LIMBO Review
There comes a time where an XBOX Live Arcade game that looks so simple can draw you in so hard. This is one of those games. LIMBO puts you in the roll of a lost boy, and it is your job to solve all the puzzles/obstacles that stand in your way. This game was developed by PlayDead and can only be found on the XBOX Live Arcade.
Graphically I thought this game was going to feel very flat with the monochromatic design, but I was wrong there is a lot of depth of feel in this game, and after a while you'll quickly learn what you can interact with and what you can't. I do have to say that the glow worm that controls your mind was definitely an ingenious touch to the overall gameplay. The colors are so simple and yet it allows you to experience the game in a way that you probably couldn't if you were to have a full color palette.
The sounds and music of the game are a bit eerie, and like the colors have a very simplistic approach to them. I will say this, though, if I never hear the electrocution sound again, it will be too soon.
I think you're seeing a theme with this game, so it should come as no surprise that the controls for this game follow the same simple path. Now don't get me wrong this game is not dumbed down even though it only uses the directional keys (or analog stick) and two face buttons. It is enough to get the work done, but it is also enough to keep you glued to your screen.
So as stated before this simplistic looking, sounding, and controlled game pits you, the lost boy, against several different environments, such as a factory, the woods and more. You will run into obstacles along the way and you'll have to figure out how to interact with your environment in order to progress. There is an achievement for making it through the entire game without dying, and for those out there who have done so, I salute you. I personally have died so many times I've lost count. Have no fear though the checkpoint system isn't usually cruel to you when you mess up. One of the greatest obstacles that you'll face is the brain worm, or at least that's what I call it. This worm takes control of your character and has him walking in only one direction, after enough time he will turn around and start walking in the other direction. This extra dimension to some of the parts in the game can leave you screaming in frustration, but when you finally get it right, the sense of accomplishment is intoxicating.
This game is not something that you'll be able to fly through in one sitting, but its also a game that once you start and start to get the rhythm of the game, you're going to have a hard time putting down. Even though it would be easy to deduct points from my score because of my frustration with pieces of the game, I will refrain, and give the game the score it deserves, and it deserves a 9.2 out of 10.
