Rumbral

Rumbral is a small, deeply contemplative and evocative indie platform-puzzle game; it is short and highly derivative, but by no means without merit. Its main strength lies in having found a strong central concept and set it within a compelling world, one capable of leaving a lasting impression long after you’ve put down the controller. Its main limitations are its short lifespan (reduced to the bare minimum), its almost non-existent replay value and a few technical glitches. For this reason, the final verdict remains positive but measured: it is a successful experience that builds upon and pays homage to the blueprints first established by Playdead with Limbo and later with Inside, but it is by no means revolutionary.

Unfortunately, Rumbral was a bit of a disappointment for me. I don’t mind a short game as long as it’s impactful for the small time I’m in it. However, on almost all accounts it falls short. There is a great idea here with the weird dimension shifting neon pink liquid, but it’s never fleshed out. There isn’t enough creative puzzles, gameplay, or story that would make me think about this game after I have beaten it.

Personally, Rumbral feels like it’s trying to be a little too gentle with the players. It relies heavily on curiosity and trusts the player to put the work in. For some it would definitely work but it just feels like there isn’t enough substance to push that curiosity further. There is a focus on the lonely feeling but the game isn’t long enough to make the most of it. The part I keep getting stuck on as well is that you can rush through this game in 45 minutes but it still has the £12.99 price tag. In the grand scheme of things that isn’t a lot, especially when AAA games are charge £70 for 8 hours. However, the lack of replayability doesn’t do it any favours. Ultimately, I’ve given Rumbral the Thumb Culture Bronze Award. This isn’t a bad game, but it just didn’t live up to my expectations.

While it pretty cool and moody aesthetic, and its dimension-switching puzzling can be engaging, not everything works as well as it could

Rumbral feels like it is just getting going when you hit the credits. There is a sufficiently good atmosphere and decent designs, but the lack of an engaging story to draw you in and some sluggish gameplay elements does let the overall experience down.

That’s it? That’s what I asked myself after reaching Rumbral’s ending far too quickly. The disappointment doesn’t come from OSEA Innovation’s gameplay, but from its sheer brevity. Given the nature of the adventure, I would’ve gladly spent more time in its dark, blood‑stained world. What remains, once the cryptic finale arrives, is the feeling of having tasted a small but flavorful appetizer—something that whets your appetite rather than satisfying it. The ideas on display aren’t groundbreaking, yet they show personality and make the experience genuinely enjoyable despite its tight scope. It’s a shame, then, about the slightly steep price (the indie scene is fierce) and a few technical hiccups, because the substance is there. Let’s just hope this journey continues soon.

Rumbral successfully captures the atmosphere and puzzle-platforming essence of games like Limbo and Inside while introducing its own clever dimension-shifting mechanic. Although short and occasionally imprecise in its controls, it remains an enjoyable indie experience with plenty of personality.

RUMBRAL is an experience that leans more on atmosphere and intent than on complexity. It doesn’t reinvent the genre and clearly shows the limits of an early-stage production but it leave a mark thanks to its strong artistic direction and clear vision.

A short, slow-paced adventure full of personality, where silence, magenta light, and one furious deer build tension better than many bigger productions ever manage to do.