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MONSTER

Child of Light

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Child of Light
Item: Child of Light
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2014

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, RPG, Drama, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 29, 2014

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperUbisoft Montreal

Overview

The Black Queen has stolen the Sun, the Moon and the Stars. You play as Aurora, a young princess with a pure heart whose soul is brought to the kingdom of Lemuria. Embark on a quest to recapture the three sources of light, defeat the Black Queen and restore the kingdom of Lemuria.

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Child of Light are quite varied. Many critics praise the story for its fairytale-like narrative and its ability to evoke a sense of magic and whimsy. Gameplanet describes it as a "fairytale deeply seated in a Grimm's Tales-esque narrative," while Gaming Age applauds the constant rhyming in the dialogue, considering it well done and thoughtful. The story is also commended for exploring heavy themes such as family, love, and loss, as mentioned by NintendoWorldReport. Additionally, critics like Nintendo Life and COGconnected appreciate the emotional and serious aspects of the story, with surprising plot twists and a sense of urgency. On the other hand, some critics have more negative opinions about the story. Edge Magazine criticizes it as a "procession of fairytale clichés" with a "twee, forcibly rhyming script." PC Gamer finds the rhyming couplets grating and is not invested in the saccharine story, instead finding the world of Lemuria more captivating. Joystiq mentions that while the story works well with the game's artistic sensibilities, it lacks emotional attachment or soul. Game Informer also criticizes the lack of nuanced characters and complex plot developments, finding the dialogue written in rhyme annoying over time. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Child of Light has its strengths and weaknesses. It is generally praised for its fairytale-like narrative, magical atmosphere, and exploration of heavy themes. However, the forced rhyming dialogue and lack of emotional depth are mentioned as drawbacks. Critics such as GamingTrend and Game Over Online appreciate the deeper meaning and surprises in the story, while Slant Magazine and Digitally Downloaded commend the game for taking chances and using imagination. Despite some negative opinions, the majority of critics find the story engaging and enjoyable, with a unique charm that can be appreciated by a wide audience in search of poetry, as stated by Gameblog.fr.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Child of Light's story receives mixed reviews from critics. Some praise its fairytale-like narrative, magical atmosphere, and exploration of heavy themes like family and love. However, others criticize it for being cliché, with forced rhyming dialogue and lack of emotional depth. Despite its flaws, most critics find the story engaging and charming, with surprising plot twists and a unique charm that appeals to a wide audience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Child of Light, with many highlighting its positive aspects. The combat system received particular acclaim, with critics like Nintendo Life and DarkStation describing it as fast, fun, and engaging. The turn-based nature of the combat allowed for strategic planning and awareness, as mentioned by IGN and Game Informer. The ability to switch party members without losing a turn, as noted by ActionTrip, added a unique twist to the combat mechanics. The active-time battle system, coordination of cooldowns and attacks, and skill tree development mentioned by Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport further added depth and complexity to the gameplay. The platforming elements, exploration, and discovery aspects were also commended by NZGamer and PlayStation LifeStyle, adding to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. However, there were some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Child of Light. Edge Magazine mentioned that the combat system lacked tactical depth and was described as one-note. NowGamer also pointed out the lack of variety in enemy types and easy surprise attacks. RPG Fan mentioned that the platforming elements could be frustrating. Joystiq criticized the leveling system for lacking significance or satisfaction. Machinima found the skill tree and crafting elements to be simple and less engaging. Despite these criticisms, they were relatively minor compared to the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Child of Light is very good. The combination of turn-based combat, platforming elements, and RPG mechanics was well-received. The combat system, with its balance of turn-based and real-time elements, strategic planning, and timing-based mechanics, was a standout feature. The positive feedback from critics like Gaming Age, GamingTrend, and Slant Magazine further supports the overall consensus. While there were some minor criticisms, they did not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Child of Light's gameplay was praised for its accessibility, complexity, and engaging nature, making it a highly recommended experience for both newcomers and veterans of the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics overwhelmingly praised Child of Light's gameplay, especially its engaging combat system that offers a mix of turn-based strategy and real-time elements. While some critics noted minor flaws like lack of tactical depth and variety in enemies, the overall consensus is highly positive. The game's blend of combat, platforming, and RPG mechanics received acclaim for its accessibility and complexity, making it a recommended experience for all players.