Child of Light

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 641 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 478 out of 641
  2. Mixed: 112 out of 641
  3. Negative: 51 out of 641
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  1. strapcharles
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    This is easily the highest quality indie game I've ever played, plus it's super cheap. As the reviews have said, the graphics are breath-taking, and it's quality as an RPG is hard to match. Overall just a really great game.
  2. spamtheAbutton
    May 2, 2014
    10
    A truly fun and beautiful game, well worth the little cash that is required. The combat system and visuals will keep you engaged from start to finish. The soundtrack is great too!
  3. Gamer44
    May 8, 2014
    10
    Child of Light is simply a gorgeous game. There is really nothing negative to say about Child of Light the game exceeded my expectations. The graphics is just beautiful and crisp, the controls is extremely well polished and every button reacts with no delay at all, The story is one of the best I have ever encountered in a game. from the start you are pulled into this beautiful magicalChild of Light is simply a gorgeous game. There is really nothing negative to say about Child of Light the game exceeded my expectations. The graphics is just beautiful and crisp, the controls is extremely well polished and every button reacts with no delay at all, The story is one of the best I have ever encountered in a game. from the start you are pulled into this beautiful magical little world that will keep you entertained for hours.

    Child of Light is a brilliantly done and well crafted, designed game. If you have not yet played Child of Light what are you waiting for play Child of Light and be drawn into this magical little world    … Expand
  4. Impulse
    Jun 10, 2014
    10
    I grew up on First Person Shooters, like Halo. I generally buy, or at least try the COD games every year because I know what I'm getting and I usually enjoy it. I don't mind developers throwing "innovation" and "artistic integrity" to the wind if it means just giving us a game that appeals to our basic natures and is just simply, fun; even if it's the dumb kind of fun. Playing somethingI grew up on First Person Shooters, like Halo. I generally buy, or at least try the COD games every year because I know what I'm getting and I usually enjoy it. I don't mind developers throwing "innovation" and "artistic integrity" to the wind if it means just giving us a game that appeals to our basic natures and is just simply, fun; even if it's the dumb kind of fun. Playing something more "unique" usually involves a foray into the territory of games like Mass Effect and Bioshock. Nothing really exotic.

    So I picked up Child of Light after seeing a beautiful game that was made by Ubisoft, of all studios. Being a fan of a lot of their recent stuff, and knowing that it would at least be meant for Western audiences (despite being a "love letter to Japanese RPG's, something I've never really appreciated), I decided what the hell, there's nothing else new really out right now and it's just $15 bucks.

    Holy. **** Hell. This game is an experience. This is one of those rare, valuable games that makes you think of games as an art form, while still undeniably being a game, and most of all, still undeniably being FUN.

    Gorgeous visuals. Gorgeous soundtrack (unless you have some sort of strange animosity towards somber piano tracks). Gameplay (read: turn based combat) that is simple at the onset, but at the same time surprisingly tactical and immensely rewarding once you figure out the intricacies of timing interrupts and coordinating abilities. Worlds that make you want to get lost in them, yet somehow end up directing you to the right place. Characters that are a bit cartoonish, but are all endearing and strangely human, for borderlining on cliche at times.

    The dialogue being all in iambic pentameter was a bit jarring at first, but it has a certain charm to it. Same with the whole "fairy tale" theme it has going on. If you can't calm down your chest hair for a brief moment to just let the game do its thing, then so be it. But it has a way of doing things in a way that's charmingly sincere and unapologetic, and just makes it so hard to put down until you've finished the 12-15-ish hours of gameplay, depending on how much you fully explore.

    It's a game where you feel, explore, craft, plan, and just drift your way through until there's nothing left, and you're left feeling strangely whole. It's hard to explain, other than that it's just a beautiful game. So go buy the bloody thing; it's hardly a nominal investment, it's plenty replayable with multiple difficulty levels and a NG+ mode, and the kind of game that somehow got past the formulaic, twisting eyes of publishers and into our hands. Publishers that need to be shown that stuff like this can **** work, and needs to work. (I mean seriously, this game is tied with Watch_Dogs for critic reviews! That's absurd!) Just go check it out, give it a chance, and if you've any appreciation for beauty, then this game will find a place in your heart.

