Editor Reviews

Dark, quiet, and more than a little unsettling—LIMBO isn’t your average side-scroller. There’s no tutorial, no hand-holding. You wake up as a nameless boy in a black-and-white forest and move. That's it. The world around you doesn't explain itself. You just start walking, figuring things out on your own. It's eerie, but that's the hook.

The game feels like it was made with silence in mind. There is no background music, just the crunch of footsteps, the swish of leaves, and the buzz of flies over dead things. The style is characterized by shadows and fog, with soft edges and harsh contrasts. It's not gore-heavy, but it doesn't pull punches. You'll get crushed by bear traps, impaled on spikes, and worse—without warning. Each time you die, you learn something. It never feels cheap.

Puzzles are the core of LIMBO. They start simple—pull a box, flip a switch. Later, you're dodging giant spiders or messing with gravity. The challenge grows without feeling forced. It's often about timing and noticing patterns. The developers don't flood you with obstacles—they give you just enough space to think, fail, and try again. It's frustrating at times, but in a way that motivates you to keep going.

There is no dialogue, text, or even a clear plot. Still, there's emotion here. Fear, curiosity, maybe hope. It's strange how much you start to care about this little silhouette of a boy with glowing eyes. There are no cutscenes or story drops, but something always feels out of reach, like you're chasing meaning through the mist.

Controls are minimal: move, jump, grab. That's all you get. The simplicity works. It keeps you focused. LIMBO isn't trying to be fast or flashy. It invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Every puzzle solved feels like a small relief. Every death is a small lesson.

Playdead’s attention to detail is sharp. A hanging rope sways just slightly. Water ripples when you step in. You can almost feel the world's weight pressing in from the sides. LIMBO's atmosphere isn't a backdrop—it's the main event.

How to Play?

Step 1: Open LIMBO and begin a new game. The game drops you into a grayscale world without instructions. Move using the left and right arrows or your analog stick. There’s no hand-holding—just start walking.

Step 2: Use the jump button to navigate over small gaps or obstacles. Timing matters, especially later. The jump is shallow, so get used to short, precise movements.

Step 3: Pay attention to the environment. The game doesn’t use words or symbols. Spikes, bear traps, and ropes blend into the scenery. Watch for visual clues.

Step 4: Pull and push objects to create paths. If there’s a box or cart, chances are you’ll need it to reach higher ledges or block hazards.

Step 5: Puzzles become increasingly challenging and require experimentation. Try different approaches. If something kills you, you'll respawn nearby. Trial and error is expected.

Step 6: The tone is quiet and eerie. Take your time, and observe how each piece of the world behaves. Some creatures will chase you or run away. Timing and movement are key to survival.

Step 7: You’ll eventually face brain-controlling worms, gravity puzzles, and timed jumps. There’s no HUD or hints. Just keep moving, testing, and learning.

Step 8: You'll know you're making progress when the scenery begins to change. LIMBO's story unfolds entirely through gameplay. Keep going until you reach the final moment.