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Child of Light have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many critics praised the stunning aesthetics and beautiful art style of the game. The hand-painted, watercolor illustrations were often described as gorgeous, breathtaking, and like a painting in motion. The game's environments were commended for their grand fantasy designs and storybook-like quality. Critics such as Gameblog.fr, DarkStation, and PC Gamer specifically mentioned the heartwarming and delightful visuals that made playing the game a delight. The use of the UbiArt engine was also highlighted, with RPG Fan noting the amazing visuals and sweeping vistas. The graphics and visual design of Child of Light were widely regarded as a masterpiece, with critics consistently praising the game's art style and attention to detail. While the overall consensus regarding the graphics and visual design of Child of Light is overwhelmingly positive, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned by some critics. Edge Magazine, for example, mentioned that while the game's art was often beautiful, they criticized the pacing and structure of the game. Additionally, Game Over Online pointed out a flaw in the light text color for dialogue, which could potentially impact the readability of the game. However, these criticisms were relatively minor and did not detract from the overall positive reception of the graphics and visual design. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of Child of Light have been widely praised by critics, with many considering them to be a masterpiece. The stunning watercolor art style, hand-painted environments, and attention to detail were consistently highlighted as major strengths of the game. Critics such as Nintendo Life, ActionTrip, and PlayStation LifeStyle specifically mentioned the game's beautiful visuals and charming art style. While there were a few minor criticisms regarding the pacing, structure, and text color, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of Child of Light are exceptional and contribute significantly to the game's overall appeal.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics unanimously hail Child of Light's graphics as a masterpiece, with stunning watercolor art, breathtaking environments, and heartwarming visuals that make playing a delight. While some minor issues like pacing and text color were noted, they did not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive reception of the game's visual design.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics have expressed positive opinions regarding the sound design and music of Child of Light. Many reviewers have praised the enchanting and ethereal quality of the soundtrack, with Gameblog.fr describing it as "enchanting" and COGconnected stating that it is "equal parts haunting and ethereal." The delicate score, mellow strings, and piano music have been highlighted by critics such as Nintendo Life, Game Informer, and Game Over Online, who found that it enhances the aesthetic and accompanies the journey. The recurring flute piece mentioned by Nintendo Life adds a touch of magic to the game, further immersing players in the world of Child of Light. The soothing and steady musical score, as mentioned by VideoGamer, contributes to enhancing the overall experience. The sound effects have also been praised, with PlayStation LifeStyle noting that they are tactile and satisfying. While the majority of the critics have positive opinions, there are a few minor negatives mentioned. Edge Magazine points out the lack of voice acting, which may have been a missed opportunity to further enhance the immersion in the game. PC Gamer only mentions the battle music, leaving out any discussion of the rest of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Child of Light are very good. The enchanting and ethereal soundtrack, along with the mellow strings and piano music, create a remarkable and stirring experience that seamlessly flows with the exploration and levels of the game, as noted by PlayStation LifeStyle. The soundtrack is described as memorable, haunting, and fitting for the game's epic ballad feel by critics like GamesRadar++, RPG Fan, and The Escapist. The positive opinions from multiple critics, such as NintendoWorldReport, NowGamer, and GamingTrend, further reinforce the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music of Child of Light. It is worth mentioning that the majority of the critics found the sound design and music to be very good, highlighting the success of the game in this aspect.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Child of Light's enchanting soundtrack and sound design, with mentions of its ethereal quality, mellow strings, and piano music that enhance the game's aesthetic. While some note the lack of voice acting, overall consensus is highly positive, with the music described as memorable and fitting for the game's epic feel. Critics commend the immersive experience and tactile sound effects.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

