Rate top gamesIn Short:
The one aspect this game is absolutely exceptional at is "atmosphere". If you're looking for anything deeper in terms of story or game-mechanics then you could pass on this one. If not, sit down for a couple hours & treat your eyes & ears with something special.
In Long:
To list the good first, the game is absolutely gorgeous. The world is dark & oppressive, the use of colour & framing is perfect and the sound-design is rounding everything of into a great experience.
And all of this is with a careful use of minimalism to only use just enough colour, just enough sound and overall just enough information to make your mind fill in the rest. It leaves you on edge at all times, eager to know what will come next.
And without spoiling anything, it pays off on that front.
Unfortunately minimalism is also the games issue.
Personally I went into the game with some expectations based on their previous game called "Limbo". Because of that I ended up pretty disappointed in the puzzles & story of the game.
The gameplay consists mostly just of "move right/left", "stop running" & "jump" ... and a lot of dying.
The game relishes in brutally killing your little avatar character and quickly sending you back to the last conveniently placed checkpoint.
Because of this the shock aspect quickly fades into nothingness and instead just becomes a constant struggle of trial & error.
The occasional puzzles also never really evolve into anything really challenging and only rarely introduce anything new at all.
The game also only really gives the illusion of a story & lore without actually giving you anything.
If you are into that sort of thing (like the cryptic story telling approach of Dark Souls) then you'll probably love this one too but, just like with a lot of things, this game expects you to fill in the blanks with your own imagination.
And to be fair, this is what had me hooked for the majority of the game.
Overall the gameplay & story aren't bad ... they are serviceable. Compared to that the good outshines all else tenfold and are definitely worth your money and time!
The one aspect this game is absolutely exceptional at is "atmosphere". If you're looking for anything deeper in terms of story or game-mechanics then you could pass on this one. If not, sit down for a couple hours & treat your eyes & ears with something special.
In Long:
To list the good first, the game is absolutely gorgeous. The world is dark & oppressive, the use of colour & framing is perfect and the sound-design is rounding everything of into a great experience.
And all of this is with a careful use of minimalism to only use just enough colour, just enough sound and overall just enough information to make your mind fill in the rest. It leaves you on edge at all times, eager to know what will come next.
And without spoiling anything, it pays off on that front.
Unfortunately minimalism is also the games issue.
Personally I went into the game with some expectations based on their previous game called "Limbo". Because of that I ended up pretty disappointed in the puzzles & story of the game.
The gameplay consists mostly just of "move right/left", "stop running" & "jump" ... and a lot of dying.
The game relishes in brutally killing your little avatar character and quickly sending you back to the last conveniently placed checkpoint.
Because of this the shock aspect quickly fades into nothingness and instead just becomes a constant struggle of trial & error.
The occasional puzzles also never really evolve into anything really challenging and only rarely introduce anything new at all.
The game also only really gives the illusion of a story & lore without actually giving you anything.
If you are into that sort of thing (like the cryptic story telling approach of Dark Souls) then you'll probably love this one too but, just like with a lot of things, this game expects you to fill in the blanks with your own imagination.
And to be fair, this is what had me hooked for the majority of the game.
Overall the gameplay & story aren't bad ... they are serviceable. Compared to that the good outshines all else tenfold and are definitely worth your money and time!
«Constantly dying and enjoy it»
Other reviews29
expected more from such an acclaimed game, I honestly just found it frustrating to play and almost quit multiple times. Nice visuals, will never touch this again
«Boooring»
I was looking for a shorter game I would actually have time and energy to finish since I rarely finish games recently due to limited time. I did not expect a four hour game to be this interesting and worthwhile. The puzzles are fun, the graphics and design is beautiful and the music/soundscape is nice too. I highly recommend it.
I also like the very simple controls (three buttons), it's all about timing and sequences and not complicated controls needing to be memorized.
No interface, no dialogues, just action and ambient music. No hints or distractions. This allows you to immerse yourself in this project. For me, this work is on the verge of a game and an art house movie. I recommend it to anyone who likes the melancholic atmosphere of being.
«Blew my mind»
«Constantly dying and enjoy it»
Concise Review:
Amazing short little puzzle game. The atmosphere and art design is top notch. I loved the aesthetic. I loved the different areas. I loved all the different deaths. The puzzles were creative and built upon themselves while keeping it unique throughout the whole experience. Only thing holding it back from higher ranks is the ~3 hour playtime. I loved every minute of it.
