INSIDE

 Switch
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 339 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 276 out of 339
  2. Mixed: 45 out of 339
  3. Negative: 18 out of 339

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  1. adpaskhughes
    Aug 25, 2023
    9
    Inside is a close to perfect puzzle-platformer. Great sound design, art direction, challenging puzzles and intriguing story.
  2. PacoBN23
    Jun 24, 2023
    8
    Inside es un juego de puzles que mejora la fórmula de su predecesor, Limbo. Las animaciones son más fluidas, el aspecto artístico del juego bastante mejor y los puzles mantienen la esencia del juego anterior pero siendo totalmente originales.
    Lo más importante de Inside es su historia, la cual es bastante abierta y confusa, obligándote a crear tus propias teorías para dar sentido a su    Inside es un juego de puzles que mejora la fórmula de su predecesor, Limbo. Las animaciones son más fluidas, el aspecto artístico del juego bastante mejor y los puzles mantienen la esencia del juego anterior pero siendo totalmente originales.
    Lo más importante de Inside es su historia, la cual es bastante abierta y confusa, obligándote a crear tus propias teorías para dar sentido a su argumento. Juego bastante recomendado.    … Expand
  3. Nevbear1206
    Jun 22, 2023
    10
    A masterclass in visual storytelling, simplistic gameplay, environmental puzzles, and everything else that this perfect platformer sets out to achieve. Each section is more engaging than the last, with a finale that has gone down in gaming history. I was continuously amazed by the sheer attention of detail and polish that was carefully imbued into this title. Indie mastery.
  4. Mastereed
    Jun 12, 2023
    8
    INSIDE THE BRAIN’S PUZZLE

    BEFORE WE START: Inside is a Puzzle-Platform video game developed by Playdead and published on June 29, 2016. The game was completed 100% on Xbox Series X. BREAKING IN: Inside is an extremely linear title based on silent storytelling through the game's continuous animated backgrounds. The early gameplay stages do not differ much from what the player will    INSIDE THE BRAIN’S PUZZLE

    BEFORE WE START:
    Inside is a Puzzle-Platform video game developed by Playdead and published on June 29, 2016. The game was completed 100% on Xbox Series X.

    BREAKING IN:
    Inside is an extremely linear title based on silent storytelling through the game's continuous animated backgrounds. The early gameplay stages do not differ much from what the player will encounter throughout the entirety of the story, allowing them to face any adversity from the beginning. Most of the mechanics are highly intuitive, thanks to the simplicity of the usable buttons, the jump and the grab. The dark and macabre setting of the story is easily discernible from the initial deaths, which are quite easy to come across due to the non-trivial difficulty of this title.

    OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE:
    As mentioned earlier, with limited interaction buttons, Inside focuses on the complexity of its puzzles, which are almost always distinct from one another but interconnected enough to prevent the player from feeling disoriented. Some sections of the game are quite challenging to overcome without experiencing fatalities, but as it relies partially on trial and error, they never become frustrating or predictable, aided by a multitude of death animations. As the title suggests, the mechanic on which many puzzles revolve is the ability to control other humanoids by entering their bodies, utilized for both platforming sections and structured puzzles. In addition to the extremely linear story, there are several collectibles that lead to highly crafted secondary areas.

    FADING TO BLACK:
    Graphically, Inside blends a minimalistic style, employing flat colors and graphics, with a 3D approach characterized by a pronounced depth of field and rich details. The story is entirely conveyed through events in the background or foreground, with people interacting with the game environment or the player themselves, often pursuing them to capture. The background, therefore, is not merely a passive element to observe but always interactive with the current gameplay situation the player is trying to complete.

    THAT BARK:
    The audio component is relatively straightforward, with background soundtracks suitable for each passage.

    BUT WHY 8?

    PROS:
    The extreme simplicity of Inside is one of its defining characteristics, making it a relaxing and fast-paced game to play. Furthermore, the puzzles are never predictable or boring, nor too difficult or frustrating. Additionally, the story is as simple as it is effective.

    CONS:
    The lack of a noteworthy soundtrack is a significant drawback for such an authorial game, making certain areas feel rather bare and playable without audio with few issues and shortcomings. Additionally, at times, the game feels too linear, with levels that give a sense of déjà vu.

