INSIDE

 Xbox One
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 780 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 634 out of 780
  2. Mixed: 67 out of 780
  3. Negative: 79 out of 780

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  1. Valhura
    Jul 4, 2016
    10
    An instant masterpiece. Its better than Limbo in every way. This has game of the year written all over it..

    The art, sound design, intuitive gameplay and atmosphere are 2nd to none. Do yourself a favour and play this amazing game.
  2. beastmode2449
    Jul 3, 2016
    4
    No story. No idea what is going on throughout the game, other than mind control... Both endings are stupid. Game is crazy short, then the ending starts to get exciting, picking up the pace then all of a sudden it feels like getting blu-balls. Credits roll then a overwhelming feeling of being kicked in the nuts for spending $20 on ... this. Wait till it drops in price for $5.00 on xbox live gold.
  3. BernardSkon
    Jul 3, 2016
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Does anyone notice how terrible the ending is?
    The entire game was beautiful and was building up to something. An excellent story was brewing up.
    During the time I experienced the game, there was an exciting build up with tons of emotions going through me. It was glorious. Then the ending came. You get sucked into this glowing hole and the tension was real until you come into this chamber in a very, very anti-climactic and unsatisfying way and then you absorb yourself into this ball of people and escape the complex. Ultimate retard ending.

    I was absolutely livid. I felt played and trolled by Play Dead for ruining something that could have been ground-breaking. They had to make it disappointing on purpose or I really don't know what to think.    … Expand
  4. BananaReviews
    Jul 1, 2016
    10
    The game is intensely macabre, bizarre and mysterious, with a beautiful visual despite the gloomy appearance, really a game that stirs your emotions and makes you curious about what's going on, great game and recommended
  5. bogusrj
    Jul 1, 2016
    10
    Sensacional, jogo com uma atmosfera, física, gráficos e ambientação excelentes. Lembra muito Limbo mas é um jogo bem diferente, o final é de explodir a cabeça e nos fazer pensar, o jogo possui um final secreto apenas quando você pega todos os coletáveis, tente descobrir o que acontece. Recomendo muito que todos joguem e prestigiem esse incrível jogo da playdead, depois de terminar o jogoSensacional, jogo com uma atmosfera, física, gráficos e ambientação excelentes. Lembra muito Limbo mas é um jogo bem diferente, o final é de explodir a cabeça e nos fazer pensar, o jogo possui um final secreto apenas quando você pega todos os coletáveis, tente descobrir o que acontece. Recomendo muito que todos joguem e prestigiem esse incrível jogo da playdead, depois de terminar o jogo assistam o trailer novamente.… Expand
  6. jcarl663
    Jul 1, 2016
    8
    There was nothing bad about the game. The narrative, art design, score and gameplay/puzzles were all very well done. However, I don't see anything particularly mind-blowing or genre-defining here. It's well made, but it didn't blow me away. I'm not going to say why others should not feel that way, but after beating it (in less than 4 hours by the way) I walked away satisfied that I got myThere was nothing bad about the game. The narrative, art design, score and gameplay/puzzles were all very well done. However, I don't see anything particularly mind-blowing or genre-defining here. It's well made, but it didn't blow me away. I'm not going to say why others should not feel that way, but after beating it (in less than 4 hours by the way) I walked away satisfied that I got my money's worth and had a good experience with the game, but extremely confused as to why this game is being hailed as the greatest thing ever.… Expand
  7. schrobro
    Jul 1, 2016
    10
    My emotions at the beginning of the game were mostly filled with fear. The pit in my stomach as I barely escaped death time after time was intense. Contrast that to the huge smile on my face the last 20 minutes(I laughed out loud multiple times, though I'm probably twisted). This game is incredible and should not be missed.
  8. Zime
    Jul 1, 2016
    10
    This is without a doubt one of the most memorable and best games I've played in a long time and a game that while very similar to Limbo, is better than that title in every way.
    Without any dialogue it presents a tale that's horrific, fascinating and up to the player to interpret. The flow of the game is also fantastic, with no area dragging for too long and puzzles that never gets you    This is without a doubt one of the most memorable and best games I've played in a long time and a game that while very similar to Limbo, is better than that title in every way.
    Without any dialogue it presents a tale that's horrific, fascinating and up to the player to interpret. The flow of the game is also fantastic, with no area dragging for too long and puzzles that never gets you frustrated. The ending sequence which is utterly amazing could have been just a tad longer though.

