No I’m not referring to the tortuous afterlife at the edge of Hell reserved for the damned, but rather the Xbox Live Arcade title launching tomorrow.  Of course, given the title for all I know it actually does take place in the edge of Hell, but therein lies the mystique. If you haven’t heard, Limbo is an unnerving 2D platform puzzler with a distinct monochromatic. Comparisons to 2008′s Braid are expected, but artistically Limbo is the polar opposite.  Even without seeing any gameplay footage initially I could tell this was something I was going to enjoy immensely.

I’m excited not just because I love artsy games, but also because in an age where 3D reigns supreme, it’s delightful to see all that graphical processing power used to create a gorgeous and atmospheric side-scroller that we could have only dreamed of in the NES days. Early reviews are more than promising, touting not only the production values for its haunting ambiance, but also because of Limbo’s solid gameplay. Personally it looks to be one of the first side-scrolling titles to really inspire a sense of dread-a concept that leaves me chomping at the bit.

The only real hesitation I have is the game’s length. With reviewers ambiguously claiming seasoned gamers will be finished in ‘a few hours’, I’d hate to have what’s shaping up to be a milestone title cut oh-too-short. Im’ not one to whine about a game’s length generally and being a little older now I much prefer a game that’s a digestable 8-12 hours instead of a 90 hour, but it’d be a shame to have a wonderous experience last only one or two play sessions.  However, for all I know I’ll suck at the game and besides if it really is a great game I’m sure I’ll be enticed to play it a second time on some foreboding October evening.

Limbo launches tomorrow on Xbox Live for 1200 Microsoft Funny Munnies ($15 give or take).