Journal Style Review:
I Immediately like the art style. Looks very nice. Also the guys killing the kid in that first scene was cool. I like that the kid gets killed. Oh god then he gets shot and then drowned! Great deaths so far. Within like 10 minutes I can tell I love the style of this game. The graphics, lighting, and atmosphere are very well done. Will the gameplay and puzzles be good is the question.
The eaten by dog death is quite brutal. Why do I find these deaths satisfying?
First 30 mins of puzzles have been pretty good. I’ve felt clever a few times.
Maybe 1 hour or 1.5 hours in. I’m thoroughly enjoying this game. I’ve said it before but this art style and atmosphere works so well for me. The puzzles have been very clever so far as well. Or at least they feel clever. I am trying to think about how I can solve the problems, not “what do the developers want me to do” it’s a subtle difference that makes a huge difference in my enjoyment of puzzle games. I don’t always like puzzle game but this one really is working for me.
I’m internally struggling on where to place this game in the mega games ranking because I’m really enjoying it and think it’s very well done, but I know it’s short. The length of a game affects my rankings in the all time favourite games lists. It will be interesting to see where it lands. Very strong start though.
This game is a fucking adventure. I love it. Each new section has been great.
The puzzles are fantastic. They do a great job of building upon the last challenge and there are unique new objects or scenarios to keep it fresh.
Final blob area was amazing as well. This short little game was maybe 3 hours and every minute of it from start to finish was great. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I loved the journey that little kid took. Very cool game. Very cool. Ends as a high B+ which so far is the highest I’ve ranked a game this short. Also the highest 2D platformer/puzzle game. I’m impressed.
Final Score: B+
Amazing short little puzzle game. The atmosphere and art design is top notch. I loved the aesthetic. I loved the different areas. I loved all the different deaths. The puzzles were creative and built upon themselves while keeping it unique throughout the whole experience. Only thing holding it back from higher ranks is the ~3 hour playtime. I loved every minute of it.
Journal Style Review:
I Immediately like the art style. Looks very nice. Also the guys killing the kid in that first scene was cool. I like that the kid gets killed. Oh god then he gets shot and then drowned! Great deaths so far. Within like 10 minutes I can tell I love the style of this game. The graphics, lighting, and atmosphere are very well done. Will the gameplay and puzzles be good is the question.
The eaten by dog death is quite brutal. Why do I find these deaths satisfying?
First 30 mins of puzzles have been pretty good. I’ve felt clever a few times.
Maybe 1 hour or 1.5 hours in. I’m thoroughly enjoying this game. I’ve said it before but this art style and atmosphere works so well for me. The puzzles have been very clever so far as well. Or at least they feel clever. I am trying to think about how I can solve the problems, not “what do the developers want me to do” it’s a subtle difference that makes a huge difference in my enjoyment of puzzle games. I don’t always like puzzle game but this one really is working for me.
I’m internally struggling on where to place this game in the mega games ranking because I’m really enjoying it and think it’s very well done, but I know it’s short. The length of a game affects my rankings in the all time favourite games lists. It will be interesting to see where it lands. Very strong start though.
This game is a fucking adventure. I love it. Each new section has been great.
The puzzles are fantastic. They do a great job of building upon the last challenge and there are unique new objects or scenarios to keep it fresh.
Final blob area was amazing as well. This short little game was maybe 3 hours and every minute of it from start to finish was great. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I loved the journey that little kid took. Very cool game. Very cool. Ends as a high B+ which so far is the highest I’ve ranked a game this short. Also the highest 2D platformer/puzzle game. I’m impressed.
Final Score: B+
Beautiful, mind bending, challenging and obscure in all the right measures. A stunning little game with some really neat puzzles and mechanics. Just the right length to not become boring and leaves you with lots to think about!
«Constantly dying and enjoy it»
The design of the game is super. This game feels far better than limbo. The art and level designs are very good. I hate when it slows down and requires pin point perfection to solve some puzzles , other than that this is an awesome game.
Might consider replaying again .
I love how the options click in the settings. attention to detail I guess.
«Blew my mind»
Simply put: amazing. The game oozes an ominous, intruiging and noir atmosphere that keeps the tension and mystery building untill the very end. It's sound design is both seemless and terrifying. Games are art and Inside doesn't hesitate to show you.
9.8/10
9.8/10