Nihilumbra

 PC
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. DarkZero
    Feb 10, 2014
    90
    With a story that will leave thought waves pulsating to the tune of the excellent writing, intriguing gameplay that breaches boundaries of immersion, and with a Wii U version coming soon that will be much more accessible for those with physical disabilities because the controller will replace a mouse, Nihilumbra is a demonstration of how video games that immerse the player in telling stories, gameplay that challenges the forefront of perception, and having puzzles that will be remembrances at lunch can never be beaten by mainstream titles – no matter how unique the fire particles get.
  2. Hardcore Gamer
    Dec 8, 2013
    90
    Nihilumbra is the kind of game that many will look over because they think they’ve played things like it hundreds of times before. It’s not. This is a project filled with incredibly smart puzzle design and an important message at its core.
  3. NZGamer
    Jan 6, 2014
    85
    Ironically, one of the most meaningful games you’ll play.
  5. GameOver.gr
    Nov 26, 2013
    80
    Drawing inspiration from such classics as Limbo and Bastion, Nihilumbra will travel you to a beautiful world full of clever puzzles and great platforming moments.
  6. Vandal
    Oct 4, 2013
    80
    Another gem of its genre, that engages us like only a few titles can. Just a little recommendation: go for a second play-through when you finish it. There's a nice surprise waiting for you.
  7. 4P.de
    Oct 14, 2013
    78
    This surreal trip delivers an interesting rhythm of puzzles and platforming.
  8. Hooked Gamers
    Dec 2, 2013
    74
    All in all, Nihilumbra is a short, but fun, puzzle platformer.
  9. Everyeye.it
    Feb 11, 2014
    70
    Better try before buy. It's a classic platform, but split in two, between a too easy beginning and a hardcore second half.
  10. Games.cz
    Jan 14, 2014
    70
    A wonderful trip to the depth of human soul, which is called Nihilumbra, doesn't last long though, however, it will steal your heart none the less. This game is highly original and atmospheric, which outdoes all its obvious flaws.
  11. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 23, 2014
    60
    Is this glass half empty or half full? Depending on your taste, Nihilumbra can go either way. [Issue#238]
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  12. IGN Italia
    Oct 18, 2013
    55
    Nihilumbra, mixing action and cleverness, is unable to create a perfect balance between the two souls and the result it's a sort of disappointment. The lack of rhythm, nefarious puzzles related to the second campaign and the intrusive narrator's voice are the game's most aggravating flaws.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 74 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 74
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 74
  3. Negative: 16 out of 74
  1. matteda
    Dec 13, 2013
    9
    Just what I like Prince of Persia & Limbo
    ;its clever,intelligent puzzle
    dark, atmospheric platform game beautiful..definitely hidden gem    Just what I like Prince of Persia & Limbo
    ;its clever,intelligent puzzle
    dark, atmospheric platform game
    beautiful..definitely hidden gem
    glad I found it
    its one of my all time best games    … Full Review »
  2. DeyvsonCaliman
    Jul 25, 2016
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. This is a side-scrolling indie puzzle game. At the beginning the game seemed too simple, but it grew on me and I advanced. You character is a piece of the void, running from it as the void is trying to reclaim your character to itself, making you will lose your individuality and your conscience, although your character find it hard even to get a reason to be alive as he is “nothing”.

    The game have a narrator throughout your journey, which explains the basics and talk a lot about existential questions. I have to say that in some occasions I thought what the narrator said to be silly, it is too melodramatic. As you advance you find colors used to help you solve puzzles posed by the game.

    You paint those colors using your mouse, modifying the terrain. The first one you get is the blue one, that make the terrain slippery, making you run faster as you slide above it or making enemies slide into traps, than the green one, which makes you bounce and so on. Each place have it’s own color, like the volcano have the red one for fire and the city have yellow for electricity. You have to use those colors to solve puzzles, kill or avoid enemies or advance in difficult terrain.

    The game looks very easy, and when you finish the first stages the credits roll up, in an incredibly short game. But then you have to win the Void Mode, as the void was trying to get you it destroyed everything in its path and you have to reclaim it, or else it will “burden your conscience”, as the narrator explained.

    The Void Mode is far harder, and only then the game seems to really begin. After you revisit every place, solving some hard puzzles, you finally end the game as the first time, rolling the credits again. The game do not look like much, but is very original and can get your attention if you give it a chance. It’s difficulty gives us a real sense of achievement after every puzzle, but at the same time it’s not so hard to the point of making the player angry, being very balanced.    … Full Review »
  3. adamflame7
    May 2, 2023
    4
    A short and simple platformer that is very easy that isn't doing anything new or unique. Little to no replayability with a 2 hour completionA short and simple platformer that is very easy that isn't doing anything new or unique. Little to no replayability with a 2 hour completion time. A "deep" story that is painfully basic.

    Played this on the Steam Deck and it was a bit clunky with the requirement for mouse controls. In addition while the game has Steam OS/Linux support, I was not given any achievements during my playthrough.    … Full Review »
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