    Now if you'll pardon me, I need to go attempt to benchpress a car engine or something to try and earn back my man cred.    … Expand
  5. SNESStarter
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    Phenomenal. This game is gorgeous with fantastic combat and a decent story. With it being almost always on sale, it would be ludicrous to pass it up..
  6. TheHonestJack
    Oct 3, 2014
    10
    With excellent art design, a brilliant score, an ingenious and exciting battle system that prevents spamming, loveable characters, and an open world for you to explore with fluent movement, Child of Light is worth the 15$ ten times over, and I will definitely be playing it again.
  7. Bensterbas
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    Wow here is a shining example of a game done right. Everything about this game from the story to the combat is simply a masterpiece. Let me start of by the saying the whole game has been hand drawn using the rayman engine which to me for a 10 pound game (UK currency) is simply fantastic. The amount of detail and craftsmanship that has been poured into this game is fa-nominal. The story isWow here is a shining example of a game done right. Everything about this game from the story to the combat is simply a masterpiece. Let me start of by the saying the whole game has been hand drawn using the rayman engine which to me for a 10 pound game (UK currency) is simply fantastic. The amount of detail and craftsmanship that has been poured into this game is fa-nominal. The story is again scripted and planned out by absolute geniuses. The whole game and story is told with poetry though this may not appeal to everyone it still tells the story beautifully in my opinion. The game play is unique and fresh setting it apart from many other turn based strategy games. Overall the game is a masterpiece and I recommend it to be played by anyone and especially rpg fans. For 10 pounds this is a steal and is well worth the price. For anyone that has any doubts about buying this game please do its one that cant and shouldn't be missed! (My Opinion on the game, other peoples opinions may vary.… Expand
  8. Elegies
    May 2, 2014
    10
    Beautiful RPG-Poem, a little gem and is necessary to play it. I play s every day video games but this is the best of them that I play actually. Nice history, nice battle-turns, nice graphipcs... LITTLE GEM OF GAME
  9. Sonofalando
    Apr 29, 2014
    10
    I would advise to those who are thinking about getting this game to not listen to the negative nancies giving it poor ratings. They've been conditioned to put every game in this generation into a box and if it doesn't fit then it's not up to par with their standards.

    I can't remember the last time that I played a game that was actually art and wasn't just a button masher in the past    I would advise to those who are thinking about getting this game to not listen to the negative nancies giving it poor ratings. They've been conditioned to put every game in this generation into a box and if it doesn't fit then it's not up to par with their standards.

    I can't remember the last time that I played a game that was actually art and wasn't just a button masher in the past year besides GTA 5 and The Last of Us.

    Besides Ni No Kuni this is also one of the few RPGs that's actually doing it right while Final Fantasy has lost it's shine since FFX.

    Personally, I have no problem with the minimalism of the game. In fact, I think minimalism is part of the direction its creators took and it's told like a child's fantasy story book with the pages coming to life. I guess being an older gamer has made it apparent to me that reviewers have become obsessed with having games crammed with massive amounts of content. The game is only $15.00, after all, and it also had a DLC option on the main menu which tells us that there will be more.