    All in all Inside really shows what video games can accomplish and what makes the medium totally unique.    … Expand
  9. UERealist
    Jul 1, 2016
    10
    Video games as an art form has been something heavily debated for some time, but if Playdead has any say on the matter I believe the case has been settled. Using their beautifully crafted game Limbo as a springboard, they created a masterpiece that surpassed its predecessor in every way. A puzzle game at heart, Inside is packaged in a game that is filled with emotion and wrapped in mystique.
  10. TheOmegaMale
    Jul 1, 2016
    8
    Inside is a game that ,like so many other people, I have been eagerly awaiting since playing the hugely enjoyable yet slightly disturbing Limbo. Inside has been six long years in the making and, now that it has arrived, I'm finding myself both pleased and disappointed all at once.

    On the plus side of this reaction is the beautiful art work displayed in the visual design, the use of    Inside is a game that ,like so many other people, I have been eagerly awaiting since playing the hugely enjoyable yet slightly disturbing Limbo. Inside has been six long years in the making and, now that it has arrived, I'm finding myself both pleased and disappointed all at once.

    On the plus side of this reaction is the beautiful art work displayed in the visual design, the use of sound to set the mood, some satisfying environmental puzzles, and an ending that takes you to a place you never thought you'd find yourself.

    However, all the positives are dragged down by one major factor, LENGTH. This is NOT a long game. My first play through took three and a half hours and by my second play through I had found all of the optional secrets. So that's a total of approximately seven hours total for full completion, and half of that was retreading old ground. That is just NOT a value package considering the price at launch of sixteen English pounds.

    I look at Inside as an experiment in interactive storytelling rather than a "gamers" game. It is a wonderful experience, it just left me wanting more of it for the price I've payed. Overall, I'm glad that I've played or "experienced" this game, but I can't in good conscience give it a perfect score.

    Maybe some of these new breed of games should come with a warning "CAUTION ART".    … Expand
  11. partyintheback
    Jun 30, 2016
    10
    It's rare to play a game as utterly perfect as INSIDE. I'm not one for indie games, nor was I a huge fan of Limbo, but INSIDE is one of the most impeccably crafted video games that I've ever experienced. If you're looking for pitch perfect pacing, inventive but doable puzzles, haunting atmosphere with richly detailed environments, beautiful lighting, and a soundtrack that serves to enrichIt's rare to play a game as utterly perfect as INSIDE. I'm not one for indie games, nor was I a huge fan of Limbo, but INSIDE is one of the most impeccably crafted video games that I've ever experienced. If you're looking for pitch perfect pacing, inventive but doable puzzles, haunting atmosphere with richly detailed environments, beautiful lighting, and a soundtrack that serves to enrich the visual surroundings, and have it all look smooth and animate well when in motion, you can't really do much better than INSIDE. Very rarely does a game come along with this level of polish and quality that permeates every single facet of the game. This is easily one of the best video games of not just this generation, but hands down one of the best that I've ever played.… Expand
  12. toriniscool
    Jun 30, 2016
    10
    one of the best game I have ever played and will play. SO fun and addicting. It's hard and easy at the same time, and a very compelling story. You have to buy.
  13. nevsim81
    Jun 30, 2016
    7
    I can understand how certain fans of a specific genre might give it a 10; if you were a huge fan of Limbo or of similarly beautiful art styles, you'll love this game just as much, and it is quite an immersive world through its beautiful animations and dark dreamlike atmosphere. But this game needs an honest user review from an unbiased gamer who loves games of all genres.

