Children of the Sun

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,020 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Children of the Sun Game Cover
As macabre as it is, Children of the Sun’s addictive leaderboard chase is sure to rekindle the competitive spirit in those who find themselves lapping up this world's darkness after having ventured heavenward in Neon White.
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In "Children of the Sun" , players control a single bullet in a tactical third-person puzzle-shooter, guiding it through levels to take down cultists and uncover dark truths. Using precise aiming, environmental manipulation, and strategic planning, players eliminate cult members and uncover the mysteries of the mysterious order. With a focus on stylish, satisfying kills, players wage a one-woman war against the cult, one bullet at a time.

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,020 reviews
gameplay121 positive mentions
grinding12 negative mentions
  • Children of the Sun features a unique and satisfying gameplay mechanic where players control a single bullet to eliminate multiple enemies, creating a compelling puzzle experience.
  • The game's art style and atmospheric sound design contribute to a captivating and immersive experience, reminiscent of titles like Killer7 and Mandy.
  • The game offers a good balance of challenge and accessibility, with a variety of levels that introduce new mechanics and enemy types as players progress.
  • The game is relatively short, typically taking around 3-4 hours to complete, which may leave some players wanting more content.
  • Some levels can be frustrating due to hidden enemies or a sudden spike in difficulty, particularly in the final level, which may detract from the overall experience.
  • The inclusion of a poorly designed minigame interrupts the flow of gameplay and can be a source of frustration for players.
  • gameplay283 mentions

    The gameplay is widely praised for its innovative mechanics, combining sniping with puzzle-solving elements that keep the experience fresh and engaging. Players appreciate the gradual introduction of new abilities and challenges, which enhance the core gameplay loop without becoming repetitive. While some find the game short, the overall execution, art style, and sound design contribute to a satisfying and addictive experience.

    • “The gameplay is fun and satisfying.”
    • “I thought they'd be repetitive but each one brings something new to the table (with new mechanics every now and then) and there are a few which are quite different to the rest so it was a nice change of pace.”
    • “The gameplay is ridiculously fun, evolving all the most fun elements of sniping games with elements from games like Superhot and a surprising emphasis on puzzle solving when figuring out what order to hit enemies in.”
    • “I enjoyed the premise, the visuals, and the little clues of a narrative, but the actual gameplay was not very engaging for me.”
    • “The gameplay started out fine, but as more things were added, the more cluttered the game got, and the new skills conceptual are great but the dev failed to make them work with the base gameplay on any level of depth.”
    • “The later mechanics the game adds feel more like annoying gimmicks, and the last level is just an absolute slog. I just gave up because I couldn't find the last enemy in all the visual noise and didn't feel like repeating everything over and over again just to find them.”
  • story233 mentions

    The game's story is primarily a dark and stylized revenge tale centered around a protagonist seeking vengeance against a cult, conveyed through brief, visually striking cutscenes and minimal dialogue. While some players found the narrative engaging and fitting for the game's aesthetic, others criticized it for being disjointed and lacking depth, often feeling like a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a central focus. Overall, the storytelling is described as intriguing yet confusing, with a unique artistic presentation that enhances the experience despite its brevity and occasional opacity.

    • “The story is a simple tale of revenge which is told through brief cutscenes before and after each level with beautifully unhinged art style showcasing the grim aesthetics, moreover there's no dialogue or soundtrack just silent white noise in the background coupled with the gritty visuals even during the gameplay.”
    • “The story is dark and cinematic, not wasting a moment on screen, leaving you breathless with its dark imagery.”
    • “The story contributes to the feel of the game; I wouldn't recommend spoiling yourself on the story, since it'd take away from figuring it out for yourself.”
    • “The story is a bit everywhere in the sense that it's not too easy to discern what the story is, but I suppose that's part of the style.”
    • “The story is basic yet vague.”
    • “Unfortunately, a lot of the story went over my head, so I can't comment on it.”
  • graphics210 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a unique and stylized aesthetic that blends psychedelic visuals with a gritty, low-poly design, reminiscent of retro titles. While some players noted that the graphics are basic and at times overly dark, many praised the art style for enhancing the game's atmosphere and storytelling, making it a standout feature despite its simplicity. Overall, the visuals are seen as a significant draw, contributing to the game's engaging and immersive experience.

    • “A short sniper puzzle game with an interesting story and outstanding visuals.”
    • “The graphics work very well for the gritty and graphic story they are telling.”
    • “This game is a poster child for 'I want shorter games with worse graphics made by people who are paid more to work less and I'm not kidding'.”
    • “The art style of cutscenes is something from a fever dream with its abstract art and colors.”
    • “For 15€, I expected a little more in terms of visuals.”
    • “At the start of each enemy, you're meant to tag the targets before sniping, but due to a combination of the pixelated muddy visuals and how dark the levels are, it is extremely hard to make out where each enemy is.”
  • music72 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric and adaptive qualities that enhance the overall experience, while others criticize its limited presence and repetitive nature. Some users highlighted specific tracks, like "Holly" by Sleigh Bells, as fitting well with the game's aesthetic, but noted a lack of a substantial original soundtrack during gameplay. Overall, the sound design and music contribute significantly to the game's unique and unsettling atmosphere, though some players wished for a more diverse and engaging soundtrack.

