INSIDE
Playdead
INSIDE is a 2016 puzzle-platformer by Playdead, the Danish studio behind Limbo. It is a short, dark and wordless game: a boy runs through a forest, past guards and dogs, into a grim industrial facility, and you never get a line of dialogue explaining what is happening. The story is told entirely through what you see.
Cafe guide
- 01
The gameplay is simple: move, jump, grab, push and pull.
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Puzzles involve objects in the environment, timing and, later, controlling other bodies in strange ways. Nothing is overly difficult, but the pacing is perfect, and several moments are among the most memorable in indie gaming. The ending is famous, and people still argue about what it means.
- 02
Why INSIDE is a great cafe pick
It is short, around three to four hours, so you can finish it in one long cafe session or two shorter ones.
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That is rare for a single-player game, and it makes INSIDE a satisfying choice when you want a complete experience rather than a taster.
- 03
It is also good to play with a friend watching.
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Puzzles are fun to solve together, even if only one person holds the controller, and the tension and atmosphere are better when shared.
- 04
Hardware
PC, PS4 (PS5 runs it), Xbox One or Switch.
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It runs on almost anything. Headphones help with the atmosphere. Rated M for disturbing imagery.
- 05
Quick tips
Watch your surroundings carefully; the solution is always in the environment.
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Experiment; dying is quick and you restart nearby. Look for hidden collectibles if you want to unlock the secret ending. Do not look up spoilers before finishing.
- 06
Session length
Three to four hours for the full game.
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A two-hour session will take you through most of it.
- 07
Is it for you?
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Fans of Limbo, players who love atmosphere and mystery, and anyone who wants a short, unforgettable single-player experience.
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Data from RAWG