Hey Hive!
If you didn't catch the last couple of posts, this is a new series where I write about games that I've played; what they're about and my experience playing them! I'll try my best to keep these posts short and sweet, hence the name; it's a reference to Games Done Quick (GDQ) - a charity speedrunning event!
Anyway, going off the trend from last week; which is games that many people might not be aware of/might have forgotten, the game for today is Child of Light!
If you're unfamiliar, Child of Light is a 2D platforming RPG developed by Ubisoft Montreal using the UbiArt Framework, and published by Ubisoft.
The game's story takes place in the fictional land of Lemuria. Aurora, a child who wakes up in Lemuria after dying from a mysterious illness, must bring back the sun, the moon, and the stars that are all being held captive by the Queen of the Night in order to return home.
Here's the trailer:
There are 2 main aspects to the gameplay; the side-scrolling overworld and the turn-based battles.
In the overworld, you take control of Aurora (along with her glowing companion, Igniculus), who must traverse the kingdom of Lemuria, consisting of luscious forests, ancient ruins, floating islands home to the elfin Aerostati race, villages populated with dwarf-like, magic-using Capilli, and more. There are dungeons with puzzles and various collectibles and useful items scattered throughout the overworld as well.
The combat system in Child of Light is definitely unique; blending turn-based and real-time elements into a seamless and intriguing battle experience. Icons move along a bar at the bottom of the screen, indicating when you and your opponents get to act next. Scoring hits on an enemy who's winding up for a big spell interrupts them, canceling their move, and sends them back on the timeline. Igniculus can also help by slowing down enemies' turns on the timeline when you hold him over them.
This creates a constant tension, forcing players to plan two steps ahead while looking for chances to interrupt, and keeping enemies from doing the same.
I'm sure from the pictures and the trailer you can already see what a beautiful game this is. From one screen to the next, Child of Light fully commits to its hand-crafted aesthetic. Each stunning, watercolour backdrop looks ready to be framed and hung in an art gallery. Each area is so unique and distinct but carry the same overall feeling of warmth and wonder.
Another unique aspect of Child of Light is the writing. The entire game is in rhyme; from the dialogue to collectible scrolls telling the lore of Lemuria. Although it can be somewhat forced at times, the game even pokes fun at this; when you meet a traveling jester who doesn't speak in rhyme, the other characters (mainly Igniculus) pick up the slack.
Coupled together, the writing and visuals really sell the fairy tale, coming-of-age story. I read that the creative director of Child of Light was initially made fun of the first couple of months into development because he was making a "little girl game". But opinions soon changed when they realised that Child of Light is so much more than that. A lot of fairy tales traditionally depict girls needing a Prince Charming to save them, but this game is the exact opposite. In fact, it goes beyond that and focuses on lessons like “taking responsibility, helping others, being greater than ourselves”.
Essentially the game would ask: “what is it like to move past being a child?”. At the start of the game, Aurora initially has trouble carrying a sword and wears a crown that’s too big, but later grows into both when she accepts her responsibilities towards her friends and family.
One of my favourite things about Child of Light (among many) is definitely the soundtrack. Classically composed by Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist, Cœur de pirate, the songs in each part of the game are perfect in capturing the emotions of the characters (and by extension, the player). From the peaceful songs in the overworld to the epic battle themes, the soundtrack is unparalleled.
I first played Child of Light on an Xbox 360 for a little bit, before I decided to get it on Steam in 2016. A little late, but I'm so glad I got it and completed it, because it was too beautiful to let it go unfinished, and soon became one of my favourite games of all time. The story gripped me the whole way, and I just felt so free flying around Lemuria and exploring the stunning environments. I was so sad when I finished the game because I didn't want it to end so soon! But it was a beautiful ending, albeit a bit abrupt because some stuff had to be cut, unfortunately.
Child of Light was initially released on Microsoft Windows, PS3, PS4, Wii U, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PS Vita in 2014. The game received critical acclaim, with particular praise for its visuals, presentation, gameplay, soundtrack and story. It was later released on the Switch in October 2018; the announcement of which also teased a sequel!
But I just read an interview with the game’s veteran creative director, Patrick Plourde, from 2019 saying that the sequel is probably not gonna get made. Which is a real shame, given how amazing Child of Light was, and how many people liked it! I think even Plourde was kinda bummed, but since the original dev team got split up (most of the members left to join different companies) and Ubisoft is focusing on their AAA money-makers, I think he's just accepted it. It's really too bad. But at least we'll always have this masterpiece of a game.
Thanks so much for reading!
To find out more about me, check out my intro post here!
