Story

Child of Light is a beautiful and poetic journey crafted by Ubisoft Montreal, set in the mystical world of Lemuria. The narrative unfolds like a storybook fairy tale, following the protagonist, Aurora, a young girl who finds herself in a fantastical realm after falling into a deep slumber. The game begins in 1895 Austria, where Aurora, the daughter of a Duke, mysteriously falls ill and seemingly passes away. However, she awakens in the enchanted land of Lemuria, a kingdom plagued by darkness.

The storyline centers around Aurora’s quest to return home to her father, but her journey is far from straightforward. She is tasked with restoring the sun, moon, and stars, which have been stolen by the Queen of the Night, Umbra. Along her journey, Aurora encounters a cast of whimsical characters, each with their unique backgrounds and motivations. These companions include Rubella, a jester seeking her brother, Finn, a Capilli magician, and many others who aid Aurora in her quest.

The narrative of Child of Light is woven with themes of love, loss, and courage, conveyed through beautifully written rhyming dialogue. The storybook presentation and poetic storytelling make the game feel like an interactive fairy tale, drawing players into its enchanting world.

Gameplay

Child of Light combines elements of traditional RPGs with innovative gameplay mechanics, creating a unique experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers. The game features a side-scrolling platform design, where players navigate through beautifully crafted environments, solving puzzles and engaging in combat.

Combat is turn-based, reminiscent of classic RPGs, but with a twist. The game employs an Active Time Battle system, where players and enemies share a timeline that dictates the order of actions. This system introduces a layer of strategy, as players can interrupt enemy actions if they time their attacks correctly. Each character has their own set of abilities and roles, encouraging players to experiment with different party combinations.

In addition to combat, exploration plays a significant role in Child of Light. Players are encouraged to explore the lush landscapes of Lemuria, discovering hidden treasures, solving environmental puzzles, and interacting with the world. Aurora’s ability to fly adds a vertical dimension to exploration, allowing access to otherwise unreachable areas.

A unique gameplay feature is Igniculus, a glowing orb of light that accompanies Aurora. Controlled by a second player or the primary player, Igniculus can heal allies, slow enemies, and collect items, adding a cooperative element to the game.

Graphics and Sound

Child of Light is renowned for its breathtaking art style, which resembles a living watercolor painting. The hand-drawn graphics and vibrant color palette create a dreamlike atmosphere, immersing players in the whimsical world of Lemuria. Each environment is meticulously crafted, from lush forests and underwater caverns to ancient ruins and majestic castles.

The character designs are equally enchanting, with each character possessing a distinct and memorable appearance that complements the game’s fairy tale theme. The creatures and enemies encountered throughout the game range from charming to menacing, enhancing the storybook aesthetic.

Accompanying the stunning visuals is a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by Cœur de pirate (Béatrice Martin). The music of Child of Light perfectly captures the emotional depth and mood of the game, ranging from serene and melancholic melodies to epic battle themes. The sound design further enriches the experience, with ambient sounds that bring the world of Lemuria to life.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release in 2014, Child of Light received widespread acclaim from both critics and players, praised for its artistic presentation, engaging story, and innovative gameplay. The game’s unique blend of RPG mechanics and platforming elements, along with its emphasis on exploration and storytelling, set it apart from other titles in the genre.

Critics lauded the game’s graphics and art style, often describing it as one of the most visually stunning games of its time. The soundtrack was also highlighted as a standout feature, contributing to the game’s emotional depth and atmosphere.

Child of Light’s narrative, with its fairy tale charm and poetic dialogue, resonated with players, drawing them into its magical world. The game’s story, while simple, was praised for its heartfelt themes and character development, making it an emotional journey for many players.

The game’s legacy is marked by its influence on the indie and RPG gaming landscape. Child of Light demonstrated that games could be both artistically ambitious and commercially successful, inspiring developers to explore similar narrative-driven, visually distinct projects.

Conclusion

Child of Light stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and artistic expression in video games. Its enchanting narrative, combined with innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals, creates a memorable experience for players of all ages. The game’s impact on the industry is evident in its continued popularity and influence on subsequent titles. Child of Light is not just a game; it’s a work of art that continues to captivate and inspire, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of interactive entertainment.