    The 2 main    I can understand how certain fans of a specific genre might give it a 10; if you were a huge fan of Limbo or of similarly beautiful art styles, you'll love this game just as much, and it is quite an immersive world through its beautiful animations and dark dreamlike atmosphere. But this game needs an honest user review from an unbiased gamer who loves games of all genres.

    The 2 main facets of Inside are the puzzles and the story. Firstly, the puzzle sections of the game were often repetitive without anything truly revolutionary (although with some original concepts) for a 2-D platform/puzzle game. They aren't incredibly difficult which some may not be very happy about, but for me that actually isn't a complaint because I'd rather let the game and my enjoyment flow as opposed to getting stuck in frustration on a quirky puzzle for an hour at a time. Thankfully, I only spent about 20 minutes on the most challenging puzzle, and rarely as much on any other one. But as I mentioned, they are repetitive, and on the rare occasion annoyingly so. I also do have to give the game credit on being playable for almost anyone, and the mechanics are very simple with just a jump button and an action button the entire way through, and they work extremely well and are very functional.

    That brings us to the story. Without giving anything away, I have to admit it really leaves me wanting for more (again, I won't say exactly in which way as to avoid giving any absolute impressions about it, because I do feel it is something that needs to be interpreted by each player individually). I'll just say that on top of it being short, you'll either absolutely love the story and it's ambiguous implications, or you'll be left scratching your head in the end. There is mystery involved...

    So overall, Inside is a very fresh addition to anyone's game library, and a fun evening spent puzzling away. But really, that's all it is- one evening of play and as far as I could tell, no variation or incentive to playing it more than a second time around (if even that). So to give it as high a score as I would to some of the true masterpieces of the gaming world would be a crime, in my opinion. A hearty score of 7 for the 5 or so hours of fine enjoyment I got out fit, as well as the beautiful art and atmosphere. But nowhere near a 10 like so many others are giving it without at least another 10 hours of puzzles and gameplay, and certainly an extension of the story.    … Expand
  14. doczellstoff
    Jun 30, 2016
    10
    If you liked Limbo you will love this. The ending gave me goose bumps. My GF walked in around the ending and screamed WTF is that??? Could not recommend more.
  15. LordRobUK
    Jun 30, 2016
    10
    Inside takes its place i my eyes on the same podium as playdead's previous offering Limbo (2010) and Ori and the blind forest, both of which were masterpiece platformer's.

    However Inside trumps Limbo with a suspenseful soundtrack and haunting visuals which keep you hooked from the beginning till the end. The ending left me wanting more and with many questions as to WTF had just    Inside takes its place i my eyes on the same podium as playdead's previous offering Limbo (2010) and Ori and the blind forest, both of which were masterpiece platformer's.

    However Inside trumps Limbo with a suspenseful soundtrack and haunting visuals which keep you hooked from the beginning till the end.

    The ending left me wanting more and with many questions as to WTF had just happened over the last 3-4 hours. But it was a journey I enjoyed and would thoroughly recommend to get and become lost in this world.

    I seriously see this game as a piece of art to be enjoyed, as the visuals are stunning and the score fits it perfectly. Even if the true nature of the game still feels a mystery by the end you do form your own story in your head as you play along and summons many emotions as you play through it.

    Thoroughly entertaining, thought invoking, a artistic masterpiece.    … Expand
  16. Predatorium
    Jun 30, 2016
    8
    Aesthetically, this game is probably the most beautiful and perfectly created game I've ever played. It makes perfect use of light and shadows, depth, camera perspective, different post processing things like bluriness to objects and ambient environmental effects. It's use of sound is also perfect, with the "less is more" approach with great ambience. The character animations when movingAesthetically, this game is probably the most beautiful and perfectly created game I've ever played. It makes perfect use of light and shadows, depth, camera perspective, different post processing things like bluriness to objects and ambient environmental effects. It's use of sound is also perfect, with the "less is more" approach with great ambience. The character animations when moving and performing different actions for both the boy you play as and others you come across are painstakingly detailed with sometimes humorous result and sometimes scary.