    RATINGS:
    Gameplay: 8.5
    Music: 7
    Story: 7
    Puzzles: 8.5
    _    … Expand
  5. ANAKISS
    Jun 12, 2023
    10
    Everything is perfect. From the music to the design. Obstacles never repeat themselves and the story is comprehensible even if the game don't say anything about it
  6. BadSector
    May 9, 2023
    10
    This is one of the most beautiful and disturbing games I have ever played. Very minimal yet so intense and challenging sometimes. Highly recommended.
  7. rebster
    Mar 18, 2023
    10
    This game is fantastic. Atmospheric and definitely a must play if you enjoy puzzles and thrillers.
  8. Ninten_Dom
    Mar 12, 2023
    9
    OVERALL - 9/10
    Inside is an amazing experience with a highly thrilling atmosphere seasoned with a puzzling story and action packed gameplay.
    STORY - 7/10 The player controls a young boy in a post apocalyptic (?) world. I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers, but the story is interesting, although very puzzling. The main story takes roughly 4-6 hours to play through. GAMEPLAY - 10/10    OVERALL - 9/10
    Inside is an amazing experience with a highly thrilling atmosphere seasoned with a puzzling story and action packed gameplay.

    STORY - 7/10
    The player controls a young boy in a post apocalyptic (?) world. I won't go into detail to avoid spoilers, but the story is interesting, although very puzzling. The main story takes roughly 4-6 hours to play through. GAMEPLAY - 10/10
    Gameplay is basic in principle. The game is in 2.5D, you can walk, sometimes swim, and push objects. However, there are various puzzles that require different techniques and problem solving to pass. The gameplay itself is not what makes Inside shine, though, but rather the thrilling atmosphere it creates and keeps you on edge until the end. I would go as far as to say this was in my top 3 gaming experiences in the last 5-ish years.

    CONTROLS - 10/10
    Game plays in handheld, tabletop and TV modes, texts are easy to read. Pro Controller is supported, Single Joy-Con control is possible. No subtitles (and hardly any text). One with impaired hearing could technically play this game, although the music and sound effects add a really high level of immersion to the game, without which it wouldn't be the same (for me at least).

    GRAPHICS - 9/10
    The graphics perfectly fit the game's atmosphere, textures are detailed and look great on the TV. I believe the game runs at a steady 30 FPS. The shading, the colors and the models are all in harmony with the story and atmosphere, however I find some areas too dark. AUDIO - 10/10
    This is where the game really shines. There's no constant background music, it adapts to the current area. The composition of the music and sound effects with the current situation really makes you feel like being part of the game and plays a huge role in creating the highly thrilling atmosphere. OTHER (possible SPOILERS)
    . .
    . The game has an alternate ending that requires the player to find multiple secret areas and solve a difficult puzzle in the end (which I wouldn't have figured out myself).
    The ending (especially the secret ending) is a little surprising and "open to interpretation", meaning the story is not completely explained and is left to your imagination.
    The game starts right in the action, there's no main menu or cinematic, which is a nice touch in this case. There's no replayability, one could say this is a walking simulator with extra steps. If you're really not into this genre, don't buy.    … Expand
  9. the-big-dady
    Jan 31, 2023
    10
    Es un juego que la primera vez que lo vi me quede sin palabras, la segunda vez tambien y la tercera mas de lo mismo. Es un juego excelente son puzles de esos que no dices que "tontuna de puzle", son todos puzles de aunque te pases media hora para resolver siempre dices "OOOOO". La direccion de arte es maravillosa. Aunque sea minimalista me encanta el diseño de personajes y aunque sea unaEs un juego que la primera vez que lo vi me quede sin palabras, la segunda vez tambien y la tercera mas de lo mismo. Es un juego excelente son puzles de esos que no dices que "tontuna de puzle", son todos puzles de aunque te pases media hora para resolver siempre dices "OOOOO". La direccion de arte es maravillosa. Aunque sea minimalista me encanta el diseño de personajes y aunque sea una atmosfera opresiva, apagada y triste el mundo se siente vivo. En conclusion un pedazo de juego que deberia de haber ganado a Overwacht.… Expand
  10. jonjohn048
    Jan 29, 2023
    10
    After checking out Limbo, I wasn't sure if I wanted to check out Inside but I am SUPER HAPPY I did because not only is Inside a better game than Limbo, it's more or less one of the best indie games I've played. Limbo was a great 2D puzzle game that had absolutely no story to keep me hooked, Inside is a 2.5D puzzle game that tells it's story in a strange way where you have to essentiallyAfter checking out Limbo, I wasn't sure if I wanted to check out Inside but I am SUPER HAPPY I did because not only is Inside a better game than Limbo, it's more or less one of the best indie games I've played. Limbo was a great 2D puzzle game that had absolutely no story to keep me hooked, Inside is a 2.5D puzzle game that tells it's story in a strange way where you have to essentially look for it and when you reach the end, it leaves you asking more questions from when you first played it and unlike Limbo, playing the game PLENTY of times began to help me piece plenty of pieces together and the story is amazing btw. It's 2.5D mechanic is surprisingly not a gimmick and it's used surprisingly well like with some enemies showing up in the background potentially getting in your way and hampering your progress. The puzzles are roughly similar quality to Limbo which is not a bad thing since Limbo's puzzles were pretty and actually made you THINK to solve them. The graphics are great for an indie game and the color pallate is in a strange way appropriate to the atmosphere of this game which is more or less what the developers intended and I can't commend them enough for that. The "collectables" come back from Limbo and they're different to the point where they feel like they belong to a world like Inside. Your main protagonist doesn't speak but he realistically doesn't need to since he's supposed to be nothing more than a simple avatar and you're supposed to imagine yourself in his shoes. Overall, this game is one I strongly recommend if you like suspense and even to people that don't because the way how it integrates strong puzzles into a fascinating story is remarkable to say the least and I'm glad it managed to fill in the void Limbo left behind.… Expand
  11. Joe2539
    Jan 3, 2023
    10
    Very Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good Good
  12. hileger
    Dec 27, 2022
    8
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  13. Wakellor957
    Dec 19, 2022
    10
    Perhaps I'm just slow.. but this game took me much longer than 3-4 hours to complete. I don't know if that's because I was completely sucked into the world and just enjoying the environment, because I was messing about or because I was too dumb to figure out some of the puzzles instantly like some of the geniuses on this page... but long story short I think this has to be one of the bestPerhaps I'm just slow.. but this game took me much longer than 3-4 hours to complete. I don't know if that's because I was completely sucked into the world and just enjoying the environment, because I was messing about or because I was too dumb to figure out some of the puzzles instantly like some of the geniuses on this page... but long story short I think this has to be one of the best games I've ever played in my life!

