Child of Light Review

Unlike other 2D side scrollers, Child of Light isn’t separated into different levels per se. Every level is connected so you can explore the world seamlessly and even backtrack to older areas just in case you missed something. It plays like other RPGs as exploration is necessary to advance. The level design is also not linear because you will have to unlock certain locked doors and move in several directions to see where you have to go next. This isn’t just moving from left to right like other 2D style games.

Another thing that makes this game play like no other is the way Aurora can explore the levels. At first Aurora can only explore levels on foot. After a little while, she’ll have the ability to fly around the levels which is pretty cool. Flying allows you to explore the levels more freely and add a bit more fun to the game rather than travelling on foot all of the time. It’s another neat feature that made this game so cool to play.

In terms of combat, Child of Light uses the turn-based system that many of you would have been familiar with from the older Final Fantasy games. Even then, Child of Light adds its own spin on the system that makes you utilize your skills with more thought and strategy than ever before.

Every ally and enemy has a turn in battle, but this depends on the timeline that is seen on the bottom of the screen. When it’s your “time” to act, only then you can attack an enemy. You “time” can be affected however if you are attacked and you will lose out that turn. The system is great because you can use Igniculus to slow down enemies and make them lose their turn as well. Iginciulus can also be used to regenerate your health and magic points too.

The enemy types differ as well because they have the usual weaknesses and strengths. This makes you to use different skills and spells for you to exploit enemies’ weaknesses. Aurora also has some other party members that join her and it’s best for you to rotate through all of them sometimes to ensure you are healthy in battle. All in all, the battle system is unique and smart and makes them fun. Enemies are also littered throughout the levels where you can see them, so it’s not like the annoying random battles from old RPGs.

If there are some negative points to say about Child of Light, it’s that level grinding is essential to progressing through the game. Level grinding is in every RPG, but sometimes it can get boring and very time consuming. I remember skipping a few fights and then I stumbled upon a big boss. I managed to beat the boss, but it was hard and would have been easier if I leveled up longer. Leveling up is good since you get access to new skills and your attributes obviously improve.

Another thing this game lacked was a proper map telling you where you had to go to next. There were quite a few times a got lost pretty much flying around not knowing where I needed to head to next. I like the non-linear structure of the game, but some type of hint that tells you where you should be going would have made the experience slightly less frustrating.

Overall, Child of Light is like a breath of fresh air and is not afraid to try something different. The graphics are simply gorgeous and the gameplay is just as good as well. It may have a few flaws, but they are only minor ones. If you love games with challenging gameplay and a great story, Child of Light is perfect for you.

[Editor’s Note: Child of Light was reviewed on the PlayStation 3. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]