I had no idea what to expect from this game when I downloaded it and I didn't plan on reviewing it when I started, but I had such a great time with it that I want to help get attention to this hidden gem of a game. It is my hope after reading this review, you are encouraged to try this game out especially if you are a fan of turn based RPGs since this game does make innovations to the standard turn based formula.
It should be noted first and foremost that where this game excels is its art design and atmosphere. The game's artwork is reminiscent of a classic story book with environments that seem to have been painted and enemies and character models that look like they were made from paper or cardboard. The main character Aurora is especially striking due to her realistically flowing red hair and bright color which can be quite the contrast to the sometimes dark and dreary environments.The sound design is excellent as well and even though the soundtrack itself is relatively limited to only five actual songs [one for background noise, one for standard battle, one for boss battle, one for special boss battles, and one for the final boss] each piece is striking and instantly memorable. Battle effects sound great and very visceral, adding a bit of satisfaction when you get an attack to hit the enemy, and the attack animations are very smooth and have striking visual effects adding yet another layer of satisfaction.
Gameplay is divided into two sections, exploration in a 2D semi open world and turn based battles with enemies encountered on the 2D plane. Battle sections are composed of turn based combat where the enemy and the player take turns, but Child of Light puts a new spin on this feature by showing the player a bar that shows who will go in what order during the battle. Whoever reaches the end of the bar from left to right will use their attack and the player is able to stall the enemy by attacking them right before they attack. In addition you can use one of your companions Igniculus is a small firefly who can blind enemies with his light and slow them down, letting you get in more attacks and stalling them. This adds a new layer of strategy to turn based combat in allowing the player to potentially control the flow of the entire battle in their favor, getting off five attacks in a row or buffing your party before a boss can make a move. In addition you can recruit several companions along your journey to form a party of characters, each one possessing their own unique abilities. You can only have one companion aid you at a time with the option of switching party members in and out depending on the situation. Exploration is basically just flying around the landscape, exploring fantastic environments and looking for treasure.
The only thing where Child of Light flounders a bit is its story and choice of using rhyming as the dialogue. I'll cut right to the chase and say that you'll know all the twists a few moments after the story kicks off. The rhyming can become annoying at times but it possesses its own charm and fits well giving the story book like feel and theme. And while the story is predictable it does have its touching moments and the first big twist in the story was able to make me feel sad for Aurora and her friends.
With everything I've covered I have to say, this is one game I was taken aback by. I barely knew anything about it, I only learned about it a week before I got it, but when I was finished I was genuinely impressed by this hidden gem of a game. Its definitely a game that every RPG fan should check out, and though it doesn't have much replay value and its a bit on the short side [only about ten to twelve hours long] everything it does, it does well and it puts a new spin on things. And since its only 15 dollars, you will definitely get your money's worth. So with all that being said, Child of Light gets a score of 3/4. Its available on every console and on the PC, and at such a low price you really don't have an excuse not to check it out if you like RPGs and especially turn based ones. Check it out, and give this great game a look whenever you get the chance.
3/4