    The environment, first off, is one of the most alive I've ever experienced, even though it's 2.5D I guess. In a world full of extremely lifeless 3D environments (yes, even many open/world ones with a few exceptions), background events that I wasn't expecting and the way other people and objects interact with the boy throughout the game is just insanely well designed and placed and does nothing but pull you further into the game. There are so many different kinds of settings in this game too and every one is either terrifying or spooky in some way.

    The animation is incredible too. There are few other games I've played that have felt this smooth to control. Realism-wise especially, there are little details everywhere and there wasn't a single point where I felt "this animation is too choppy or weird"

    The storytelling (if you could call it that) is well paced, the horror element itself is great and not dependent on jump scares, but really eerie ideas in the puzzles, almost certain death in certain situations and amazingly good sound design.

    The puzzles themselves I see a lot of other reviewers found them a little too easy, but there were quite a few that had me, at least, scratching my head and some that outright made me quit for a while before coming back another day and seeing the obvious after picking it up again. I found every puzzle satisfying to complete.

    Absolutely pick this game up if you haven't played it before. It's great. Oh and the ending is great too    … Expand
  14. SheldanxD
    Nov 26, 2022
    10
    Los 2 dólares mejor invertidos, me encanta que no te explican nada y te obliga a interpretar todo y corre muy bien en nintendo switch.
  15. Bkillinm
    Nov 10, 2022
    10
    One of the best indie games out there, a 2D puzzle platformer with incredible atmosphere, great sound design and inviting game play. Could be a bit longer but what it sets out to achieve it does so flawlessly.
  16. ophone
    Oct 16, 2022
    8
    I prefer this a bit more than its predecessor LIMBO. On one hand because the riddles are more complex but they were easier for me to solve. On the other because there's interaction with humans and dogs, even if they're usually hostile.
    Although as in LIMBO, while it sticks well to the obscure and oppressing atmosphere, I regret a more elaborate soundtrack.
    As for its length of roughly 4    I prefer this a bit more than its predecessor LIMBO. On one hand because the riddles are more complex but they were easier for me to solve. On the other because there's interaction with humans and dogs, even if they're usually hostile.
    Although as in LIMBO, while it sticks well to the obscure and oppressing atmosphere, I regret a more elaborate soundtrack.
    As for its length of roughly 4 hours, the original €20 are a little steep, especially because it's unlikely a game I'll replay. Luckily I got it discounted for €2. At that price it's a little gem.    … Expand
  17. Onioncreature
    Oct 12, 2022
    10
    Inside is an extremely impressive narrative puzzle platformer, with an outstanding presentation. The sound and visual design are really well done, and are quite immersive. The gameplay works well, and augments the story. Really cool game, nothing else is quite like it.
  18. Oddlennon
    Sep 1, 2022
    10
    Fantastic game!
    Had fun from start to finish. Would definitely play again and often recommend to others.
  19. bernardowerner
    Aug 22, 2022
    9
    Truly immersive and mesmerizing game. The gameplay, design, the minimal scenario, the plot, the puzzles. Everything adds to the experience. The only bad thing about it is its short length.
  20. PombaMortamw
    Aug 19, 2022
    9
    Grande surpresa! Ao inicio fiquei relutante em comprar, mas foi sem sombra de dúvidas uma escolha acertada.
    Divertido, por vezes imprevisivel e desafiante.
    Mecânica simples e contagiante.
    Para Indie, honestamente? Não se pode pedir muito mais.
    Gostava que a história fosse mais longa.
    Recomendo
  21. Gumdrop
    Aug 14, 2022
    10
