Child of Light

87%
Game Brain Score Based on 10,673 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • graphics
Child of Light Game Cover
From start to finish Child of Light is a delight to spend time with, and without a doubt the best platforming experience.
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Child of Light is a 2D sidescrolling RPG set in the magical world of Lemuria. Players control Aurora, a young girl on a quest to return the sun, moon, and stars to their rightful places. Engaging in turn-based combat, Aurora explores Lemuria's stunning environments, solving puzzles, and recruiting companions along the way.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Phone
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Play​station Vita
  • Tablet
  • Uplay
  • Wii
  • Wii U
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

87%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,673 reviews
story2,885 positive mentions
grinding250 negative mentions
  • story6,524 mentions

    The story of "Child of Light" is a whimsical fairy tale that follows the journey of Aurora, a young girl who awakens in the magical land of Lemuria and must restore light to the world by reclaiming the sun, moon, and stars from an evil queen. The narrative is presented entirely in rhymed verse, which adds a unique charm but can feel forced at times, leading to mixed reactions from players. While the story is generally engaging and visually stunning, some reviewers noted its predictability and simplicity, suggesting it may appeal more to younger audiences or those seeking a light-hearted adventure rather than a complex narrative.

    • “The story, the characters, and the visuals are so beautiful.”
    • “Child of light is a beautiful and fantastical RPG turn-based story adventure game.”
    • “The story is absolutely amazing, especially since it's told in rhymes!”
    • “Unfortunately, the story itself feels shallow and generic, and the many characters with their fun and whimsical designs have stories written as shallow as grating my ear on a cheese grater.”
    • “The dialogue tries too hard, and the plot is on the more juvenile side, but it's still a fun game.”
    • “The rhyming dialogue felt forced and disrupted the flow of the story for me.”
  • music4,186 mentions

    The music in "Child of Light" has been widely praised for its enchanting and atmospheric qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the beautiful orchestral and piano compositions by Cœur de Pirate. The soundtrack complements the game's watercolor art style and fairy tale narrative, creating an immersive experience that resonates emotionally with players. While some noted a lack of variety in the tracks, the overall consensus is that the music significantly enhances the game's charm and storytelling.

    • “The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly.”
    • “The music stayed with me long after I stopped playing, and sometimes I find myself replaying the tunes in my head.”
    • “Also, and perhaps most notably, the OST is absolutely godly; some of the most beautiful piano music I’ve had the pleasure to experience, filling you with a melancholic yet uplifting mood even better than any other aspect of the game.”
    • “The music, at first calm and slow, gradually became more and more disturbing.”
    • “The music is been praised so much, I don’t find it at all extraordinary or original.”
    • “Very very good game, the only issues I found is the lack of variety in the soundtrack (the boss theme is always the same and the fight theme is also always the same) and the trash ubisoft connect/uplay, other than that it's pretty good.”
  • graphics3,611 mentions

    The graphics of "Child of Light" are widely praised for their stunning watercolor art style, which creates a dreamy, fairy tale atmosphere that captivates players. Many reviewers highlight the beautiful hand-drawn visuals and the seamless integration of the art with the game's enchanting soundtrack, enhancing the overall experience. While some minor graphical issues are noted, the overall aesthetic is considered a standout feature, making the game visually appealing and memorable.

    • “The game’s visuals are simply breathtaking, and the whole game has a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere to it that reminds me of the awe and wonder I would feel as a child.”
    • “From the amazing art style to the breathtaking music and the absolutely adorable characters, I will always remember my time in the world of Lemuria.”
    • “The watercolor visuals are stunning, the soundtrack by Coeur de Pirate is majestic, and the game itself is a smooth experience.”
    • “There are some weird issues with the graphics, too, and an annoying transparent box that emerges before every battle.”
    • “Graphics were fitting for the setting, but not particularly impressive.”
    • “Definitely was surprised at how much graphical processing power this game took to run despite the graphics being somewhat 2D and unimpressive.”
  • gameplay2,674 mentions

    The gameplay of *Child of Light* is a blend of classic turn-based mechanics and real-time elements, featuring a unique timeline system that allows players to interrupt enemy actions and strategize effectively. While many players appreciate the engaging art style and music, some find the combat repetitive and simplistic, lacking depth in character differentiation and challenge. Overall, the game offers a charming experience with enjoyable mechanics, though it may not satisfy those seeking a more complex RPG.