    Lastly, it is my opinion that this is the best RPG in the past few years to come out.    … Expand
  10. joel1229
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    This game is on of the most beautiful game i ever play,
    Beautiful Soundtrack,
    Beautiful Graphics,
    Beautiful History
    Beautiful Price (ONLY 14.99)
    Buy this game Now!!
  11. sciteer
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    Child of Light замечательная игра, такие игры большая редкость. Игра заслуживает наивысшего бала.
  12. Dusklegend
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    This game was visually stunning, has a fantastic story, along with some very humorous dialogue. This game cost 15 dollars, and it came with a pre order DLC. It was worth every penny, this game draws you into this cute story book world. On top of that, the combat system is as fun as a turn by turn system can be. I recommend everyone to check this game out.
  13. FanofGames
    Apr 30, 2014
    10
    I was skeptical about this game at first, I've never been a fan of turn based combat and was planning to just skip this game. Luckily for me ubisoft made a smart decision and included a demo on the PS4 store so I had to try it out when I had nothing to lose. So grateful I did, the combat in this game is so much fun, the time/cast bar keeps you always on your toes and makes the combat a lotI was skeptical about this game at first, I've never been a fan of turn based combat and was planning to just skip this game. Luckily for me ubisoft made a smart decision and included a demo on the PS4 store so I had to try it out when I had nothing to lose. So grateful I did, the combat in this game is so much fun, the time/cast bar keeps you always on your toes and makes the combat a lot more enjoyable for me. Aside from that the visual art style is so beautiful that I actually take my time just exploring every nook and cranny of the world and just taking everything in. After trying out the demo I immediately bought the game and have been playing for around 5 hours now and haven't found a single thing to complain about. For $15 dollars this is an amazing game, hell even for $60 it'd still be superb. I would recommend it to everyone, so much so that I made an account on metacritic just so I could let other skeptical gamers know not to miss out on this game.… Expand
  14. yjohnyuan
    May 1, 2014
    10
    One of the best co-op RPGs I have ever played. Very very engaging.
    Crafting system is awesome.
    Characters are lovable.
    Skill trees are very rewarding.
  15. LoBridge
    May 3, 2014
    10
    I absolutely love this game. One of the best turn-based battle systems out there and great characters and story. It is short but memorable. Getting ready to start new game plus. Bring on the sequel!
  16. Focusingahead
    May 6, 2014
    10
    Child of Light far exceeded my expectations and has now become one of my favorite games of all time. There is no better RPG on the market what this game offers for the price ($14.99) . This easily could have retailed for $49.99 and would be worth every penny still. The environment is lush , beautiful and the game play is seamless. I clocked in about 30 hours into the game making sure I wasChild of Light far exceeded my expectations and has now become one of my favorite games of all time. There is no better RPG on the market what this game offers for the price ($14.99) . This easily could have retailed for $49.99 and would be worth every penny still. The environment is lush , beautiful and the game play is seamless. I clocked in about 30 hours into the game making sure I was lv 50 by the end of the game, completed all side missions, found all the chests etc. The game is superbly scripted and for purists there is new game +. GOTY contender !… Expand
  17. Edens
    May 12, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. French,
    J'ai adoré ce jeu autant son histoire que son gameplay. Graphiquement il est magnifique, très artistique.

    La durée de vie est pour moi très longue, je l'ai mis en difficile et je le fais en new game + (je recommence le jeu avec mon level, mes pierres (oculi) et mes compétences donc j'en suis à 20 heures pour le moment sachant que je ne l'ai pas fini en new game +.

    Son gameplay n'est pas du tout ennuyant, au contraire la barre de temps et la luciole rendent les combats très dynamiques, là ça demande un minimum de concentration.

    Très bon jeu (Amazing Game ;) )    … Expand
  18. danbwhite
    May 21, 2014
    10
    One of my favorite games in a long time. Beautifully designed after Studio Ghibli artistry, Child of Light tells the story of Aurora fighting to claim the sun, moon, and stars in order to return home from a dreamworld. Great story (dialogue is based in rhymes.....it's modeled after children) and I was pleasantly surprised about the turn-based combat system which included quite a bit ofOne of my favorite games in a long time. Beautifully designed after Studio Ghibli artistry, Child of Light tells the story of Aurora fighting to claim the sun, moon, and stars in order to return home from a dreamworld. Great story (dialogue is based in rhymes.....it's modeled after children) and I was pleasantly surprised about the turn-based combat system which included quite a bit of strategy with buffers, debuffs, and magic as well as an ability to slow down enemies with you "power of light" in order to interrupt enemies and send them back down the waiting chain. The 2D side-scroller element does not feel like a Mario/Sonic game (or Strider on the Xbox One) where you can only jump and are very limited screen wise. CoL allows you to fly and seamlessly move around the map, even though it is 2D. I would recommend this game to anyone who wants a fun, inexpensive ($15!!!!!) game that takes about 10 hours to complete.… Expand
  19. daphnerose
    Jun 20, 2014
    10
    Wonderful for what it is: a straight-forward, charming tale of a young girl on an epic quest. The art, dialogue, and mechanics are easy to immerse yourself in within moments of play. It's a nice change up from the xbox's typical arsenal of shooters and slaughter houses.
  20. Jyykson
    Feb 24, 2015
    10
    Distilled and beautiful. Intriguing battle system that will keep you busy and engaged, and is brilliant fun for co-op. Floating and exploring the world is lovely; characters are quaint and friendly. Long enough game for the price, but made me wish it was longer, in the best way. Worth double the price.

