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Light & Shadow

Light & Shadow Game Cover
95%Game Brain Score
music, graphics
gameplay, optimization
95% User Score Based on 101 reviews

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Light & Shadow Game Cover

About

Light & Shadow is a single player platformer game with a violence theme. It was developed by Flawed Designs and was released on November 24, 2022. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

When a star falls in a nearby forest, it spurs Po onto a quest to find that light and bring it into their life. Light & Shadow is a shadow puppet platformer where you face your anxieties, push past depression, and seek moments of joy in a grey world. Finding your way isn't always easy, keep going!

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Light & Shadow screenshot
Light & Shadow screenshot
Light & Shadow screenshot
Light & Shadow screenshot
Light & Shadow screenshot
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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 101 reviews
music13 positive mentions
  • Visually striking with a beautiful art style and great soundtrack, creating a memorable atmosphere.
  • Offers a meaningful narrative that explores themes of mental health and the importance of appreciating small moments in life.
  • Free to play, making it accessible for anyone looking for a short, relaxing gaming experience.
  • The game is quite short, which may leave some players wanting more content.
  • Lacks features like save slots or chapter selection, making it inconvenient to revisit for achievements.
  • Gameplay can feel simplistic and repetitive, with some players finding it not engaging enough.
  • music
    34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game is widely praised for its emotional depth and harmonious quality, enhancing the overall atmosphere and providing a relaxing experience. Players appreciate the integration of the soundtrack with the gameplay, noting that it complements the simplistic yet beautiful visuals. The diverse musical themes for different levels and the ability to enjoy the music while playing make it a standout feature, appealing to both casual gamers and music lovers alike.

    • “The music for this game is very good; it's moody, harmonious, and evoked quite a few emotions out of me.”
    • “Beautiful game and beautiful soundtracks <3”
    • “Great game, can tell the devs had a passion for the music and art involved here.”
    • “The only settings are for music and sound.”
    • “If you don't collect the green musical notes, your screen will be eaten by flies.”
    • “Picking all of the musical notes is unnecessary, and there's not even an achievement for that, so don't worry and don't go back if you miss any, as that will only make you lose precious time.”
  • graphics
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the unique art style and atmospheric light and shadow effects that enhance the overall experience. However, others criticize the reliance on basic 2D visuals, suggesting that the game feels outdated compared to modern 3D standards. Despite these criticisms, many players appreciate the creative design and nostalgic feel of the visuals, which contribute to the game's charm.

    • “Light & shadow delivers great atmosphere and strong visuals, making it an enjoyable play from start to finish.”
    • “The art style is creative; I like the puppet-esque presentation and design of the world overall, especially the pops of color for certain items of importance.”
    • “The visuals are fantastic and the music is integrated with the game!”
    • “This platformer skirts around the basic premise of ripping off the artwork from Microsoft's Limbo (copyright Microsoft Game Studios, 2010) by making your sprite look like a 2D shadow marionette (not to be confused with a puppet, as the developer here seems to be having problems understanding).”
    • “The game features really lackluster 2D visuals (does the developer not know 3D graphics became mainstream in the mid-1990s?).”
    • “Gamers don't spend thousands of dollars on gaming rigs and the latest 3D graphics cards to play 2D games.”
  • story
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's story is described as charming, relatable, and engaging, featuring a simple yet powerful narrative that addresses serious themes. Players appreciate the cute characters and artwork, as well as the emotional depth, including a notable plot twist. However, some users express a desire for features like save slots or chapter selection to enhance the experience of revisiting the story.

    • “An interesting little indie arcade that tells us the story of Po, who goes into the forest after a sparkling stone that fell from heaven.”
    • “I would recommend this to others; it has an amazing storyline, cute characters, and beautiful artwork.”
    • “Again, it's not about the challenge but about telling a story on a very serious subject that many people today still like to ignore or underestimate, or even make fun of.”
    • “A beautiful and charming little game, and the story beats are simplistic but powerful.”
    • “There's even a small plot twist at some point (and it makes a lot of sense when one thinks about it).”
  • gameplay
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay has been described as elementary and not particularly engaging, with some reviewers noting that it lacks revolutionary elements. However, the mechanics are well-integrated with the narrative, contributing to the overall experience, even if the gameplay itself may not be the main draw of the title.

    • “The elementary but effective game mechanics are fully integrated and coherent with the narrative, which is something rare.”
    • “It was a good game with a decent amount of gameplay; sad that in the end the whole world's color did not return.”
    • “Overall, a good title with an important message, just don't go into it expecting revolutionary gameplay.”
    • “It doesn’t really impact gameplay but still not ideal.”
  • atmosphere
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its impressive use of light and shadow, creating strong visuals that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the combination of stunning graphics and evocative music, contributing to an enjoyable and immersive gameplay environment.

    • “Light and shadow deliver a great atmosphere and strong visuals, making it an enjoyable play from start to finish.”
    • “I love the visuals and the music; probably everything about the atmosphere.”
  • emotional
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the game to be emotionally uplifting, highlighting its peaceful nature and positive messaging that contributes to a wholesome experience.

    • “A peaceful and wholesome game with a good message.”
    • “Wholesome.”
  • character development
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players appreciate the character design in the game, noting its resemblance to Thomas Brush's "The Coma," which enhances their emotional connection to the characters. This nostalgic link contributes positively to the overall character development experience.

    • “I picked this game because the character design reminds me of Thomas Brush's 'Coma'. This game now holds a special connection to that game for me.”
  • optimization
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game is highlighted by its unique presentation, with cut-scenes designed as theatrical performances, enhancing the overall immersive experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Light & Shadow is a platformer game with violence theme.

Light & Shadow is available on PC, Mac OS and Windows.

Light & Shadow was released on November 24, 2022.

Light & Shadow was developed by Flawed Designs.

Light & Shadow has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its music but disliked it for its gameplay.

Light & Shadow is a single player game.

Similar games include Nihilumbra, Snake Pass, LIMBO, Chronology, Assemble with Care and others.