    • “The gameplay teaches some valuable lessons—like how going oonga boonga is definitely not the way; the defend mechanic is a must, especially in the late game.”
    • “Gameplay blends classic turn-based combat with a bit of its own unique twist.”
    • “The gameplay is unique, the art style is fantastic, and the music is beautiful.”
    • “Sadly, this mechanic becomes mostly useless when they implement mechanics where almost every enemy will have some type of counter effect to you executing this maneuver, to the point where sometimes it's not even worth it as the backlash becomes bigger than the gain from the interruption.”
    • “The gameplay is very bland and repetitive.”
    • “The combat mechanics with the light wisp also seem totally unnecessary and overloaded, which makes the fights turn into a mess of denying enemies, being interrupted, healing/reviving your buddies and maybe attacking one or two times.”
  • atmosphere456 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Child of Light" is widely praised for its breathtaking visuals, enchanting watercolor art style, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the game's fairy tale aesthetic, immersive world-building, and the unique rhyming dialogue that adds a whimsical charm, making it feel like a living storybook. Overall, the combination of these elements creates a dreamlike, ethereal atmosphere that resonates deeply with players, drawing them into its magical realm.

    • “The game’s visuals are simply breathtaking, and the whole game has a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere to it that reminds me of the awe and wonder I would feel as a child.”
    • “The atmosphere, soundtrack, art direction, and gameplay were phenomenal; the only flaw was the length of the game, which was quite short.”
    • “The music, beautiful visuals, and interesting background contribute to the general atmosphere and are tied together very well.”
    • “The atmosphere is what impressed me the most.”
    • “The story may be a bit lack-luster and predictable at times, mostly due to it all taking place in an in-game engine which leaves clues that you're not done even when you reach certain story beats, but the atmosphere of the game definitely makes up for it.”
    • “While sometimes it added to the fairy tale atmosphere, for the most part it made the story and dialogue convoluted, using strange grammar in order to make a rhyme (and often the rhyming itself not really working).”
  • emotional398 mentions

    "Child of Light" is widely praised for its emotional depth, with many players highlighting its touching story, beautiful artwork, and enchanting soundtrack that evoke strong feelings. The game effectively combines fairy tale elements with heartfelt themes, leading to moments that resonate deeply, often resulting in tears from players. While some critiques mention a lack of depth in certain characters, the overall experience is described as a heartwarming journey that captivates and inspires emotional engagement.

    • “The graphics of the game are beautiful and artistic, the soundtrack (which I think is the most amazing thing about this game) is inspired by opera and it is so emotional during the storyline and it is also imposing when you're in a boss fight; everything can take you into the ambiance of the game, and not gonna lie, I cried with the credits' song.”
    • “The story is one of a kind; it's touching, meaningful, and teaches you important things about life.”
    • “This is one of the most gorgeous, most enchanting, most captivating, most well-written, and most heartbreaking games I've played in my whole life.”
  • grinding264 mentions

    The reviews indicate a mixed experience with grinding in the game. While some players appreciate the minimal grinding required to progress, noting that leveling up happens frequently and doesn't feel burdensome, others find the combat repetitive and tedious, especially during boss fights that necessitate grinding. Overall, the game is described as having a balance where grinding is not overly emphasized, but certain aspects, like crafting and specific boss encounters, can lead to a more grind-heavy experience.

    • “There is also a simple crafting system that isn't too grindy and allows the use of gemstones to augment skills and stats.”
    • “Not grindy JRPG-styled gameplay with a little twist or two, although enjoyable, but not a very complex one.”
    • “Exploration is natural and not tedious or a punishment.”
    • “The grinding is the most boring thing in gaming history and takes up 90% of the game time.”
    • “Beautiful visuals are not enough to balance out the bad, cringe-y writing, long grinding for XP, and bland skill trees.”
    • “At first I liked the combat but it quickly became tedious, especially once I realized that bosses frequently require grinding to the right level.”
  • replayability155 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the new game+ feature and various difficulty settings that allow for different character builds and strategies. However, many reviewers note that the linear story and limited endgame content significantly reduce overall replay value, leading to a consensus that while enjoyable for a single playthrough, the game lacks substantial incentive for repeated runs. Overall, it seems to cater more to completionists and those seeking to experiment with different gameplay styles rather than offering infinite replayability.

    • “Game allows you to continue playing after the credits roll if you want to grind your characters or finish any side quests left, giving it additional replayability!”
    • “Tons of replayability with the new game + feature.”
    • “The replay value is somewhat there, allowing you to play a new game +, which is basically playing through the game on a harder level.”
    • “Personally, I don't think there's a lot of replay value because the story is pretty linear.”
    • “The only downside to Child of Light is it lacks much replay value for most players.”
    • “There's not much replayability here, as I felt that I pretty much saw and did everything there was to see and do in the game.”
  • character development133 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with strong growth for the main character, Aurora, but often lacking depth for supporting characters. While some players appreciate the charming dialogue and artistic presentation, others feel that the character arcs are abrupt and the overall development is shallow. The game excels in visual design and engaging interactions, but many reviewers express a desire for more substantial storytelling and character exploration.

