Limbo is a 2D puzzle-platform horror/scary game where you play as a little boy who wakes up in a forest trying to escape from different challenges and dangers. There are many ways the boy can die, from getting caught in bear traps, to being stabbed by a spider, to drowning.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Since we played Inside in class before, I had a rough idea how the gameplay was going to be like because this game was developed by the same company before Inside. The game starts off with no instructions or dialog, so the player has to figure out what to do. The first challenge I got stuck on for a few minutes was on how to drag the box. Since there are no key instructions, I wasn’t sure if the boy would automatically drag the box or if there was another button to press. Also, since I was using my laptop keyboard it was harder to figure out which button it was to grab. But I figured out it was ctrl because that was the closest key to the arrow buttons.
It is interesting how the developers decided to let the players figure out the controls. Just like the character in the game who wakes up with no clue where he is, the players are just as clueless.
However, this game is definitely not one for people who get easily scared, and I am one of them. Initially, it seemed okay but the atmosphere of the game was definitely eerie. As you keep playing, the challenges get more difficult and scarier. I think the first shock where I realized how severe and intense the challenges are is when you step into the bear trap and the boy’s head is severed. The animations are so graphic it just left a bad feeling.
But this is only the start of the gameplay. As you move on, the challenges become more difficult and riskier. Not only that, you start learning a little more about the story and how disturbing some things are. You see dead bodies and get chased by other kids (who have to die in order for the boy to keep going and for you to “succeed”).
CONCLUSION
Limbo is game that’s not suitable for everyone. It’s definitely an enchanting and beautiful game in it’s own way, and while the gameplay is something I like, the style is honestly not my type of game. However, it was fun playing a game that’s outside of my comfort zone. The mechanics are straightforward and challenges vary which makes the game more interesting. Even though it’s minimal in terms of art style and controls, it leaves an impact with the story and experience you get out of the game.