Not so many developers have taken the maxim “simplicity is genius” to total realism like the independent studio, Playdead. Life is short and immersive, and so is Limbo. The 2D platform game features experimental puzzles that sometimes have apparent solutions. However, a hallmark of the intuitive title still lies in the fact that you will likely fail before you can proceed.

Since its release on Xbox in 2010, the developers have taken the game to other platforms like Windows and Linux. Besides,  due to its wide acceptance and exponential growth on several download charts, it only took eight years for the developers to put it on the Nintendo switch. This move also made it a generational inspiration for many other platform games in various app stores. It is no wonder that the developers modelled one of their subsequent titles on the same story and mechanics as Limbo. 

The unarmed boy and his sister

The story behind the puzzles and environmental objects is that of an unarmed and nameless young boy who wakes up in the middle of a forest only to come into combat with a giant spider. The spider tries to finish him off, but the boy presses forward with determination. Eventually, the spider’s web caught up with him, and he fights his way out for a second time. As he proceeds to find his missing sister, he meets up with dead characters and living ones that try to harm him. 

He meets someone who resembles his sister, but he is not allowed to interact with the character. The story eventually takes him to a crumbling location and brings him back to the forest when the last puzzle is complete. This time around, he wakes up and meets another startled girl. This final meeting completes the game’s storyline. 

Many critics were taken aback by the short and abrupt ending. However, the vague ending has left room for various interpretations. I like to go with the fact that the boy’s journey through hell and ending in the same spot is an open-ended experience. It makes us think that he is dead or going through the ageing process. We could also say that he is desperate to look for sustainable companionship with his sister. 

Either way, the absence of cutscenes and explanations leaves much for the player to imagine. A bold move riddle becomes more compelling in the title’s second half as the boy meets virtually no human character. He was at the mercy of minimalistic elements and unexpected traps. 

Limbo also served us more horror than we bargained. The gruesome display is simple yet realistic in the first half, even though it was black and white. The ravaging cuts and corpses of children that are part of some puzzle’s answer littered the whole place. I learned that every mistake has a brutal consequence. Moreover, the various threats hidden in the darkness make the experience an immersive one. 

Horror looks good in black and white.

Limbo is more than a game as it is art in its purest form. The developers gave us a terrific horror presentation using film grain effects, a black and white background, and a minimalistic approach. The art is well depicted and helps the game’s atmosphere. The monochromatic colours also had no detrimental effect on focusing on the plot or characters. You will get used to the mist-filled background in a black and white world in no time. 

I couldn’t help but notice that the developers depicted all the characters with shadows. Only the boy has an extra glowing eye as a form of distinction. Other than that, you’re in for a gorgeous yet dark universe of shadows. Besides, death and injury depiction in the universe is gory even though you’re behind a monochromatic background. In essence, Limbo used shades in ways that we never thought were possible. 

It is worthy of note that it’s not all dark and gloomy as the universe contains trees, caves, and water bodies. There was even a soothing downpour at some point. The little ambient sound is also a touch of genius that blended well with the whole minimalistic concept. Some of the soundtracks are song fragments that were perfectly timed. The music builds up at some point, and a complete silence usually precedes a sinister event. 

You can not avoid all traps.

This 2D side scroller laid more emphasis on timed jumps and well-solved puzzles. There’s a puzzle for you at every single session. Like we mentioned above, the developers’ trial and death approach will have you fail the puzzles several times before you have a headway. As long as you keep on practising, you’ll get the hang of the timed jumps. 

For the puzzles, as soon as you get back to life, you’ll gain a better understanding of what you must do. I spent up to three hours figuring out my moves and what to avoid. In the beginning, I was also very anxious, which made me execute poorly calculated decisions. As long as you remain calm and collected, you’ll get by in no time. 

Since the game is 2D, the player controls the main character, who can only move in limited directions.  Limbo’s minimalistic and straightforward concept reflected well in the easy controls. If you play with keyboards, you’ll be relying only on a few keys. There are mechanical traps all over the game, some of which you can use in other parts. Most of these traps only come up after you fall into them. As such, you can hardly escape the trial and death mechanics. 

Verdict

With this masterpiece, Playdead taught us that it is possible to design an excellent title without hundreds of terrifying weapons, gigantic maps, bright screens, lengthy dialogues, and a charismatic character. It promises a breathtaking experience with little to no hiccups. It is a title that is as intuitive and creative as it is dark and lonely. With a serene atmosphere and fascinating puzzle pieces, this game is worth the buy and test run for puzzle enthusiasts.