    Gameplay-wise, the puzzles are fun and exciting but not too difficult to figure out. The controls are very easy to understand, only the left analog stick, X and A are used, this could've been on NES basically. you only ever move left and right, although it felt sometimes like I was supposed to walk into the background by pressing up on the stick because the backgrounds are so vividly created and are always full of things happening. I never felt cheated because of bad character control, all the deaths I had felt like it was my own fault.

    The game is short. I finished it in 2-4 hours. It has a great flow to it. You get hooked and can't stop until you finish it. It might not be worth the current xbox live pricetag but it's video game art at it's best. It will take you on an emotional ride, you will laugh, get scared and surprised during this short but involving adventure.    … Expand
  17. DarkColossus44
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    Inside sets a new standard for "2D" platformers. It is truly innovative and a next generation game. Playdead out did themselves, surpassing Limbo. The game presents a unique narrative that is told subtly through it's nature, has a haunting and beautiful score, and has a simple yet captivating visual design. These are all wrapped inside an outstanding package to deliver an untouchableInside sets a new standard for "2D" platformers. It is truly innovative and a next generation game. Playdead out did themselves, surpassing Limbo. The game presents a unique narrative that is told subtly through it's nature, has a haunting and beautiful score, and has a simple yet captivating visual design. These are all wrapped inside an outstanding package to deliver an untouchable experience. The past few years have been a long wait but well worth it. Look forward to Playdead's future titles.… Expand
  18. Throne
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    INSIDE is a real piece of art.

    Inside is a adventure platformer developed by Playdead. Inside is the successor of Limbo (2010), and the game thematically and visually similar with Limbo. In Inside is the same system like in Limbo, and the protagonist of the game it's a young boy. This young boy explore the environment presented as a primarily monochromatic, 2.5D game. Audio: The    INSIDE is a real piece of art.

    Inside is a adventure platformer developed by Playdead. Inside is the successor of Limbo (2010), and the game thematically and visually similar with Limbo.
    In Inside is the same system like in Limbo, and the protagonist of the game it's a young boy.
    This young boy explore the environment presented as a primarily monochromatic, 2.5D game.

    Audio:
    The sounds are very great in this. They made you to live and feel in a real horror movie. The Forest, the wind, the, rain, the water, the dogs, the chickens, the pigs, everything.
    Like in Limbo there are not dialogues between the youg boy or somebody else.
    The sound composed from the ambient electronic sounds that give off a somber and eerie vibe that make certain levels extremely memorable and emotional.
    The sounds and music are accentuated with subtle industrial ambiance, audio and music differs from one action to another.

    Graphics & Visuals:
    Inside presents primarily monochromatic, 2.5D game, using only splashes of color to highlight parts of the environment. The game is incredible with the noir atmosphere.
    The colors and contrasts from levels are very detailed and polished. The art of lighting effects make the world of Inside feel real and lived in.
    The graphic of the game is simple and good, complex and beatiful.
    The visuals of the world are in move. Anything, the chickens, the fishes, the lights follows you. Everything is a circle of the universe.

    Gameplay:
    In Inside, you control a young boy unnamed. The control and the gameplay it's very simple and attractive.
    The variety of puzzles and mechanics keeps the game in action and fresh. Every puzzle has unique resolution system.
    In the first there's no any tutorials or hints. You must to learn what to do in time, like in Limbo.
    The gameplay is very smooth, in action anytime. You need to traverse the dark woods, followed by the dogs and guards. abandoned cities and flooded factories.
    You'll be hunted by anybody. Guards will shot you, the dogs will bite you in a brutal mode, the pigs will do a rodeo time.
    Besides these you must to be very carefully to avoid the traps, there are everywhere.
    The young boy is fearless but vulnarable and you need to be patient.
    The animations of deaths are very brutal and sadistically.
    Otherwise fluidity of the game will attract you.

