Limbo Boy

myminifactory

Human: Limbo is a puzzle-platform video game developed by independent studio Playdead. The game hit Xbox Live Arcade in July 2010, making its way to other systems such as the PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, and App store shortly after. As a 2D side-scroller with a physics system that governs environmental objects and the player character, Limbo challenges players to guide an unnamed boy through treacherous terrain and deadly traps in search of his missing sister. The developers deliberately designed puzzles that players will fail at before stumbling upon the correct solution, calling this style of play "trial and death." They used graphic imagery of the boy's deaths to steer players away from unworkable solutions. The game's black-and-white presentation, combined with lighting effects, film grain, and minimal ambient sounds, creates a haunting atmosphere reminiscent of horror movies. Critics praised the dark aesthetic, comparing it to film noir and German Expressionism. Based on its unique visual style, reviewers classified Limbo as an example of video games as art form. While critics praised Limbo's positive reception, some found the game's minimal story polarizing; some saw deeper meaning in the open-ended work that tied well with the game mechanics, while others felt the lack of significant plot and abrupt ending detracted from the experience. A common criticism from reviewers was that the high cost of the game relative to its short length might deter players from purchasing it. However, some reviews proposed that Limbo had an ideal length, making the title worth every penny. As the third-highest selling game on Xbox Live Arcade in 2010, Limbo generated around $7.5 million in revenue. The title won several awards from industry groups after its release and was named one of the top games for 2010 by multiple publications. Playdead's next title, Inside, released in 2016, revisited many of the same themes presented in Limbo.