Top Notch gameplay... Overall a great experience. I personally might have liked a "longer" ending...
  24. 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.
  25. Sep 12, 2016
    10
    INSIDE is without doubt a dark little gem of a game. A fantastic achievement in platforming gameplay mechanics, visuals and sound design. This eerie bleak platformer where you play as a young faceless boy who makes his way through a dystopian world where scientists are running experiments is a mind bending game which will leave you in awe and confusion by the end of it. Easily one of theINSIDE is without doubt a dark little gem of a game. A fantastic achievement in platforming gameplay mechanics, visuals and sound design. This eerie bleak platformer where you play as a young faceless boy who makes his way through a dystopian world where scientists are running experiments is a mind bending game which will leave you in awe and confusion by the end of it. Easily one of the games of the year. Expand
  26. Sep 13, 2016
    10
    This game is absolutely incredible! Such a beautiful unique experience and full of surprises. While playing this I found myself just wishing there were more games like it. It's not a difficult game, but it places you in a very mysterious environment where anything can happen. I like that nothing is really explained and there are no instructions or dialogue. Simple yet satisfying game playThis game is absolutely incredible! Such a beautiful unique experience and full of surprises. While playing this I found myself just wishing there were more games like it. It's not a difficult game, but it places you in a very mysterious environment where anything can happen. I like that nothing is really explained and there are no instructions or dialogue. Simple yet satisfying game play and I already can't wait to see what Playdead does next. Expand
  27. Sep 25, 2016
    10
    I've been playing computer games since the 80's and Inside ranks very highly against all games from all era's. The style, mechanics, music, gameplay; everything about it is top notch, and the feeling of immersion is something quite special. The storyline and the world it plays out in is so compelling and thought provoking, it is truly a work of art. A genuine contender for best game of all time!
  28. Oct 7, 2016
    10
    the best indie game that i ever played.this game changed mt mind about AAA games.i wonder how a small team created this excellent game.also the story is very good . you cant find an issue in this game.
  29. 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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  30. Dec 26, 2016
    10
    Superb, Fantastic, Amazing Game. This is my First game from PLAYDEAD and I love it. INSIDE is an indie game about a red shirt boy trying to find the answers, I'm not going to spoil anything so it would be best if you experience it yourself because many players have different meaning for this game and you will have too after playing it.

    There is honestly nothing bad about this game, sure
    Superb, Fantastic, Amazing Game. This is my First game from PLAYDEAD and I love it. INSIDE is an indie game about a red shirt boy trying to find the answers, I'm not going to spoil anything so it would be best if you experience it yourself because many players have different meaning for this game and you will have too after playing it.

    There is honestly nothing bad about this game, sure its a 4 hour game but to be honest it doesn't matter because of its purchase price. It only cost $20 with amazing experience of story and puzzle solving. Puzzles in this game looks so interesting and fun that after you have solved that puzzle you will surely feel rewarded.

    Everything in this game looks so beautiful and fresh that either its a water splash or dust particles in the air, everything is detailed. Its like they went through this game again and again so that nothing is left out and they nailed it completely.

    Nothing more I can say because if I do then that can go into spoilers. So my final verdict for this game is 10/10 which means its a must buy game and you will surely love it.
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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.