Key Takeaways
1. Game Overview: Limbo and Inside are indie platformers developed by Playdead, featuring simple controls, immersive soundscapes, and unique storytelling through visuals and ambiance.
2. Gameplay Mechanics: Both games involve navigating through challenging environments, solving physics-based puzzles, and avoiding dangers, with an emphasis on experimentation and learning from failure.
3. Critical Reception: Limbo received an average rating of 92% on Steam and a Metascore of 88, while Inside boasts a 97% positive rating and a Metascore of 87, showcasing their acclaim among players and critics.
4. Current Discounts: Both games are currently available at a 90% discount, with Limbo priced at $1 and Inside at $2, offering an excellent opportunity for new players to experience them.
5. Themes and Atmosphere: Limbo explores themes of loss in a shadowy world, while Inside delves into dystopian elements, both creating gripping atmospheres that leave players with lingering questions and experiences.
Limbo and Inside, which are two highly praised indie platformers from recent years, are now being offered at a significant discount. These games were created and released by the Danish studio Playdead, with Limbo launching in July 2010 and Inside following in June 2016. Both games are known for their simple controls and immersive soundscapes. You can check out both games below.
A Journey Through Shadows
In Limbo, players take on the role of a nameless boy who goes on a strange adventure in a shadowy world, searching for his lost sister. The narrative is revealed solely through visuals, ambiance, and subtle clues, without any spoken dialogue. The gameplay mixes precise jumping and running with smart physics puzzles. The boy can run, leap, scale surfaces, and interact with objects to dodge deadly traps, menacing creatures, and other dangers. Experimentation is key: deaths can be abrupt and harsh, but they never result in permanent loss.
Reviews and Reception
German gaming magazine GameStar gave Limbo a score of 81 out of 100 in their review. They commended its rich atmosphere, cleverly designed physics puzzles, varied level layouts, and hints of dark humor. However, they also pointed out that the brief gameplay duration and intentionally ambiguous story might not suit everyone – although that vagueness contributes to the game’s appeal. On Steam, Limbo has about 36,000 reviews, with an impressive average rating of 92%. It holds a Metascore of 88 and a User Score of 8.0 on Metacritic. Typically priced at $10, it’s currently on Steam for about $1 until May 23, thanks to a 90% discount. SteamDB indicates this price has been seen before.
Inside’s Dystopian Adventure
Similar to Limbo, Inside lets players control a silent boy in a grim 2.5D environment – this time set in a dystopian world that leaves many questions unanswered. The gameplay enhances the minimalist platforming and environmental puzzles from Limbo while adding new mechanics like mind control, underwater segments, and an increasingly intense atmosphere fostered by well-designed scripted moments.
Critical Acclaim for Inside
Inside also received high praise from GameStar, earning 86 out of 100 points in their review. The magazine emphasized its gripping atmosphere and well-paced gameplay, especially applauding the mysterious ending. Some critiques were directed at the short length and occasional repetitiveness of the puzzle mechanics. On Steam, the game has over 61,000 reviews, boasting an impressive 97% positive rating. It has a Metascore of 87 and a User Score of 8.5 on Metacritic. Typically listed at around $20, Inside is currently just $2 with a 90% discount until May 23. SteamDB notes that while this discount level is not unusual, it has never been priced lower.
Important Note
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not liable for any price changes made by retailers. The discounted prices or deals mentioned were accurate at the time of writing and may have time limits or limited availability.
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