Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out
- August 21, 2023
- A Sharp
In "Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out," players navigate the collapse of their clan's world in Glorantha, making complex decisions about managing relationships with gods and followers, exploring the wilderness, and managing resources. With a deep simulation and many unique situations, players must consider the long-term consequences of their choices. This stand-alone survival-storybook game combines interactive fiction and turn-based strategy.
Reviews
- Six Ages 2: Lights Go Out is a worthy sequel that expands on the narrative and gameplay of its predecessor, providing a rich and immersive experience in a beautifully crafted world.
- The game effectively captures the feeling of desperation and struggle in a dying world, with engaging storytelling and character dynamics that make players care about their clan's survival.
- The art style, music, and writing are all praised for their quality, contributing to a unique atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- Some players feel that the game lacks player agency and can become repetitive, with limited choices leading to a feeling of being railroaded through the narrative.
- The difficulty spike, particularly in food management and resource allocation, can be frustrating for players, making it hard to progress without trial and error.
- Certain themes and contemporary issues introduced in the game feel out of place for some players, detracting from the escapism that the game aims to provide.
- story72 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story in the "Six Ages" series is a mixed bag, with some players praising its depth and engagement, particularly in "Light's Going Out," which builds on the narrative of its predecessor and offers more character arcs and flexibility in gameplay. However, others criticize it for being overly complex and filled with tropes, making it less accessible for newcomers. Overall, while the writing and setting are appreciated, the narrative can feel convoluted and lacks clarity at times, especially for those unfamiliar with the lore.
“I've played a lot of strategy games and interactive novels and found this series to be a rewarding, story-heavy hybrid that really hits the spot.”
“Even after hours of gameplay, I'm still picking up new story threads and coming to terms with the nature of the world and its people.”
“This game builds on everything present in Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind, and directly continues the story as the world moves from the Storm Age/Gods War into the Age of Darkness.”
“But the story is bland, full of tropes about a war of the gods (which, unless you want to memorize long lists of gods, will make little sense anyway), and devoid of any clear narrative.”
“Kingdom ties don't seem to matter all that much mechanics-wise; quests to restore the standing of the monarchy are either bugged or incomplete because that quest line has no payoff, and some dialogues either imply it never happened or it was failed.”
“I can't and won't recommend this for people who are new to the games since the slew of information you need to know tying into the main plot would be an awful lot, but I would recommend coming back to it after 'Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind.'”
- gameplay56 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its narrative focus and unique blend of tribe management and decision-making, while others criticize its repetitiveness, obtuse mechanics, and lack of meaningful feedback. Although the game introduces complex mechanics that enhance thematic elements, many feel that it ultimately offers limited gameplay variety and can feel stale. Overall, it is seen as a chill experience that rewards reading comprehension over traditional skill-based gameplay, with some players finding it enjoyable once they grasp the mechanics.
“The game lured me in with the promise that, once I got into it, I'd understand the mechanics and would be able to play it strategically.”
“Gameplay then becomes a cycle of reading the likely intents behind the questions posed to you and picking the appropriate choices to pursue your goals.”
“Still a unique style of gameplay - a mix between tribe management and choose your own adventure decision making - and still a fascinating world and mythology backed by good writing.”
“My only real criticism of the game would be leveled at its sometimes obtuse mechanics and a lack of feedback for your actions.”
“On top of that, the actual gameplay loop is incredibly repetitive.”
“Gameplay wise though, while pretty much more of the same, I have a feeling of 'Lights Going Out' being a sidegrade at best.”
- graphics18 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their rich, hand-drawn art style and immersive atmosphere, contributing to a captivating experience. While some players appreciate the signature realist cartoonish aesthetic, others express indifference towards it. Overall, the visuals are considered excellent, complementing the well-written narrative and intricate fantasy world.
“Other than that, this is a superb and immersive experience with a rich art style and captivating events.”
“Great writing, choice-consequence, awesome visuals, extremely immersive setting, lots of mythohistorical stuff to enjoy.”
“If you want gorgeous hand-drawn artwork and an intricate fantasy world?”
“I do not care for the art style, at all.”
- atmosphere8 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its immersive atmosphere, characterized by a grim yet hopeful tone that enhances the experience of leading a clan in a brutal fantasy world. Reviewers highlight the excellent writing and art, which effectively complement the challenging survival elements, creating a unique and engaging environment. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both gloomy and rich, setting it apart from other strategy games.
“It was an atmospheric turn-based strategy that had you take charge of a clan of totally-not-vikings and try to survive and prosper in a brutal fantasy world.”
“I've never played a strategy game like it; the themes, the grim atmosphere, the hope, the joy are all unique.”
“The atmosphere, writing, and art are all excellent, and the tougher survival really sell the setting.”
- music8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise, with many reviewers noting it as a significant improvement over the first installment. The soundtrack is described as fantastic and atmospheric, enhancing immersion in the game's setting. Overall, the combination of beautiful art and well-crafted music contributes to a rewarding gameplay experience.
“The art in this game is beautiful, the soundtrack is fantastic to listen to, allowing one to easily immerse themselves into a world doomed to end, and once you finally get the hang of the game's mechanics it becomes much more fun and rewarding to experience.”
“And the music is so good, way better than the first game's music.”
“The glorantha setting is interesting and the game is well written, has really nice atmospheric artwork, music, and a quite good survival strategy layer.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as bizarre and culturally alien, effectively blending with its gloomy tone to create a unique comedic experience. Players appreciate the developers' ability to evoke a sense of wonder and culture shock reminiscent of "King of Dragon Pass," making the humor both engaging and memorable.
“The devs have managed to capture the same essence of wonder and culture shock that made King of Dragon Pass such a wonderful experience, and of course they've managed to keep the same bizarre, culturally alien humor despite the gloomy tone.”
“It's hilarious.”
“The devs have managed to capture the same essence of wonder and culture shock that made King of Dragon Pass such a wonderful experience, and of course they've managed to keep the same bizarre, culturally alien humor despite the gloomy tone.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game features roguelike mechanics that enhance its replayability and challenge, making it a compelling experience for players. While some users are still assessing its long-term replay value, initial impressions suggest it may surpass previous titles in the genre.
“A layer of roguelike mechanics added replayability and challenge to the title.”
“I don't yet know about replayability, but thus far I'd say it's better overall than Ride Like the Wind; a worthy successor to King of Dragon Pass.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be somewhat tedious, as it detracts from the enjoyment of learning and mastering gameplay mechanics.
“I suppose part of the fun was learning to play, which is why it feels a bit more tedious.”
- character development2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features strong character development through its rich world-building, innovative art and character design, and engaging combat and diplomacy systems. Players appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness of the characters, although some may struggle with the gameplay mechanics.
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Lights Going Out" is highlighted as both challenging and impactful, serving as a true sequel to "Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind" and a spiritual prequel to "King of Dragon Pass." Players find the game to evoke strong feelings, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
“Difficult both emotionally and in gameplay challenge, 'Lights Going Out' is a true sequel to 'Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind' and a worthy prequel/spiritual sequel to 'King of Dragon Pass'.”