INSIDE. (2016) Set in a dark apocalyptic, near-future world, the story itself is very hazy and vague, leaving room for various interpretation. At times it's very H. G. Wells's: War of the World and at others, Orwell's: 1984. You play a young boy, as he doggedly and determinedly makes his way deeper into the mysterious world, seemingly towards danger itself.
The side-scrolling puzzle platformer game is very artistically minimal, subtly stylistic and yet very visually macabre in the details that in does present to you. All very intentionally dark and vague. Similar to Limbo, although having a bit more color. Inside offers tantalizing hints at a dark futuristic world, altered landscapes, filled with powerful organizations, shadowy masked villains, mind-control technology, mysterious creatures (possibly the result/victims of mad science) and a disturbing parasitic invasion (either man-made or alien in nature).
Developed and published by Playdead. This Indie game is a true masterpiece, as was Limbo, and I can't wait to see more from Playdead. Either way, it was very good. Eerie, subtle, creepy, and highly imaginative. It made me really want answers. I highly recommend this dark little gem to puzzle fans. Not for the faint of heart.
STORY: 7/10
GAMEPLAY: 9/10
GRAPHICS: 9/10
ART DESIGN: 9/10
MUSIC/SOUND: 7/10
OVERALL RATING: 8.5.