    Story:
    The story is not very accurate. You are a young boy, and you need to traverse more parts of that world. Like, dark woods, old barns, water, old industrial cities, factoryes and warehouses.
    You must to find and rescue something hidden by the world. The story has 2-3 hours of gameplay.

    Conclusion:
    This is the best puzzle platformer I played in those years. For me, this will be the best 2016 platformer/adventure game. Maybe this will be GOTY.
    In 6 years, 2 games, 2 masterpieces.

    10/10    … Expand
  19. vangoat
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    This game is absolutely incredible for so many reasons: story, atmosphere, physics engine, music, style...it's truly awesome. I'm already on my second play through and I just beat it. I can't get enough. I don't hand out 10's for ratings but this game is perfection for me.

    It is a puzzle platformer...so if you don't like to use your brain you may not like this game. If you don't like an    This game is absolutely incredible for so many reasons: story, atmosphere, physics engine, music, style...it's truly awesome. I'm already on my second play through and I just beat it. I can't get enough. I don't hand out 10's for ratings but this game is perfection for me.

    It is a puzzle platformer...so if you don't like to use your brain you may not like this game. If you don't like an incredibly immersive story you may not like this game.

    For me this is what gaming truly should be engrossing, easy to pick up but not easy to put down. I can't wait to share it with people who aren't gamers at all because its that easy to jump into...    … Expand
  20. Best_High
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    Inside has to be one of the strangest yet beautiful games that I have played. I can not even describe the level of detail and polish this game delivers from start to finish. Small miniscule details such as debris falling from a platform to absolutely incredible lighting effects that make the world of Inside feel real and lived in. The puzzles are just the right level of difficulty to giveInside has to be one of the strangest yet beautiful games that I have played. I can not even describe the level of detail and polish this game delivers from start to finish. Small miniscule details such as debris falling from a platform to absolutely incredible lighting effects that make the world of Inside feel real and lived in. The puzzles are just the right level of difficulty to give you that level of accomplishment without the frustration that some of Limbo's puzzles gave me. The sound design is masterfully composed from the ambient electronic sounds that give off a somber and eerie vibe that make certain levels extremely memorable and emotional. Amazing game and in my opinion even greater than Limbo, a feat I was confident no other game could top in this genre.… Expand
  21. PiePieper
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    Damn, what a beautiful masterpiece. Saying anything would be a spoiler, this should be play ASAP. if you enjoyed LIMBO in any way, shape, or form, you will love Inside.
  22. Project-2
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    Fascinating and breathtaking from A to Z. Never a game has deliver so much feelings to me.

    INSIDE shows how video games are meant to be. But it also shows how Art can be.

    Thank you Playdead, for everything.
  23. Fuge
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    INSIDE is a real piece of art. And it was so predictable.
    I dream about this since five years.
    Thank you Arnt Jensen. Thank you Playdead. I wish you a long life.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Xbox One Game of 2016
14
#14 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2016
5
#5 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 87 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 87
  3. Negative: 0 out of 87
  1. BaziCenter
    Feb 14, 2017
    100
    By entering the world of Inside, you'll forget your own world and everything that's been going on in it. From beautiful art design to engaging gameplay, thrilling atmosphere to marvelous story, everything about this game is truly exceptional. Do not miss it.
    Read full review
  2. Worth Playing
    Sep 12, 2016
    90
    Inside shows that Playdead has a knack for the short but powerful puzzle-platformer. The puzzles are logical and challenging, while the story is told well without a reliance on the usual things like dialogue and cut scenes. The balance between both creates a game that has a ton of memorable moments, and the flow is smooth enough that you're compelled to keep playing until you reach the thought-provoking ending. With a presentation that adds greatly to the narrative, Inside is well worth your time.
    Read full review
  3. Games Master UK
    Sep 6, 2016
    92
    The most haunting and affecting game of the year. [Sept 2016, p.76]
See all critic reviews »