Limbo begins very simply, and with little fanfare. There are no tutorials, or dialog laden story segments. There are no epic cut scenes or moody theme songs. There is only a boy lying in a monochrome field waiting for you to push a button or flick an analog stick. This simplicity in both design and style of game-play not only defines Limbo as a game, but also primes your curiosity, and readies you for the stygian dangers and macabre puzzles ahead.
The visual style in Limbo reminds me of a shadow-play shot in the 1920’s. The game is utterly devoid of color, but makes amazing use of light and shadow. The sections of dower gray and pitch black are starkly contrasted by brilliant points and rays of light. Familiar silhouettes dot the landscape; these and the lack of a palette reinforce a feeling of being just outside of reality. The visuals that go from grim and foreboding to serene and peaceful really tell the story of Limbo, as well as hint at game-play possibilities and puzzle solutions.
While Limbo may at first look to be a platformer, it is a puzzle game through and through. To progress you must solve each puzzle segment and you are only given a jump button and an action button, but that’s really all you need. The puzzles are thoughtful and well done, and they increase in difficulty and scope as the game progresses. Some of the later physics based puzzles can at first feel quite impossible, but the game never become frustrating and most of the puzzles are charming if not slightly unsettling.
There is no real music in Limbo, though the game is sprinkled with ambient sounds. Skittering and fluttering, scraping and crackling, these sounds and many more not only reinforce the gray and lonely mood, but can also aid in puzzle solving.
Limbo is a darkly charming solitary adventure. It’s perfect for anyone that loves creepy yet moving visuals, challenging and grim puzzles, and a melancholy story. The only drawbacks are the fact that Limbo is short, the entire story is over all too quickly, and that I doubt I’ll be replaying it any time soon. None the less, it is a great joy to play, and is an experience that will stay with me for quite some time.