    Beautiful, atmospheric, minimalist and tense. Sometimes all at the same time. At its heart, it's a great platformer. The puzzles are so seamlessly woven into the narrative that you just kind of flow in and out of them. They manage to be challenging without being frustrating. The magic they've pulled off is that you start with no explanation, no tutorial, no hints. And yet, you're neverBeautiful, atmospheric, minimalist and tense. Sometimes all at the same time. At its heart, it's a great platformer. The puzzles are so seamlessly woven into the narrative that you just kind of flow in and out of them. They manage to be challenging without being frustrating. The magic they've pulled off is that you start with no explanation, no tutorial, no hints. And yet, you're never left confused. You just start playing and it makes sense. The controls are perfect. Just the left stick and a couple of buttons.

    It's not the longest game, but it is 100% one of the best games I've played. The visuals are gorgeous. The sound design doesn't overwhelm. Instead, it sets up the atmosphere perfectly.
    I plan to replay this one many times.

    My advice if you're considering this game. Don't read any spoilers. Just play it and discover it for yourself. You'll be happy you did.    … Expand
  22. ThunderAlmond
    Aug 11, 2022
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. ‘INSIDE’ has great visuals, great audios, and a treasure of a story. The game should be played not for the gameplay, but for the experience. It should be played the way one would sit down for an about-three hour movie at home. It’s kinda like how interactive novels are labelled “games” while not really being games, but they have branching paths depending on your strategy.

    The puzzle solving here is engaging and exploration is doable without a guide because of the sound design and yellow lines. Don’t worry about spending time on exploration; it will never lead you too astray and there are typically good shortcuts to return to the main path. Checkpoints are greatly structured to help in exploration, as well as memorable set pieces! The game is short because of it but still hits heavy in the end. There’s little to no wasted space here. Everything is purposeful.

    More story opens up the more you explore and all the pieces come together in the end. I love how the story is done purely through environment. There are zero lines of dialogue; zero text boxes. The game brilliantly conveys feelings of unease. There’s a light sense of horror, a general sense of isolation, and a strong sense of desolation. That’s the most I’ll say about the story since you gotta just experience it for yourself (the less you know going in, the better). Afterwards, please interpret the story for yourself before going online to find more details, since the game lends itself fun room for interpretation. If you beat the game already, compare your interpretation to mine!

    SPOILERS: I see the overall message being about how illusionary control can be. The corporation is truly in control, through the cameras and through the Huddle. When the Huddle leads the boy to unplug from the system, the boy falls inactive. Rather than being controlled, it would rather the be nothing at all. In a way, the Huddle, all the zombies, and the boy itself, are all now “free”.    … Expand
  23. Tradnux
    Aug 10, 2022
    9
    What a piece of work this game is, that silent harrowing atmosphere pierces through you it makes you want to survive the game even more, with some brilliant puzzles and obstacles to solve, combined with masterfully done subdued but gloomy sound and art direction with good lighting and smooth animations.

    In my experience it still needs some amount of agile mind and attention to detail to    What a piece of work this game is, that silent harrowing atmosphere pierces through you it makes you want to survive the game even more, with some brilliant puzzles and obstacles to solve, combined with masterfully done subdued but gloomy sound and art direction with good lighting and smooth animations.

