LIMBO.

a review.

by jason omega.

To try to explain the brilliance of Limbo is like trying to fashion a life-sized replica of the Empire State Building out of wet sand.  There's simply too much to it.  Don't misinterpret what I'm saying.  This game is not exceedingly long; in fact, most people will complete it in 5-10 hours.  That said, it doesn't need to be longer.  I didn't want it to end, but you have to understand that this game is so good that as soon as it was over, I wanted to play it again.  So, what makes it so good? 

First, the art style.  This game is impossibly beautiful for being a 2D side scroller that is entirely composed of black, white, and shades of grey.  The visuals create a haunting mood that are so engrossing that you forget that your high definition television that you spent thousands of dollars on could essentially be replaced by a television your grandparents had in the late fifties.  (yes, tech junkies, i know that this previous statement is entirely untrue.)  Probably the standout achievement of the game is how it feels beautifully dream-like, as well as as nightmarishly horrifying, all at the same time.  You will be in awe at the look of the game, and suddenly be completely shocked by the graphic death your character just experienced.  

Speaking of death, another possible name for Limbo would be "How To Die... A Lot".  Death is around every corner, and everything, even the landscape, can, and will, kill you.  This game could be described as "an ethereal blend of beauty and horror".  I wish the game would give me a death count at the end.  If I had to guess, I would say I probably died in excess of 150 times.  Maybe not.  I'm not good at guessing.  The point I'm trying to make is that this game is designed to make you die.  A lot.  

Generally, in a game like this, the constant feeling of frustration due to dying, or from having difficulty solving a particular puzzle can be enough to cause the player to give up, or maybe even look for solutions on the internet (read: cheating).  Another bit of the brilliance in this game is that the puzzles are devastatingly simple (don't read: easy).  It may take a little time, but every single bit of this game is easily solved.   If you only come to understand one thing from this review, let it be this:  the puzzles in this game are designed perfectly to make you think, test your patience, and test your timing.  I can't speak for you, or anyone else, but what I can tell you is that although this game did hold me up at a few parts, but I never minded.  All I wanted to do is keep playing.  Always.

Here's the thing:  I can't do this.  The atmosphere, and gameplay that Limbo provides is brilliant.  I said it before, and I'll say it again:

If you are an adult, with an Xbox 360 and fifteen dollars, there is no reason whatsoever to deny yourself this experience.  This is the kind of game that is done so brilliantly, that you remember why you started gaming in the first place.  

-Jason Omega