Playdead's INSIDE icon
Playdead's INSIDE: A Masterclass in Atmospheric Puzzle Platforming

by Playdead

Award-winning narrative puzzle platformer featuring haunting visuals, physics-based puzzles, and minimalist storytelling. Targets gamers seeking atmospheric, thought-provoking experiences with precise touch controls optimized for mobile devices.

Detailed Review

Playdead's INSIDE represents a pinnacle of indie game development, bringing the critically acclaimed console experience to iOS devices with full fidelity. This atmospheric puzzle-platformer follows an unnamed boy navigating a dystopian world filled with environmental hazards, mysterious creatures, and industrial puzzles. The game maintains the original's cinematic 2.5D presentation while implementing touch-optimized controls that preserve the precise movement required for its challenging sequences. The core gameplay revolves around physics-based environmental puzzles that escalate in complexity throughout the six-hour narrative. Players manipulate objects, avoid detection by hostile entities, and solve increasingly elaborate chain-reaction puzzles that require careful timing and observation. Notable sequences include underwater stealth sections with sonar-based enemies and large-scale set pieces involving mind-control mechanisms. The iOS version retains all visual and audio elements from the original, including the distinctive monochromatic art style and Martin Stig Andersen's haunting ambient soundtrack. User experience benefits from context-sensitive touch controls that adapt to different gameplay scenarios. Virtual buttons appear only when needed for specific actions like grabbing objects or swimming, maintaining screen clarity during exploration. The interface remains deliberately minimalist throughout, with no on-screen HUD elements disrupting the immersive atmosphere. Performance optimization ensures consistent frame rates across supported iOS devices, though older hardware may experience occasional loading delays during scene transitions. User feedback consistently praises the game's atmospheric storytelling and puzzle design, though some note desired expansions to the narrative. Reviewer Mety69x (April 30, 2025) appreciated the experience while expressing mild disappointment with the ending resolution, stating they 'didn't expect a good ending, but I wish it was a little better.' Multiple reviewers including alobade_3 (May 2, 2025) have expressed strong desire for sequel content, noting the game's enduring appeal seven years after initial release despite its complete narrative arc. The game excels in delivering a cohesive artistic vision with perfectly integrated gameplay mechanics, though its linear structure and fixed narrative may limit replay value for some players. The premium pricing model positions it as a high-quality standalone experience rather than a service-based game, appealing to players seeking complete, curated experiences without microtransactions or additional content requirements. Ideal for gamers who appreciate atmospheric storytelling, environmental puzzles, and titles that prioritize artistic cohesion over expansive gameplay systems.

Key Features

  • Physics-based environmental puzzles requiring observation and timing to solve progression obstacles through logical interaction with the game world
  • Cinematic 2.5D presentation with dynamic lighting and weather effects creating consistently immersive atmospheric conditions throughout the narrative
  • Adaptive touch controls that contextually appear only when needed for specific actions like object manipulation or swimming mechanics
  • Haunting ambient soundtrack by Martin Stig Andersen that dynamically responds to player actions and environmental events
  • Underwater stealth sequences featuring sonar-based enemy detection mechanics that require rhythmic movement timing to avoid discovery
  • Large-scale set piece puzzles involving mind-control mechanisms that coordinate multiple character movements simultaneously

Why Users Love It

Atmospheric visual storytelling
Precise touch controls

Perfect for: Gamers seeking atmospheric, narrative-driven puzzle experiences

Screenshots

Playdead's INSIDE screenshot 1Playdead's INSIDE screenshot 2Playdead's INSIDE screenshot 3Playdead's INSIDE screenshot 4Playdead's INSIDE screenshot 5Playdead's INSIDE screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Playdead's INSIDE's performance in Adventure Games over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#49

+1 from last week

Best Rank

#39

All-time high

Average Rank

#46

30-day average

Questions & Answers

What's the best iOS app for a haunting puzzle-platformer with environmental storytelling?

Playdead's INSIDE is a premium puzzle-platformer that stands out for its masterful environmental storytelling and immersive atmosphere. On iOS, the ga...

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What's the best iOS game for puzzle platformer fans who enjoy dark, atmospheric adventures with compelling narratives and mysterious environments to explore?

Playdead's INSIDE is an excellent choice for puzzle platformer enthusiasts seeking a dark and atmospheric adventure with a compelling narrative and my...

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What's a good iOS game for when you fancy something a bit dark and atmospheric, but still proper engaging on a long train journey?

INSIDE is an absolute godsend for those long travel days, especially when you're trying to avoid draining your data. I remember playing it on a train ...

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Okay, so I'm looking for a game that's, like, totally weird but also kinda sticks with you. What's a good iOS game for something a little... unsettling but in a cool, artsy way?

Okay, so I'm not usually into super dark games, but Playdead's INSIDE is seriously something else. It's not jump-scare scary, but more like... makes y...

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What's a good iOS game for someone who appreciates a story told without a lot of… well, you know, *words*? Something atmospheric and, dare I say, a little thought-provoking?

My dear, if you're looking for something that relies on visual storytelling rather than endless dialogue, Playdead's INSIDE is quite impressive, actua...

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User Reviews

ihgjzjz
Jun 29, 2025

Honestly an amazing game and finding all achievements with them having its own little puzzles is top tier!. I love it here and I’m putting everybody on 😭! This game is amazing Honestly an amazing game and finding all achievements with them having its own little puzzles is top tier!. I love it here and I’m putting everybody on 😭!

alobade_3
May 2, 2025

I get that this game was made seven years ago, but I really wanna part two. The end of the game really made me curious of how it would keep going on, but then I realize this game was made seven years ago I bet if you guys made a part two it will probably get a lot of fame by a lot of people that... This game is phenomenal I get that this game was made seven years ago, but I really wanna part two. The end of the game really made me curious of how it would keep going on, but then I realize this game was made seven years ago I bet if you guys made a part two it will probably get a lot of fame by a lot of people that...

Mety69x
Apr 30, 2025

I really enjoyed playing Inside, one of the best games I’ve played. In addition, I didn't expect a good ending, but I wish it was a little better. nice experience I really enjoyed playing Inside, one of the best games I’ve played. In addition, I didn't expect a good ending, but I wish it was a little better.

In sind
Apr 22, 2025

This game is so good because really fun game with your friend you can play I have play this game for 2025 This game is so good because really fun game with your friend you can play

Rihanna Sashell Bell
Apr 21, 2025

Love this game! Wish it was free and more beyond it. Rihanna’s Review Love this game! Wish it was free and more beyond it.

App Details

Developer

Playdead

Platform

ios

Rating

4.4

Last Updated

12/11/2025