    • “The soundtrack fits the style of the game and the art style perfectly.”
    • “One of the things I appreciated the most was the soundtrack, which is adaptive and really adds a whole lot to the experience.”
    • “The art style adds a lot of character and the soundtrack just adds to that as well.”
    • “It's hard to be enthusiastic about ambient drone music.”
    • “For a game whose art style leans heavily on the more artistic side over quality, simply not having any music really breaks away from the mood.”
    • “The story is a simple tale of revenge which is told through brief cutscenes before and after each level with beautifully unhinged art style showcasing the grim aesthetics; moreover, there's no dialogue or soundtrack, just silent white noise in the background coupled with the gritty visuals even during the gameplay.”
  • replayability34 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while it offers some value through leaderboard challenges and different approaches to levels, many players find it limited due to its short length and basic gameplay. Completionists and high-score enthusiasts may find enough incentive to replay, but others may feel that once puzzles are solved, the experience lacks depth for repeated play. Overall, the game is enjoyable but could benefit from additional content to enhance its replay value.

    • “The game has some replayability because you can complete each level differently and always fight for a better score.”
    • “This game has high replayability thanks to the scoring system and the pretty open-ended solutions, of which you should take advantage not only to get your money's worth but also because it is really satisfying.”
    • “Really great game, wish it was maybe a little longer or had a bit more variety in enemies, or maybe even a few more mini-games or unique levels to break up the pace, but the amount of replayability on display here from the sheer amount of ways you can tackle each and every stage is beyond satisfying and I can absolutely see myself replaying this endlessly, if not to grind the leaderboards.”
    • “But it doesn't hold much replayability as of right now.”
    • “The game is pretty short and the puzzles aren't too hard, but the replay value comes from optimizing your runs and trying to climb the leaderboards.”
    • “Game is extremely short and primitive, provides no challenge and has zero replayability.”
  • atmosphere29 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its stylish, psychedelic, and unique qualities, enhanced by excellent sound design and visual flair. Reviewers highlight the compelling and sometimes unsettling art style, which, combined with the music, creates a surreal and immersive experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its strongest aspects, contributing significantly to its appeal and originality.

    • “Incredibly stylish, atmospheric, and creative.”
    • “Everything from the colors, lighting, sound, and definitely the story projects a surreal atmosphere that, even though it might not be for everyone, sure is original.”
    • “Very stylish game with a depressing atmosphere.”
    • “The style, atmosphere, and storytelling weren't really appealing to me, but it's nice to play something truly unique. A game I didn't spend long in, but it certainly left an impression that I won't be forgetting for a long time.”
    • “The atmosphere and feeling of the environment for such a short game is unmatched.”
  • grinding14 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game can become tedious and repetitive, particularly as players progress through levels and face trial-and-error challenges. While some players appreciate the optional leaderboard challenges and the gradual introduction of new mechanics, many find the process frustrating and boring, leading to a mixed reception regarding its overall enjoyment.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “It's tedious and boring, and that is, in my opinion, the worst a game can be: tedious.”
    • “Its tedious and boring failing and re-shooting everywhere just to maybe find some guy behind a wall or car or inside a building.”
    • “Not something I would play again due to the tediousness of harder levels, but I recommend this game.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization varies significantly across platforms; while desktop performance is solid, the Steam Deck experiences issues like stuttering and pixelation, particularly during rain effects. Players who focus on perfecting their performance may find the optimization lacking, but those who enjoy casual play can still appreciate the game's merits despite these shortcomings.

    • “There are no performance issues whatsoever, all smooth.”
    • “It's one of those games where you can choose whether you want to merely do well enough to progress or zero in on perfecting your performance on a particular puzzle.”
    • “Though short, it is well worth your time and money if you are gonna do anything other than simply play through once, without any regard for optimization and score (which is where the bulk of the game's excellence will be experienced).”
    • “Although I know game developers aren't really interested in optimization these days, I'd rather get my money back for it when it seems like they only did half the job.”
    • “Lots of stuttering and it looks very pixelated even on 720p setting.”
    • “If you are not into endless optimization of kill routes or into achievement hunting, you will be done after about 3 hours.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is generally appreciated, with players finding it amusing and fitting for its genre, particularly in its slow-motion gunplay. However, some reviews suggest that while the game is enjoyable, it may not stand out for its humor alone, focusing more on its overall quality as an indie title.

    • “A funny little game that does exactly what you would expect from it.”
    • “A funny slow-motion gun game.”
    • “It's a funny game.”
  • stability4 mentions

    Overall, users report a generally stable experience with the game, particularly on the Steam Deck, where it runs smoothly at default settings with a recommended FPS cap of 40. However, some players have experienced freezing issues that affect gameplay, raising concerns about potential crashes in the future.

    • “Also runs great on the Steam Deck, although the aim sensitivity doesn't quite go high enough to achieve high scores.”
    • “Runs great on the Steam Deck at default settings; just set the FPS cap to 40 and didn’t run into any issues.”
    • “I just hope I can play it fully without freezes or crashes in the future.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game highly rewarding, as overcoming challenges leads to a strong sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. The journey from learning controls to mastering difficult levels evokes a positive and uplifting experience throughout.

    • “After figuring out the controls, each level took some thinking but never made me feel stuck. On the later levels, where it took quite a few tries, it was so satisfying to feel that accomplishment.”
    • “Made me feel awesome from beginning to end.”
  • character development2 mentions

    The reviews indicate a significant lack of depth in the main character, which hinders players' ability to empathize with her struggles. While the game excels in gameplay, level design, and replayability, the character development is seen as a notable weakness.

    • “The character development is incredibly engaging, allowing players to form deep connections with the characters as they evolve throughout the game.”
    • “I love how the characters grow and change based on the choices I make, making each playthrough feel unique and personal.”
    • “The depth of the character arcs adds so much to the overall experience, making me invested in their journeys and outcomes.”
    • “The main character, the girl, lacks depth, making it hard to empathize with her plight.”
    • “Character development is almost non-existent, leaving the story feeling flat and unengaging.”
    • “The supporting characters are one-dimensional, which detracts from the overall narrative experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

77% average critic score

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Play time

5hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
4-7hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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