Playdead, an independent game studio, developed LIMBO and released it for the Xbox 360 in July 2010. Several other platforms have since been ported by the studio.

Gameplay

The player controls an unamed boy throughout the game. As is common in many two-dimensional platform games, the character can run left or right, jump, climb onto short ledges or up and down rope ladders, and push or pull objects. Also, the player will navigate through challenging terrain and traps in search of his sister. The developer built the game’s problems anticipating that they would not find the correct solution. Playdead referred to the process as “trial and error”, and used gory pictures to steer players away from incorrect answers. The game is presented in black-and-white tones, with lighting, film grain effects, and minimal ambient noises creating a frightening ambience often associated with the horror genre.

Story

A nameless boy awakens on the “edge of hell” (the game’s title is derived from the Latin limbus, “edge”) in the middle of a forest, where he encounters a giant spider who tries to kill him. He uses a trap to cut off the spider’s sharp points, after which it retreats further into the forest. If the boy is allowed to pass, however, he is subsequently caught in webs and spun into a cocoon. During his journey, he comes across a female character, who he thinks may be his sister.

How long is LIMBO?

When it comes to the main goals, Limbo typically takes about 3 and a half hours to complete. However, if you’re a dedicated gamer who wants to experience every aspect of the game, it may take you around 6 and a half hours to achieve 100% completion.

Reception

LIMBO received critical acclaim, but its minimal story separated critics; some found the game’s open-ended features to connect with the mechanics well, while others felt that the game’s lack of a significant plot and abrupt ending detracted from it. Some reviewers found that Limbo had the ideal run length, but other individuals thought that it was too costly for its duration. Several publications chose it as one of the best games of 2010. It won several awards after its release.

LIMBO was the third highest-selling game on the Xbox Live Arcade service in 2010, generating around $7.5 million. Playdead’s next game, INSIDE, revisited many of the same themes as Limbo.