Parents' Guide to LIMBO

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Common Sense Media Review

Chris Morris By Chris Morris , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 16+

Dark, violent but thought-provoking puzzle game.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 16+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 12+

Based on 2 kid reviews

What's It About?

Players will explore a dark, dangerous world simply by swiping the screen in the direction they want the hero to go. Touching an item with a handle makes him grab onto it, allowing him to pull in one direction or another to solve a puzzle; swiping upward makes him jump.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 2 ):

LIMBO was a surprise hit on consoles and PC, and this mobile adaptation does a splendid job of recreating the moodiness and atmosphere of the original. It doesn't offer anything new, nor does it shake up the way things are played, but that's immaterial, given how well done the game is.

It's not for the faint of heart, though. Deaths are gruesome, puzzles can be maddeningly hard, and you'll need to use the game's physics just right to get things done. Also, there's no help. You're dropped into this world without explanation or handholding. But that silent narrative may only increase your curiosity about what's to come. Add a unique (and gorgeous) art style, and you'll be hooked.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the game's hero. Is it disturbing to see a boy hero die? Do you think the violence is necessary for the game?

  • Families also can talk about the atmospheric style of the app. What kind of mood does the style of art convey?

App Details

  • Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
  • Pricing structure :
  • Release date : July 7, 2013
  • Genre : Adventure Games
  • Publisher : Playdead
  • Version : 1.0.3
  • Minimum software requirements : iOS 6.0 or later
  • Last updated : November 11, 2020

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