Horror games don’t all have to revolve around jumpscares and complicated storylines, sometimes you just need to have a game to create an immersive setting while using the horror element as more of a backdrop to make worlds that are spooky but also intriguing. This is the case with the small and short indie game titled Limbo. Created by Playdead studios, this game proves you don’t need to be large and epic in order to create a horrific experience.
The storytelling isn’t the most important part of the game as the player is compelled to draw their own conclusions as to what happens in the overall narrative. Putting it simple, the story is basically about a young boy trying to beach his sister at the other side of a strange world that is neither heaven nor hell. Throughout the journey the unnamed character will come across several traps and large creatures that are all out to kill him, which only adds to the mystery of what kind of world we as the audience are discovering. There really is no explanation as to why things are the way they are. You just kinda except the fact that we are in a horrific and unknown world that is way different from our own.
Gameplay is disgustingly simple as it’s basically a point A to Point B journey where you can only walk left or right, move small objects with the grab button and jump to avoid gaps or things trying to kill you. The simplicity in the level design and the way the game enforces you to solve puzzles to progress is absolutely wonderful. You will die a lot in this game, but every death brings you closer into figuring out how to traverse through the levels of the game which is great game design.
The visuals of the game presents a bleak black and white setting full of nartual scenery and sometimes mechanical mechanisms. It was a very good choice to deprive the game of any color whatsoever to create an old timey but also fresh experience. Death animations are quite brutal and the minimal details in the main character’s design creates an effect of eireness that is honestly rather spooky at times. The horrific element is present all throughout the game, but this game relies more on being atmospheric rather than being in your face which is refreshing and unique.
Limbo may be short and simple, but the simplicity is what makes this game such an experience that you can’t get with most big budget horror titles. If you can find this game on your modern day console systems, defentalliy give it a chance. There is more to Limbo than meets the eye, and it’s sure to leave you with many questions about life and death after your done playing it.
(Final Grade: A-)