    In my experience it still needs some amount of agile mind and attention to detail to beat all the puzzles, especially if you haven't played much games like this before and are not the kind to enjoying puzzles that much. Once you mastered the puzzles then I guess another playthrough for speed run is not a bad thing since the sequences in this game is like a riveting silent story told in a game format.

    This is a memorable game and I recommend it wholeheartedly.    … Expand
  24. svonton
    Jun 24, 2022
    8
    how it works? - nothing special as for indie platformer smooth and shine. Game itself: small bro got killed multiple time with every object in this game.
  25. Sugo
    Apr 6, 2022
    10
    This is a classic. One of the best platforms of all time. And it has one of the best endings in gaming history.
  26. yasino21
    Feb 27, 2022
    10
    masterpiece great game good gameplay good graphics interesting story i want see more inside games .
  27. Fluffy-Chick
    Feb 19, 2022
    9
    What this game gets right is that you're never left unable to complete a puzzle - everything you need to progress is available to you within the immediate vicinity - you don't get to the end only to find you can't progress because didn't pick up the loo roll on level 3 or something frustrating like that. I completed it far quicker than I might have if my partner hadn't looked up every timeWhat this game gets right is that you're never left unable to complete a puzzle - everything you need to progress is available to you within the immediate vicinity - you don't get to the end only to find you can't progress because didn't pick up the loo roll on level 3 or something frustrating like that. I completed it far quicker than I might have if my partner hadn't looked up every time I was getting frustrated, to say something like, 'can you get to that rope' (or whatever I'd neglected to notice). I did find it a little annoying there weren't really any red herrings. If something can be pushed, pulled or switched then it's because it's needs to be. The game is very atmospheric - a little too much so that I needed to take regular breaks to do something more cheerful. It's rare I stick with a game until the end though, so that says something about how well this game does a puzzle platformer.… Expand
  28. dan-man
    Jan 10, 2022
    10
    Essential game for the discerning gamer of taste. Cheap. Great port. Short and sweet. Unique. Fascinating. Bizarre.

    Buy it.
  29. IamSquid
    Jan 2, 2022
    9
    An excellent game demonstrating how to tell a story through gameplay alone and how to teach the player how to play without tutorials, etc. Strongly recommended!
  30. nusco
    Dec 24, 2021
    8
    The second game from the authors of Limbo.

    PROS: AMAZING ATMOSPHERE: Inside is creepy as heck, set in a post-industrial hell that is in equal parts gorgeous and oppressive. FANTASTIC ART: This game has some of the most impressive graphics and animation, and the most amazing sound, ever seen on the Switch. Resolution aside, many scripted sequences are worthy of an animated movie.    The second game from the authors of Limbo.

    PROS:

    AMAZING ATMOSPHERE: Inside is creepy as heck, set in a post-industrial hell that is in equal parts gorgeous and oppressive.

    FANTASTIC ART: This game has some of the most impressive graphics and animation, and the most amazing sound, ever seen on the Switch. Resolution aside, many scripted sequences are worthy of an animated movie. Inside deserves to be played on the biggest screen you have, with a headset.

    SURPRISING ENDING: While Limbo kept a consistent tone until the ending, the last few sequences of Inside include a pretty jaw-dropping twist. However… (See the "cons".)

    CONS:

    THE ENDING IS SOMEWHAT WEAK: The last few levels are surprising, yes–but it's also a bit weak compared to Limbo's goosebump-inducing final sequence. Also, the sudden change in tone might leave some players cold.

    IT'S BASICALLY MORE "LIMBO": While Inside introduces plenty of new mechanics of its own, the basic idea is the same as Limbo: move left and right, climb and push stuff, solve puzzles. By the second game, the style is starting to feel like a formula.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Switch Game of 2018
22
#22 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2018
51
#51 Most Shared Switch Game of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Sep 5, 2018
    85
    As many people as possible should have the opportunity to experience Inside. [Issue #35 – September/October 2018, p. 21]
  2. Gaming Nexus
    Aug 30, 2018
    90
    Like Limbo, Inside is short, mechanically addictive and emotionally haunting. It’s the perfect addition to the Switch’s growing library of now-portable indie hits.
    Read full review
  3. XGN
    Aug 17, 2018
    85
    Inside is an awesome game that is even more horrifying than Limbo. The best thing about this game is the mode and the way everything in this world wants to kill you. The adventure is a bit short but you will definitely love it if you enjoyed Limbo.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »