Inside has some clever puzzles, but its thoughtful thematic concepts and evocative setting are also a big part of its appeal. And like Inside, Fez features a second layer of puzzles beyond what seems like the end of the game, many of which reach to a new layer of critical examination and discovery. Both games delight in subverting expectation, and challenging players to think in new ways. While its brightly colored visuals and lush world may seem in stark opposition to the grim environs of Inside, the two games share much in common. And like Inside, its final minutes are not what you expect.

With its post-modern repackaging of familiar video game conceits like MarioРІР‚в„ўs rescue of the princess, and sparse but elegant puzzle design that twists expectation, Braid is a thoughtful and ultimately painful meditation on the nature of life and love. Jonathan BlowРІР‚в„ўs stellar puzzle/platformer set the stage for many indie games to follow. While many of the themes are different, LimboРІР‚в„ўs black and white aesthetic, surprising puzzles, and vulnerable boy protagonist all make this the clear next choice if youРІР‚в„ўve already fallen in love with the developerРІР‚в„ўs latest game.

In many ways, Inside is an evolution of many of the gameplay, visual, and audio concepts first explored by the studio in its previous game. This one is perhaps obvious, but if you havenРІР‚в„ўt been plugged into PlaydeadРІР‚в„ўs previous work, you should track down a copy of Limbo right away. Here are ten great games that scratch at least some part of the same itch.

While we wholeheartedly encourage a replay or two, at some point youРІР‚в„ўre going to want to move on to something else. Its recent release has led to almost universal praise, but itРІР‚в„ўs also a brief game that only takes a few hours to complete. But all too soon, itРІР‚в„ўs over, and you still want more! Few recent games evoke that sensation more than Inside, the dark and dreamlike adventure from Playdead. You wait with excitement for a long-anticipated game, and luckily itРІР‚в„ўs everything you hoped it would be.

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