15 Years Ago, Limbo Kickstarted a Longstanding Platform Tradition

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Fifteen years ago, on July 21, 2010, Playdead’s game Limbo was released for the Xbox 360.

As a devoted admirer, I’d express it like this: “In my perspective, the allure of this platformer lies in its stark black-and-white universe design. Presented in a 2D format, every detail on screen is merely a shadowy outline, intensifying the enigma surrounding the story. Although the narrative leaves much room for individual interpretation, the underlying themes of mortality and grief are undeniably present. The unique charm of Limbo lies in its monochrome aesthetic, which underscores its somber undertones, yet retains a certain adorable art style. This intriguing juxtaposition was truly captivating when the game was first released and has continued to influence other narratives that skillfully blend innocence with darker themes.

Limbo’s Balance of Cute Characters in a Bleak World Has Been Incredibly Influential to the Platformer Genre

After Limbo, Playdead Released Inside

  • Inside came out in 2016.

From the standpoint of a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but draw parallels between Limbo and the captivating game Inside. While they share many similarities, one notable difference is that Inside discards the monochrome color scheme. Yet, it maintains an eerily grim atmosphere, if not more so than Limbo. The bleak world of Inside serves as a haunting backdrop for a chilling narrative about struggling for individuality amidst an oppressive regime. The childlike simplicity of its art design only intensifies the dread associated with its themes.

Initially, Dino Patti, one of the co-founders of Playdead, later established Jumpship alongside him. Instead of creating a platform game, Jumpship developed “Somerville” in 2022, which is not related to games like “Limbo” and “Inside.” However, just like its spiritual predecessors, “Somerville” preserved the grim atmosphere and distinctive visual design that set them apart.

Little Nightmares

  • The first Little Nightmares game was released in 2017.

In terms of games combining adorable elements with chilling aspects, Little Nightmares stands out as one of the most distinctive. The main character from the initial installment, Six, has become a well-known symbol for this particular type of platformer. Her bright yellow raincoat serves as a guiding light in a grim and degraded world, and Six represents an innocence that takes on a darker twist as the series progresses. With Little Nightmares 3 on the horizon, Limbo’s impact has led to a successful and enduring horror franchise that may continue to expand in the future.

The original creators of “Little Nightmares,” Tarsier Studios, are currently engaged in the development of “Reanimal.” This upcoming game seems to share the same artistic style as “Little Nightmares,” but it promises an even more ominous atmosphere.

Hollow Knight

  • Hollow Knight launched in 2017.

Absolutely, Hollow Knight falls under the Metroidvania category, but it also features classic 2D platforming in a gloomy setting, similar to Limbo, although Team Cherry didn’t primarily draw inspiration from Limbo. The upcoming sequel, Silksong, is set to be released this year, offering players another inventively designed world with a darker undertone than its appearance might suggest.

According to team member Matthew Griffin, it’s expected that the game “Hollow Knight: Silksong” will be released prior to Christmas in the year 2025.

Limbo Has Inspired More Than Just Fellow Platformers

Games akin to “Bramble the Mountain King” and this year’s “The Midnight Walk” might not fall under the platformer category, but they have indeed showcased stunning visuals with haunting elements that give a chilling twist to their beauty. It is quite surprising that “Limbo,” a game with such a minimalistic design, is now 15 years old. Over this period, we’ve seen an impressive array of unsettling yet beautiful narratives emerge, proving just how profoundly impactful a game like “Limbo” has been in the gaming world.

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2025-07-21 16:33