Game Review: Experience the atmospherical game that is Inside

After reviewing Little Nightmares, I realized that Inside deserves a review of each own even though it was released last year. I’m sure those of you who have just discovered Little Nightmares, will like to know more about Inside and probably Limbo which I plan to review as well, because you will love them equally. Inside is one of those games that do not need much to stand out. Developed by Playdead, Inside has the minimalistic approach of its predecessor, Limbo, with every last aspect of it being carefully executed.

Plot

Inside takes place in a dystopian future, in which people have no free will at all anymore. This, however, doesn’t apply to our main character, a little boy with a red blouse. Same as in Little Nightmares, we are given zero explanations for anything. You will only figure out the story step by step through the puzzles and the events that take place around you, if you pay attention to them.

Gameplay

Thus, with little to no explanation as to why you are doing what you’re doing or where you’re headed, and who is trying to stop you and why, all you can do is follow the path and the plot. All these are things that make up a spiritual puzzle that Inside invites you to solve on your own, based on your perception and imagination.There is a very interesting and deep story behind it all. The game leads you on in various ways, such as by varying the palette's color, adding red touches where you need to look at, or by using light rays where you need to go or pay attention at.The interpretations are up to your own imagination.

The gameplay is very simple. Your character is in 2D even though environment is in 3D and the only things you do are jumping and interacting with the world around you. That doesn’t mean though that the game is simple. Dying will become very usual to you but on the bright side, it is what will eventually lead you into doing the right thing after the failed attempts. Puzzles will not take more than a few minutes to be solved and there is always a small tip somewhere in the background to help you out. But some of them are so well set up and smart, that you will be confused as to when you got out of one and you got into a new one. This has to do with the tremendously calculated rhythm with which the game unfolds, letting you take a breath before putting you in the next challenge where you have to run to save yourself from imminent danger.

In many cases you will have to be careful and silent. These stealth moments are so stressful and amazing at the same time that will have you sweating.  Even in the case of death though, it isn’t very annoying as you will be directly respawn to the nearest checkpoint, and there are plenty of them around so you will never be too far away from where you originally lost. Inside certainly has a great balance of challenge and fair difficulty level. You die a lot, but you learn from it and progress easily. If only the puzzles where a bit harder to solve, it would be perfect in my opinion.

Pricing & Availability

Inside is available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Graphics & Sounds

The graphics of the game are probably what make out most of the amazing experience. Everything is designed is such a detail that makes it really hard to not get lost in the visuals and admire the surroundings. First of all, the dark colors fit the atmosphere perfectly and the rare moments of light make it stand out. The sound effects such as the wind blowing the branches of the trees puts you in the air or the machines’ humming are also lovely to hear. Music from time to time gives the present to mean tension or tranquility and blends perfectly with on-screen action.

Conclusion

All in all, Inside is a magical experience that will satisfy all those of you who enjoyed Little Nightmares and have a soft spot for games of its kind. It will attract your interest from the very first moment and your only complain will be that its duration is too short. Let us know you thoughts and impressions in the comments below.

Download Inside for PC on Steam, Origin, GOG.com, Humble Store and green man gaming here.

Inside screenshots (above) and trailer (below)