33%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Child of Light are varied. Gameblog.fr praises the voice acting, describing the characters as "colorful" and enjoyable to listen to. This positive feedback suggests that the voice acting adds depth and charm to the game, enhancing the overall experience for players. Digitally Downloaded also commends the voice work, stating that it is "quite good." This further supports the notion that the voice acting in Child of Light is of high quality and adds value to the game. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Child of Light. Nintendo Life finds the rhyming verse used by the characters to be "mildly irksome at times." This suggests that the unique stylistic choice of having characters speak in rhyme may not resonate with all players and could potentially be seen as a drawback. Joystiq also expresses a negative opinion, stating that the rhyme scheme creates a barrier between the player and the tale, making it difficult to connect with the characters. This criticism implies that the voice acting, in this particular aspect, may hinder the player's immersion and emotional engagement with the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the voice acting in Child of Light is mixed. While some critics, such as Gameblog.fr and Digitally Downloaded, appreciate the voice acting and find it to be enjoyable and well-executed, others, like Nintendo Life and Joystiq, have reservations about certain aspects of it. The positive feedback highlights the strengths of the voice acting, emphasizing its ability to bring the colorful characters to life. However, the negative feedback suggests that the use of rhyming verse may not resonate with all players and could potentially create a barrier between the player and the narrative. Ultimately, players' opinions on the voice acting in Child of Light may vary depending on their personal preferences and tolerance for stylistic choices.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Child of Light. Some praise it for adding depth and charm to the game, while others find the rhyming verse used by the characters to be irksome and a barrier to connecting with the tale. Overall, the voice acting is seen as both a strength and a potential drawback, with players' opinions varying based on personal preferences.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Child of Light, the majority of critics found it to be very good across all gaming platforms. Starting with the positives for each platform, Gameblog.fr played the game on the Switch and reported no issues with the port. This suggests that the game runs smoothly and without any noticeable technical hiccups on the Switch. Nintendo Life, also playing on the Switch, mentioned intermittent performance dips and occasional framerate hitches, but they did not feel that these issues overshadowed the overall experience of the game. This indicates that while there may be some minor technical drawbacks, they are not significant enough to detract from the enjoyment of the game on the Switch. Moving on to the negatives for each platform, Slant Magazine played Child of Light on the PS4 and mentioned that the game runs at 60fps. However, no information was provided about its stability, which leaves some uncertainty about potential technical issues on this platform. GamingTrend played the game on Xbox One and noted some glitches and occasional performance hiccups. However, they mentioned that a day-one patch is expected to address these issues, suggesting that the developers are actively working to improve the technical performance on this platform. Overall, despite some minor technical drawbacks mentioned by a few critics, the consensus among reviewers is that the technical performance of Child of Light is very good. Gaming Age, who played on Xbox One, stated that the game saw little to no technical issues or hiccups, and they imagine the same can be said for the PS4 and PC versions as well. This suggests that the game performs well across multiple platforms. Additionally, Joystiq, also playing on Xbox One, reported no problems during their playthrough. These positive experiences from multiple critics further support the overall consensus that the technical performance of Child of Light is commendable.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics praise Child of Light's technical performance, with smooth gameplay on the Switch and minor hiccups on other platforms. Despite occasional issues on PS4 and Xbox One, overall consensus is positive, with most reviewers lauding the game's solid performance across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Child of Light are mostly positive. Nintendo Life mentions that the game offers additional content for light grinding or New Game+, which suggests that there are opportunities for players to continue playing and exploring the game even after completing the main story. ActionTrip also highlights the game's exploration, side quests, and optional party members, which adds to its replay value. Destructoid and Game Informer both mention sidequests and optional items that contribute to the game's replayability. These positive comments indicate that there are various elements in the game that encourage players to revisit and engage with the content. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the replay value of Child of Light. Slant Magazine mentions that the game's length, which is about 8-10 hours, may not offer high replay value. Joystiq mentions that there is no addictive hook or great mysteries to keep players coming back for more. These comments suggest that the game may not have enough depth or compelling elements to entice players to replay it multiple times. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Child of Light has some replay value, but it may not be extensive. NintendoWorldReport mentions that following the story and completing side missions reminded them of old-fashioned RPG traditions, which indicates that the game offers enjoyable and engaging content that may encourage players to replay it. VideoGamer mentions that the game is enjoyable and immersive, even though it lacks challenge. GamesRadar++ describes Child of Light as a fantastic and engaging RPG that doesn't overstay its welcome, suggesting that the game strikes a balance between providing enough content to be satisfying without becoming repetitive. Machinima mentions that the game accommodates different time commitments by allowing players to skip content, which suggests that it offers flexibility for players who may not have the time to fully replay the game. Overall, while some critics express concerns about the game's length or addictive qualities, the general sentiment is that Child of Light offers a decent amount of replay value for players who enjoy its RPG elements and immersive experience.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are mostly positive about Child of Light's replay value, praising its additional content like side quests and New Game+ options. However, some critics feel the game's length and lack of addictive elements may limit its replayability. Overall, the consensus is that Child of Light offers enjoyable RPG traditions, immersive gameplay, and a balanced amount of replay value for players who appreciate its engaging experience.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Child of Light, it is evident that the game received predominantly positive feedback. Several critics praised the game for its stunning art style, beautiful visuals, and unique look. DarkStation described it as one of the most enjoyable and beautiful games of 2014, bursting with charm. Shacknews also commended the game's graphics and soundtrack. The Escapist highlighted the clever gameplay and stunning visuals and music, while Gameplanet recommended it for fans of JRPGs due to its creative integration of RPG mechanics. These positive aspects of Child of Light contribute to its overall appeal and enjoyment. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by certain critics. Edge Magazine criticized the game for being slow, cluttered, and lacking attention to detail. They felt that it was needlessly bogged down by Ubisoft systems and did not hold the attention of players. PC Gamer also mentioned that while they enjoyed the game, they found it lacking in richness and customization, which prevented it from being a truly satisfying role-playing experience. Joystiq mentioned that although the game was lovely and pleasant, it lacked emotional attachment and soul, suggesting that players may not think about it again after putting it away. These criticisms highlight areas where Child of Light may have fallen short for some reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Child of Light is a visually stunning and enjoyable game, with a unique and charming art style. It successfully combines traditional RPG elements with modern flair, creating a memorable and immersive experience. Critics such as Nintendo Life and PlayStation LifeStyle praised the game for its refreshing adventure and its ability to bridge gaming with other forms of art. The majority of reviewers recommended the game, with some even considering it a standout in the genre. While there were some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the game, they did not outweigh the positive sentiments expressed by the reviewers. Child of Light is generally regarded as a delightful and worthwhile experience for fans of RPGs and those seeking a unique and creative adventure.

TL;DR

Child of Light was praised by critics for its stunning art style, visuals, and unique charm, making it an enjoyable and beautiful game. Some critics mentioned negatives like slow pacing and lack of depth, but overall, the game successfully blends traditional RPG elements with modern flair, creating a memorable experience. Despite some criticisms, most reviewers recommended Child of Light as a delightful and worthwhile RPG adventure with a unique and creative appeal.

MONSTER

Reviews

147 reviews found

Game Over Online

Xbox One

Apr 29, 2014