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About Inside
Inside is a 2D puzzle-platformer released by Playdead in June 2016. You control a young boy running through a gloomy, industrial world where he is hunted by faceless soldiers and strange creatures. The game launched on PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and iOS with a single-player focus. It follows the boy as he tries to survive while uncovering the truth behind a sinister experiment. Visuals rely on stark lighting and shadow rather than bright colors. You move left or right, jump over gaps, and solve environmental puzzles to progress. The story unfolds without dialogue through actions and atmosphere. This title sits alongside other indie darlings that prioritize mood over fast-paced action. It feels like a dark fairy tale where the ending is far from happy.
Gameplay
You run forward and control every step of the boy with simple button inputs. Jumping, sliding, and swimming form the basic movement toolkit. You must push crates to reach high platforms or block enemies to open new paths. Later sections introduce physics puzzles where you manage momentum to swing across gaps or trigger machinery. The game punishes death harshly since checkpoints are sparse. You often hide under tables or in bushes to avoid detection by guards who patrol with flashlights. Some puzzles require precise timing while others need brute force to move heavy objects. Combat is minimal and mostly involves drowning enemies or using environmental hazards. You can carry dead bodies or items to solve specific challenges. The pace shifts between tense stealth segments and frantic running sequences. Controls feel tight, though some platforming moments demand pixel-perfect jumps.
What Players Think
Critics and players agree this title is exceptional. Metacritic gave it an 87 while IGDB rates it 89.2 out of 100 based on 1614 user ratings. Players describe the mood as nostalgic or atmospheric with four votes each for those tags. Four users also marked it as wholesome despite the grim setting. The story-driven nature resonates strongly with fans who prefer narrative over mechanics. Average playtime sits around seven hours for a standard run. Completion rates are high because few players quit before seeing the conclusion. Review snippets highlight the lack of hand-holding and the unsettling tone. Many users note the game feels shorter than modern AAA titles but packs every minute with meaning. The community consensus suggests this is a must-play for anyone who appreciates tight level design.
PlayPile's Take
Inside earns its price point through consistent quality and memorable moments. It suits players who enjoy dark themes and puzzle-heavy platformers without needing combat skills. The 87 Metacritic score reflects broad critical acclaim rather than niche appeal. You will earn achievements for finding hidden secrets and completing the game on different difficulty settings. Do not expect a long adventure or frequent checkpoints since the focus is on tight design. This experience works best if you want to see a strong ending without filler content. Playdead delivered a compact masterpiece that respects your time and intelligence. Skip this only if you need constant action or bright visuals to stay engaged.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
89.2
RAWG Rating
4.4
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