    • “Every frame is a hand-drawn, hand-painted watercolor masterpiece and the character development and world-building are unmatched.”
    • “With beautiful artwork, character development, an immersive story, and humor, people will find themselves lost in this game, and coming to love the main character, perhaps without even realizing it.”
    • “Character development was done really well, and the repertoire of characters with their lively dialogues truly brings the game to life.”
    • “The story is shallow, and the character development is almost non-existent.”
    • “It's disappointing considering that besides the protagonist (who undergoes a really cool transformation two-thirds into the game), there is barely any character development at all.”
    • “That being said, it was boring a few times, and while the character development seemed to appear to have promise at first, it really felt like the choices were meaningless and something you just had to click the buttons on to move forward.”
  • humor122 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever and funny dialogue, often presented in rhyming verse that adds a whimsical charm to character interactions. Players appreciate the lighthearted banter and amusing exchanges between characters, which enhance the overall experience, although some find the constant rhyming can become tiresome over time. Overall, the humor contributes significantly to the game's engaging narrative and delightful atmosphere.

    • “The art is fantastic and the characters are quite likeable with a lot of interesting and funny dialogue.”
    • “One of the most endearing games I have played in the last year, Child of Light brings you into a fairytale world with its unique look inspired by watercolor paintings of the 19th century, and its funny dialogue, all in rhyme.”
    • “The banter and conversations between the various characters are amazing, ranging from humor to sad stuff.”
    • “Came for the 'beautiful visuals', tempted to leave because of the unfunny battle system and had to force myself to finish it.”
  • stability72 mentions

    The stability of the game is highly variable, with some players experiencing significant issues related to Ubisoft's Uplay launcher, including crashes and bugs that hinder gameplay. While a portion of users report a smooth experience with no glitches, others highlight persistent problems such as freezing, graphical errors, and the need for troubleshooting to access the game. Overall, the game's stability seems to depend heavily on the functionality of Uplay, leading to mixed reviews on this aspect.

    • “The game looks completely bug-free; at least, I haven't encountered a single one.”
    • “Not buggy, feels like a well-thought-out game.”
    • “Gameplay is straightforward, and I encountered no glitches throughout the game at all.”
    • “No matter what troubleshooting I run, it always crashes on startup, which is a shame because I wanted to play it again.”
    • “You still need to connect and deal with Ubisoft's buggy DRM/Uplay junk to play a single-player game.”
    • “If the launcher prevents me from playing the game, that's no different from glitches that make the game unplayable or any other game-breaking issue.”
  • optimization27 mentions

    The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players report smooth performance on various platforms, including the Steam Deck at 4K 60fps, others experience clunky performance and stuttering issues. Some users express disappointment with the lack of graphical options and optimization on PC, suggesting that Ubisoft may have been lazy in this regard. Overall, while the battle system is well-optimized and engaging, there are notable inconsistencies in performance that detract from the experience.

    • “Super well optimized, my Steam Deck can run it in docked mode at full 4K 60fps while hardly breaking a sweat.”
    • “The game runs smoothly on most PCs.”
    • “Yes, it actually has a pleasantly optimized battle system.”
    • “I buy these games in part because my computer can run them, and it was disappointing the lack of optimization or graphical options.”
    • “Ubisoft must have gotten really lazy with the optimization and the game is nearly unplayable for me.”
    • “On the other hand, there was some stuttering and weird video bugs during the game that made it seem like the FPS was low, when it was always stuck on 60.”
  • monetization14 mentions

    The monetization strategies employed by Ubisoft have drawn significant criticism, particularly for their reliance on microtransactions and DLCs that many players feel should have been included in the base game. Titles like "Might & Magic Duel of Champions" faced backlash for erasing player achievements upon closure, while "Child of Light" was labeled a "cash grab" due to its numerous DLCs at launch. Overall, players express a desire for more integrity in game pricing and content delivery, favoring quality over aggressive monetization tactics.

    • “The only downside was a somewhat heavy-handed attempt by Ubisoft to seek microtransactions as seen in some of the DLCs and the expending of Ubi-Points for 'rewards.' The game is challenging but does not require any additional money beyond the (reasonable) purchase price.”
    • “Show them that good games are better than microtransactions.”
    • “The Golem and other DLC are beyond doubt content that was supposed to already be in the game, but was gouged out to make more DLC microtransactions.”
    • “A more serious case was that of Might & Magic Duel of Champions, a free-to-play game with microtransactions, whose closure not only removed the game from stores but also erased achievements and statistics from accounts, rendering important player information inaccessible.”
    • “Remember that you're giving your money to Ubisoft, and let's not forget what this company's higher-ups have perpetuated in the past and the beloved games like Assassin's Creed they have ruined with manipulative microtransactions.”
    • “The golem and other DLC are beyond doubt content that was supposed to already be in the game, but was gouged out to make more DLC microtransactions.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

Buy Child of Light

Play time

14hMedian play time
26hAverage play time
11hMain story
15hCompletionist
8-17hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 74 analyzed playthroughs

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