Child of Light Review: Is It Worth Playing?

What is Child of Light?

Child of Light is a 2D platforming role-playing game developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Released in 2014, it is a self-contained, storybook-inspired adventure that weaves together exploration, turn-based combat, and a poignant narrative.

The game casts you as Aurora, a young girl from 1890s Austria who falls ill and awakens in the lost fairy tale kingdom of Lemuria. This realm has been plunged into darkness after its sun, moon, and stars are stolen by the Black Queen.

The premise is a classic hero's journey, but with a melancholic, dreamlike quality, as Aurora seeks to restore light to Lemuria and find her way home. The entire experience is presented as a living poem, with nearly all dialogue delivered in rhyming verse, reinforcing its fairy tale aesthetic.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Child of Light is a compelling and seamless fusion of two distinct genres. The core exploration takes place on a 2D plane, where Aurora (and later, her companion Igniculus, a will-o'-the-wisp) can fly freely.

Flight mechanics transform platforming from a test of precision jumping into a graceful, exploratory dance through beautifully painted environments. You will solve light environmental puzzles, often requiring Igniculus to interact with objects or temporarily blind enemies, and collect hidden items to upgrade your capabilities.

Active Time Battle System

The true depth emerges in the Active Time Battle (ATB) system used for combat. Encounters are not random; you see enemies in the world and can choose to engage or avoid them.

Once in battle, the system is a masterclass in accessible yet strategic turn-based design. A timeline at the bottom of the screen displays icons for each combatant moving towards a "Cast" point. When a character reaches it, you select an action - attack, spell, or item - which then incurs an execution delay.

The crucial tactical layer involves using Igniculus (controlled either by a second player in local co-op or by the solo player with the right stick/mouse) to slow an enemy's progress on the timeline, or to heal your party. Successfully interrupting an enemy during their casting delay results in a satisfying "interruption," cancelling their action entirely.

This creates a dynamic, engaging rhythm to every fight, demanding constant attention and smart use of your resources. The learning curve is gentle but the system has genuine depth, especially when managing a party of up to seven unique characters, each with distinct skill trees and elemental affinities.

Who is Child of Light for?

Child of Light is primarily a solo experience, though the optional co-op function for controlling Igniculus is a wonderful way for a more experienced player to guide a novice. It is an ideal game for players who appreciate narrative-driven adventures, atmospheric worlds, and strategic turn-based combat without excessive complexity.

It will resonate strongly with fans of classic JRPGs like the 'Final Fantasy' series (particularly those with ATB systems) and the atmospheric exploration of games like 'