- September 29, 2020
- Sweaty Chair
- 10h median play time
Projection: First Light
There might be some issues here and there, but this is a perfectly enjoyable puzzle-platformer with great pacing and enjoyable shadow platforming.
Platforms
About
Projection: First Light follows Greta on a puzzle-platforming adventure through a mythological shadow puppet world, as she embarks on a journey across cultures meeting legendary heroes.











- Stunning visuals and a strong visual identity that create an immersive experience.
- Brilliant dialogue-free storytelling that captivates players.
- Well-designed levels and puzzles that offer a unique gameplay experience.
- The central shadow-casting mechanic feels broken and frustrating to use.
- Finicky controls and sometimes obtuse story detract from the overall experience.
- The game plateaus quickly, leading to a sense of wasted potential.
gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral NegativeThe gameplay is marred by a frustrating and poorly executed shadow-casting mechanic that detracts from the overall experience, despite the game's stunning visuals, engaging story, and unique concept. While the game offers around 10 hours of playtime, the irritating mechanics lead to a sense of wasted potential.
“[stunning visuals, fun story, unique concept/gameplay, multicultural exploration]”
“+ 10 hours of gameplay.”
“It's just such a damn shame that the central shadow-casting mechanic is so fussy, so irritating, and so downright broken that we can't recommend it without the strongest of caveats.”
“The central shadow-casting mechanic feels broken; moving objects with your shadow never feels good, resulting in a frustrating sense of wasted potential.”
“- Frustrating game mechanics.”
Projection: First Light (Nintendo Switch)
Projection: First Light is a game that requires patience, but if you enjoy sprawling, beautifully designed platformers, it is worth playing.
70%Projection: First Light Review
Let's be clear – this is no disaster like Gleamlight. This is a well-crafted, carefully designed and fantastic-looking game. It's just such a damn shame that the central shadow-casting mechanic is so fussy, so irritating and so downright broken that we can't recommend it without the strongest of caveats. It's very clear that the developers put their heart and soul into Projection: First Light, and that effort deserves to be recognised. Unfortunately, we suggest you recognise it from afar. We don't think that a patch alone could solve this game's problems, and if there's ever a Projection: Second Light, we'd be surprised.
40%Projection: First Light
If there was a category for beautiful games then this would score 10 out of 10. A stunning and emotion laced platformer with frustrating drawbacks. + The graphics and theme are stunning. + Captivating audio. + 10 hours of gameplay. + A lovely touching story. - Frustrating game mechanics. - The game plateaus quickly. (Reviewed on Xbox Series X. Also available for PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4.)
65%