    Buy it, play it, remember it fondly.
  21. SuperDuck23
    Sep 16, 2017
    10
    Child of Light is one of the most charming games I've ever played. It manages to balance challenge and the sense of child-like wonder faultlessly. The whimsical setting looks fantastic and the world feels rich thanks to the use of sound design and a tremendous score. The great story and interesting characters are the cherry on the cake. One of the best games I've played in a while.
  22. gdiego135
    Jun 29, 2016
    10
    The most unique, and beautiful game I have ever played, the combat is turn based like pokemon but more complex, and you need more strategy. The music OH MY GAWWWWWWD its amazing, I would use it to make babies fall asleep, like I would literally want to die listening to the soundtrack of this game. Also all the partners you get along your journey are funny and cool. The art style is veryThe most unique, and beautiful game I have ever played, the combat is turn based like pokemon but more complex, and you need more strategy. The music OH MY GAWWWWWWD its amazing, I would use it to make babies fall asleep, like I would literally want to die listening to the soundtrack of this game. Also all the partners you get along your journey are funny and cool. The art style is very unique, the boss battles are EPIC, I just can't think of anything wrong with this game. It's so underated I bet Im the only person in my town (Morgan Hill, very small) that owns this game, this game really needs a sequel I will definitely pre order!!!!!!!!!!!!… Expand
  23. miccael
    May 26, 2019
    10
    Awesome game. Very fun and unique! Short, yes, less replay value, perhaps. But fun for sure.
  24. Kamikazeshocki
    Nov 9, 2017
    10
    This game totally surprised me. It is a prime example of a simple classic RPG just in 2d sidescrolling. The art style is mesmerizing, the character and story is quite cute and highly likable BUT the main emotional thrust comes through the music. Goddamn is that OST amazing, it totally got me. I did 100% on this game and I can just say: buy it.
  25. Bijan1984
    Jul 2, 2017
    10
    I've recommended this game to so many of my friends, and most of them liked it. No matter which genres of video games you like, you will like this masterpiece, only if you overcome your prejudices and enjoy it as what it is.
  26. amralchalati
    Feb 21, 2019
    10
    A beautiful story and play though journey with a moisturizing watercolor 2D RBG style artwork and soothing piano music. The game mechanic is build to be joyful more than challenging (you still can got the export mode if you want more challenge) for me it was more nostalgia of experiencing a kids storybook in motion. I loved every aspect of it!
  27. Leontorres7
    Nov 15, 2018
    10
    A Masterpiece, loved everything about this game, it is definitely a must play!
  28. HopeLasts
    Oct 3, 2020
    10
    A great game in every way, am sad that I played it late, and missed the collected edition.
  29. ram_1941REG77
    Sep 6, 2022
    10
    So this is where ubisoft has invested all her soul, and now she can’t return it in any way! This game is a masterpiece!
    I will definitely return to this world again! Thank you Yubiki, no matter how much I love you!
  30. GrumpyReviewer
    May 21, 2014
    9
    Making a great, haunting, touching, ingenious, addictive RPG IS NOT a difficult thing. "Child of Light", another indie gem in this dawn of the new gen, is a proof of that. I just don't know why SquareEnix tries so hard... and never hitting the spot. CoL is a brief, small, gorgeous, poetic tale of a girl who needs to find friends on an epic quest to free a Kingdom from the clutches of evil;Making a great, haunting, touching, ingenious, addictive RPG IS NOT a difficult thing. "Child of Light", another indie gem in this dawn of the new gen, is a proof of that. I just don't know why SquareEnix tries so hard... and never hitting the spot. CoL is a brief, small, gorgeous, poetic tale of a girl who needs to find friends on an epic quest to free a Kingdom from the clutches of evil; the gameplay is turned based, the graphics look like watercolor, the soundtrack is amazing, the characters are varied both in style and personality and the the whole tale is told in rhymes. Nothing, NOTHING that we haven't seen before; like I said, it doesn't take reinvention to make a phenomenal RPG. It is all about love, magic and respect to what make this such a great genre. Child of Light is an undeniable product of love and a game that really should not be missed.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best PS4 Game of 2014
34
#34 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
35
#35 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 46 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 46
  3. Negative: 0 out of 46
  1. IGN
    Aug 29, 2014
    93
    None of it feels focus-tested, or designed to appeal to the broadest possible audience; rather, it always comes off as exactly the expression its creators intended.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Jul 23, 2014
    60
    This game should end around the 6th hour – which is roughly the middle of the campaign – when artsy visuals and fairy tale charm concealing the rather shallow content cease to suffice and the originally relaxing pace starts to make you drowsy. [06/2014, p.52]
  3. Gamers' Temple
    Jun 20, 2014
    88
    Its unique look and charms will stick with you long after you've finished the game, and long after you've forgotten most of the other RPGs that you played before it.
    Read full review
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