INSIDE — Overview
1.5GB
Technical Specs (Steam Requirements)
Windows (Minimum):
OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit)
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 2.4 GHz or AMD FX 8120 @ 3.1 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GT 630 / 650m or AMD Radeon HD6570
Storage: 3 GB available space
DirectX: Version 9.0c
Windows (Recommended):
CPU: Intel i7 920 @ 2.7 GHz or AMD Phenom II 945 @ 3.0 GHz
RAM: 8 GB
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 660, Radeon R9-270
DirectX: Version 11
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Developer / Publisher: Playdead
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Release Timeline:
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Xbox One: June 2016
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Windows: July 7, 2016
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PlayStation 4: August 2016
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iOS: December 2017
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Nintendo Switch: June 2018
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macOS: June 2020
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Gameplay & Atmosphere
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Genre: 2.5D puzzle-platformer
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Narrative Style: Wordless, immersive storytelling through visuals and environment
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Player Role: Controls a young boy navigating a dystopian world filled with lethal obstacles and chilling puzzles
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Mechanics:
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Walk, run, swim, climb, manipulate objects
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Unique body-control mechanic: possess other creatures to solve puzzles
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Multiple methods of death: drowning, shooting, mauling, and more
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Alternate ending unlocked by deactivating hidden orbs
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Critical Acclaim
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Steam Reviews:
Overwhelmingly Positive — 97% of ~63,570 total user reviews, and similarly 97% positive among ~666 recent reviews -
Critic Praise:
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IGN: “MASTERPIECE! Inside is a 2D puzzle platformer… builds something greater.” (10/10)
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Giant Bomb: “Immaculately designed… suitable for display in an art museum.” (5/5)
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Polygon: “One of the eeriest, most captivating settings I’ve ever encountered.” (9.5/10)
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Additional Editorial Acclaim:
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Eurogamer, Game Informer, GameSpot, GamesRadar+, Giant Bomb, Polygon, IGN, and more have lauded its storytelling, atmosphere, and artistic execution
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Awards & Recognition:
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Winner of multiple awards including Best Visual Art Direction, Best Audio Design, Design Awards, and more at The Game Awards, Unity Awards, and others
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Story Highlights & Community Insight
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Narrative Mechanics: A haunting journey without explicit dialogue—Immersive environments and palpable tension drive the emotional impact.
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Mind-Control Twist: Players gain the ability to control other bodies, opening up mind-bending puzzle possibilities.
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Community Theories: Memorable theories such as the “meatblop mind-control” arc suggest the boy may himself be mind-controlled and is a pawn in freeing the true entity.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | 2.5D puzzle-platformer, cinematic, atmospheric, narrative-driven |
| Developer | Playdead |
| Release | 2016 (PC, Xbox One, PS4), later on iOS, Switch, macOS |
| Mechanics | Movement, object interaction, swimming, possession mechanic, multiple deaths |
| Reviews | Universally acclaimed by critics and players (97% positive on Steam) |
| Awards | Multiple accolades for design, visuals, audio |
| System Requirements | Lightweight: ~3 GB storage, modest hardware specs |
If you'd like, I can suggest strategies for gameplay, dive deeper into the hidden endings, or recommend similar titles that nail atmosphere and storytelling—just let me know!