Inside

Kinda surprising that someone has taken this long to call their game something as generic as Inside, right? Well, it's finally happened - not that it's any sort of achievement. Inside is a puzzle-platformer that seeks to capitalize on the remarkable success of the developer's catalog, using their standard tools of 2.5D abstract graphics, hardcore difficulty, and thought-provoking narrative.

With the popularity of the studio's previous game and the increasing intrigue of indie gaming - Inside wants to push its boundaries even further. Whether they take the more commercial step or continue on a path to developer dominance remains to be seen, though. Inside will define this studio's direction for the years to come.

What's It Like on the Inside?

Immediately diving into Inside, you'd feel that this is the stuff that nightmares are made of. Not that it's gory, terrifying, or fear-inducing - it's the monochromatic environments and silence that make it feel unsettling. That appears to be the intention, though. The visuals and audio provide yet another challenge to overcome when navigating through this surprisingly narrative-heavy puzzler.

But let's cut to the chase here - Inside is absolutely gorgeous. The environment design is meticulously crafted, the animations are fluid, and the challenges are diverse and engaging. Not often will you find such a masterwork of game design in what is arguably a smaller scale project? However, the stemming of minimalistic mechanics into a broad scale of gameplay is quite remarkable, to say the least.

Considering audio is used at a bare minimum, the game's narrative does have a colossal impact on the player. We won't go any further on that detail, considering it's a core feature of Inside that needs to be experienced. What we can say - there's not a whole lot that could prepare you for some of the events you'll face. The fact that it's told through a visual medium makes it even more stunning.

Arguably, Inside is a masterpiece of puzzle-platform gaming. The game's difficulty does make certain aspects frustrating to the player. In retrospect, many gamers will consider that integral to its representation as a game. However, you see it - it's hard not to be impressed by everything that Inside offers.

Monochromatic, But Not Mundane

What the game's spiritual predecessor in Limbo managed to do - Inside has gone the mile and beyond. There is simply no other way to describe the game than a rare piece of development perfection. Even the difficulty couldn't be considered a downside, as it's so ingrained in the style of gameplay - each puzzle is as satisfying to complete as the next.

Pros:

• Perfectly designed puzzle-platformer, immersive and engaging throughout
• Dark visuals capture the essence of gameplay
• An emotional narrative told through minimalistic elements

Cons:

• None