The Town of Light

The Town of Light tackles some very controversial themes in such a direct way that it's impossible not to be emotionally invested in Renée's story. Vastly enhanced by the faithful recreation of the Volterra asylum, The Town of Light manages to be an incredibly engaging experience thanks to the narrative flow, which drags players into this Hell on Earth and doesn't even let them go after the game's incredibly bittersweet ending.

The Town of Light is an experience with the power to enlighten many to the anguish of those few still lost in the dark.

If you’re looking for a feel-good gaming experience, it’s probably best to steer clear of The Town of Light. It’s a darkly haunting narrative that touches on a subject matter that doesn’t get anywhere near enough attention nowadays, while also avoiding falling into the trap of sensationalism. As long as you can get past some of its legitimate structure issues, not to mention a general lack of a cohesive gameplay thread, it provides a depressing, yet unforgettable quest into a person’s descent into madness. While this is definitely not an experience that I plan on putting myself through ever again, it will undoubtedly stick with me for a long time.

The Town of Light is an intense and dramatic experience, though technically poor.

The Town of Light is a powerful experience and you’ll certainly be affected by its story. There are a few issues with music breaks and some of the things you’ll see may provide too upsetting, but overall you’ll never forget your time in Volterra.

Mental illness is always a tough subject to pitch correctly. The Town of Light, to me, does an admirable job with a period tale filled with a bleak series of events. It’s a thought-provoking journey through a truly troubled mind. It might prove upsetting but I do feel this is worth consideration.

A haunting, personal horror story that doesn't need jumpscares or cheap shcking moments.

A dark, intriguing and very grown-up story is The Town of Light's greatest draw, though long loading times and inexplicable framedrops keep it from reaching lofty heights.

There are plenty of engaging moments, despite the annoying puzzles, that make this game worth recommending. It’s also a great representation of mental illness, portraying the patients not as cackling sociopaths, but as victims of tragedy. While it’s not for everyone, especially those who want a more “in-your-face” kind of horror, the historical setting and creeping dread make for a very memorable experience.