Limbo is a game to be experienced by the individual, which is why no review can ever do it justice…not even this one.
The Bad: Ending is a bit abrupt…but wraps things up nicely nonetheless.
As I sat down to write this review, I looked at the screen in front of me, wondering to myself, if writing this review would be an injustice to the game…and I've come to the conclusion that, yes, it would. In my reviews, I critique games on everything from gameplay, to graphical style, to sound design…and I can do some of that here…but that's about all I can do. If you're reading this review and have yet to play the game, I suggest you stop reading and go to buy this game on Xbox Live…knowing that what you're buying is a masterpiece of a game. Limbo isn't a game that can be described thoroughly. It is a game that must be experienced by the player…not read about in a review by a seventeen year old. But if you truly want to know a bit more about the game…I'll do my best to describe it to you.
One of the most interesting things about Limbo is that it has no story…aside from the game's description on the Xbox Live dashboard saying, "Uncertain of his Sister's Fate, a Boy enters LIMBO." The lack of a true story turns out to be one of Limbo's biggest strengths…as it leaves its overall message and meaning in the player's hands. In this game, the player doesn't question the game…the game questions the player. It's up to you to decide what the Boy's adventure means in the long run.
Limbo's design goes hand in hand with its gameplay. The game is ultimately a side scrolling puzzle platformer. As you wander through the dark forests and industrial wastelands, you'll be presented with many different puzzles that will test your willingness to think outside of the box. Some of the later puzzles dealing with gravity and momentum will really put your brain to work.
This is a game where you will die many, many times…but that's what it's all about: Trial and error. Every time you die, the game will reset you where you last stood safely, allowing you to think your problem through. I found this form of design very unique. It presents a sort of, "Here's the problem, now fix it" mentality.
One of the most atmospheric games I've ever played, Limbo sets the mood right from the beginning. From the dark trees looming over you in the background to the nightmarish creatures that roam the environment, Limbo will have you trapped in its world, and refuse to let go of you until the journey is complete…and even then, the environments that you traverse will stay with you long after you turn the game off.
The Boy is animated beautifully as he climbs and runs through the endless darkness, and seeing him die in the most gruesome ways possible is heartbreaking and truly powerful. The sound effects contribute to this. You will hear some incredible music from time to time, but it's the sound effects that truly set this game apart. Hearing the boy get stabbed by a gigantic spider is something that you have to hear to believe. The environmental sounds also deserve a nod. Crickets and other insects litter the environment with their distinctive noises, making for an incredible sense of isolation.
Sure, you can finish the game in one sitting, and yes it does end a bit abruptly…but those are two minor problems for a game this incredible and thought provoking. Never before have I played a game like this. If you do end up buying this game, I recommend waiting till nightfall…turning out the lights…closing the door…and playing the game. It's all about the atmosphere here…and Limbo nails it. Thank you for reading this brief review. Enjoy the game.