Child of Light

 Xbox One
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. EGM
    Apr 30, 2014
    70
    Gorgeous to see and hear and engaging as far as gameplay is concerned, Child of Light is an excellently built game with a forgivably wonky augmentation system but an underdeveloped narrative. Its artists very clearly knew what they wanted it to be, but couldn’t quite manage to orchestrate effectively. Play it, soak up its beauty, but expect a jejune take on fairy tale yarn-spinning.
  2. Joystiq
    Apr 28, 2014
    70
    There's simply no soul in Child of Light, no emotional attachment to keep you pressing on into the darkness. There isn't even a good addictive hook – the story makes a few feeble tugs at your heartstrings, but doesn't create any great mysteries that you'll be desperate to solve, and the combat, while solid, never quite achieves "just one more round" status. It's all lovely and pleasant and well-crafted – and hollow.
  3. Polygon
    Apr 28, 2014
    65
    It's a beautiful, familiar trip evoking stories I've heard and places I've imagined before. But it's all so ephemeral — less than a day after finishing it, I can already feel my memories of my time in Lemuria and the characters I met there drifting away.
  5. AusGamers
    Apr 30, 2014
    60
    A beautiful and often clever game that doesn’t seem to be aiming as high as it could be. It seems content to simply be pretty and mechanically solid, but it’s not a game one can easily get super invested in. There are the makings of a better game in here, and the combat is reliably entertaining throughout, but Child of Light never quite rises as high as its untethered protagonist.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best Xbox One Game of 2014
30
#30 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2014
37
#37 Most Shared Xbox One Game of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 283 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 203 out of 283
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 283
  3. Negative: 37 out of 283
  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 areThis 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.… Full Review »
  2. wesker2012
    Apr 30, 2014
    5
    Child of Light is one of those games that transports you into another world and creates a serene, calm, and tranquil environment through theChild of Light is one of those games that transports you into another world and creates a serene, calm, and tranquil environment through the use of beautiful imagery and a soothing musical score. The game makes you really feel like your in a fairytale-esque dream. Most importantly, the gameplay feels very attuned with the story and atmosphere. Little details like the main character's hair blowing in the wind or the wildlife moving in the background create an experience that feels very real. The protagonist's movement feels very natural and smooth and the controls and response time are perfect. Also, the absence of a HUD, really enhances the world coming to life. The combat is decent along with the gameplay in between the combat. The thing that really makes this game stand out is how well everything seems to flow together. The game just feels very natural and easy to play as if it was a game made out of a dream. Downsides for me was because its combat was turn based, it could get kinda repetitive. Having played many turn based rpgs, I'm a bit tired of them when there is a lot of enemies. Your enjoyment of this game will depend on how much turn based action you can stand. Also, the crafting gems system can be kind of confusing and annoying. I love the atmosphere, but wish the gameplay was more than just collecting gems and potions and generic turn based combat. Give it a try though if you like the atmosphere of the world.… Full Review »
  3. DJ_MOISTURE
    Apr 25, 2015
    6
    3/10 not enough light, not enough children, kidding obviously, but the battles are a little repetitive. In my opinion it's a beautiful game,3/10 not enough light, not enough children, kidding obviously, but the battles are a little repetitive. In my opinion it's a beautiful game, and it's well made and everything but it just doesn't hold my attention.… Full Review »
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