Ashi: Lake of Light

About

Ashi: Lake of Light is a single player casual puzzle game. It was developed by Nick Cellini and was released on July 26, 2018. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Find the true path through the night and into the sunrise in Ashi: Lake of Light. Use floating candles to guide the path of a solitary firefly through a twilight world in this gentle and meditative puzzle game.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

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97%

Audience ScoreBased on 58 reviews

gameplay6 positive mentions

The game features a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful graphics and a soothing soundtrack, making it a great way to unwind.
Puzzles are well-designed with a gradual difficulty curve, introducing new mechanics that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Players report satisfying 'a-ha!' moments when solving puzzles, indicating a rewarding experience that challenges the mind.

Some players experienced minor bugs, such as incorrect completion counts and a non-functional reset button.
A few mechanics introduced early in the game are not utilized later, leaving players wanting more complexity in the final puzzles.
While the game is generally relaxing, some players found the later puzzles to be quite challenging, which may not appeal to everyone.

gameplay
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
68%
11%
The gameplay is characterized by a gradual introduction of new mechanics, creating a steady difficulty curve that culminates in complex and mentally engaging puzzles. Players appreciate the balance of challenge and relaxation, as the game avoids stress-inducing elements like timers or enemies, allowing for a thoughtful exploration of mechanics. However, some reviewers noted that certain mechanics are underutilized towards the end, suggesting a desire for greater complexity in the final stages.
- “The way new mechanics are gradually introduced makes for a nice difficulty ramp, culminating in quite complex puzzles that can be mentally taxing.”
- “The difficulty progresses pretty steadily as new sub-mechanics are introduced as you pass through the levels.”
- “Yes, it's fun and non-stressful (no timers, points, stars, enemies, or deaths), and the music, sounds, and atmosphere are definitely relaxing, but I would say the gameplay is difficult enough to make you use your brain.”
- “A third gripe is that some of the mechanics seemed to be left behind by the end; I would have liked to see them all featured at the end to create even more complexity with everything that you learned.”
- “The difficulty graduates gently with the level, showing you new mechanics bit by bit.”
- “Every now and again a level introduces a new mechanic, after which the levels incorporate it into puzzles.”
music
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
20%
13%
The music in the game is widely praised for its soothing and relaxing qualities, enhancing the overall atmosphere with a beautiful soundtrack that complements the oriental aesthetics. While some players find it a bit repetitive, many appreciate its ability to create a cozy environment, although a few noted it can be distracting during gameplay. Overall, the soundtrack is considered fantastic and integral to the game's charm, making it enjoyable to listen to while solving puzzles.
- “The atmosphere is soothing with a great soundtrack.”
- “Beautiful graphics, beautiful music, and really nice puzzles with the difficulty level progressing smoothly.”
- “The soundtrack is fantastic, and the puzzles teach you how to play the game organically as you uncover new types of lanterns.”
- “Music: a bit repetitive but very, very relaxing.”
- “Yes, it's fun and non-stressful (no timers, points, stars, enemies, or deaths), and the music, sounds, and atmosphere are definitely relaxing, but I would say the gameplay is difficult enough to make you use your brain.”
- “The soundtrack is one I would never tire of hearing.”
graphics
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The graphics of the game are consistently praised for their beauty and simplicity, with a charming oriental aesthetic that enhances the overall ambiance. Players appreciate the art style and the relaxing atmosphere created by the visuals and music, which contribute to an enjoyable puzzle-solving experience. The graphics effectively complement the game's progressive difficulty and tranquil setting.
- “Beautiful graphics, beautiful music and really nice puzzles with the difficulty level progressing smoothly.”
- “Graphics: simple but gorgeous.”
- “The aesthetic and ambiance is superb.”
atmosphere
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
40%
20%
The game's atmosphere is consistently described as relaxing and soothing, enhanced by a great soundtrack, making it a perfect backdrop for players seeking a zen experience. While the gameplay is challenging and requires mental effort, the absence of stress-inducing elements like timers or enemies allows for a non-stressful puzzle-solving experience. Overall, it is highly recommended for those who enjoy a blend of challenging puzzles and a tranquil atmosphere.
- “The atmosphere is soothing with a great soundtrack.”
- “If you're looking for a puzzle game with a relaxing atmosphere, this is definitely a good choice.”
- “The game atmosphere is relaxing, but the puzzles are brain melting.”
- “Yes, it's fun and non-stressful (no timers, points, stars, enemies, or deaths), and the music, sounds, and atmosphere are definitely relaxing, but I would say the gameplay is difficult enough to make you use your brain.”