Limbo is a puzzle-platform video game, the first title by independent Danish game developer Playdead. Limbo PC is a 2D sidescroller, incorporating the physics system Box2D to govern environmental objects and the player character. The player guides an unnamed boy through dangerous environments and traps as he searches for his sister.
The developer built the game's puzzles expecting the player to fail before finding the correct solution. Playdead called the style of play "trial and death", and used gruesome imagery for the boy's deaths to steer the player from unworkable solutions.
LIMBO is a wonderfully dark experience with its only real flaw being its stunted length.
A beautifully designed masterpiece of a platform game, that will chill, challenge and charm in equal measure. [Oct 2011, p.78]
An incredible achievement. Very few games are as original, atmospheric, and consistently brilliant. It belongs in everybody's collection. The journey may be over too quickly, but you will be entertained every minute. This is one of my favorite games.
For anyone who isn't immediately enchanted by its look and style, even ten bucks might be a bit of a stretch, but I still find it exceedingly difficult not to wholeheartedly recommend LIMBO to fans of indie games.
A brilliant indie platformer. Braid can finally retire. [October 2011, p.100]
One of the best physics puzzle games out there. A clever game and one devoid of pretension. [Oct 2011, p.104]
Limbo will stay with me for a long time. It's art style and sound design are strong enough to have left a mark. I can guarantee, though, that I will not replay the game. There is nothing to draw me back.
June 28, 2017
Playdead's (Limbo, Inside) former CEO presents its new project: Somerville. Watch video
