LIMBO

Developer : Playdead
Released:
Platforms :
Action
Adventure
Indie
LIMBO Poster

" Haunting action-adventure indie with unique monochrome art but frustrating difficulty "

LIMBO Review

LIMBO is a minimalist, monochrome puzzle-platformer that delivers a haunting and atmospheric experience. Players control a boy navigating a dark, eerie world filled with deadly traps and challenging puzzles. The game is praised for its unique art style and immersive sound design, which create a chilling and memorable ambiance. Its narrative is subtle and open to interpretation, emphasizing mood over explicit storytelling, which some players find deeply engaging.

However, LIMBO's gameplay can be polarizing. While many appreciate its clever puzzles and precise controls, others find the difficulty frustrating due to the trial-and-error nature and the demand for perfect timing. The game is relatively short, typically completed within 2 to 4 hours, which some see as a drawback. Despite this, LIMBO remains a significant indie title, celebrated for its artistic impact and atmospheric depth, though it may not appeal to players seeking a more forgiving or story-driven experience.

Highlights

Players widely praise LIMBO's striking black-and-white art style and haunting atmosphere, which effectively create a sense of dread and isolation. The puzzle mechanics are considered clever and rewarding, offering a satisfying challenge that requires precision. The sound design complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing immersion without the need for dialogue. The game's ambiguous storyline invites interpretation, adding depth and intrigue to the experience. Overall, LIMBO is celebrated as a beautifully crafted, artistic platformer that leaves a lasting impression.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the game's high difficulty and unforgiving trial-and-error gameplay, which some players find frustrating and tedious. The controls can feel clunky or imprecise, exacerbating the challenge. The short duration leaves some players wanting more content or a longer experience. Additionally, a few players report technical issues such as crashes near the end. The minimalistic story and lack of explicit narrative resolution may disappoint those seeking clear storytelling or character development.

Pros

  • Unique and memorable monochrome art style creates a haunting atmosphere.
  • Clever and challenging puzzles that reward precise timing and thinking.
  • Immersive sound design enhances the eerie and suspenseful mood.
  • Subtle and ambiguous storyline invites player interpretation and intrigue.
  • Short length makes it accessible for a quick, focused playthrough.
  • Atmosphere and mood linger long after gameplay ends.
  • Controls are generally responsive, especially with a controller.

Cons

  • Frustrating difficulty due to trial-and-error and precise execution needed.
  • Some puzzles require near-perfect timing, which can annoy players.
  • Short gameplay length may feel insufficient to some players.
  • Controls can feel clunky or unresponsive at times.
  • Technical issues reported, including crashes near the end.
  • Minimal story can feel lacking or unsatisfying for some.
  • Achievement hunting can become tedious and nerve-wracking.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Uncertain of his sister's fate, a boy enters LIMBO

Release Date Aug 2nd 2011
Publisher Playdead
Developer Playdead
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Atmospheric
Challenging
Artistic
Frustrating
Short

User Reviews

Very Positive (12,301)
92% Positive 8% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
88