7+

9.3

2014-09-08

“Child of Light,” developed by Ubisoft Montreal and released in April 2014, is a platforming role-playing game (RPG) that has garnered acclaim for its enchanting art style, poetic narrative, and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Narrative and Setting

The game follows Aurora, a young girl who awakens in the mystical land of Lemuria. To return home, she must retrieve the sun, moon, and stars, which have been captured by the Queen of the Night. Throughout her journey, Aurora encounters a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the story. The narrative is presented in rhyming verse, enhancing the fairy tale ambiance and immersing players in its whimsical world.

Gameplay and Mechanics

“Child of Light” combines platforming exploration with turn-based combat, offering a blend of action and strategy. Key gameplay elements include:
• Exploration: Players navigate the 2D world of Lemuria, solving environmental puzzles and discovering hidden areas. Aurora’s ability to fly adds verticality to exploration, encouraging thorough investigation of the beautifully crafted environments.
• Combat System: The game employs an Active Time Battle system, where players manage a timeline to execute attacks, defend, or interrupt enemies. Strategic use of party members and their abilities is crucial for success in battles.
• Character Progression: As Aurora and her companions level up, players can allocate skill points to unlock new abilities and enhance attributes, allowing for customization to suit preferred playstyles.

Visuals and Audio

The game’s art style is reminiscent of watercolor paintings, with hand-drawn visuals that create a dreamlike atmosphere. The environments are richly detailed, and character designs are both charming and distinctive. Complementing the visuals is a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Cœur de pirate, which underscores the emotional depth and whimsical nature of the adventure.

Critical Reception

“Child of Light” received generally favorable reviews from critics. On Metacritic, the Xbox One version holds a score of 82/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics praised its art style, combat system, and narrative presentation. IGN awarded the game a 9.3/10, describing it as “a wonderful surprise” and highlighting its “gorgeous art, exemplary combat, and hand-crafted aesthetic.” GameSpot noted that “Child of Light is a wonderful fairy tale of a game, with a gorgeous and imaginative realm to explore and a melancholy story at its heart.”

Games with Gold Availability

In April 2015, “Child of Light” was made available for free to Xbox Live Gold subscribers as part of the Games with Gold program. This initiative allowed members to download and experience the game at no additional cost during that month, broadening its audience and accessibility.

Conclusion

“Child of Light” stands out as a unique and enchanting title within the RPG genre, offering a blend of artistic visuals, poetic storytelling, and engaging gameplay mechanics. Its availability through programs like Games with Gold has allowed a wider audience to experience its charm, solidifying its place as a memorable adventure in modern gaming.

For a visual overview, you might find this gameplay video helpful:

Valve Steam

Ubisoft

9771555155002

1

United Kingdom

256-bit

Download

Yes

0

Digibook

~27,44 €

2025-03-27

2018-07-03 14:58:59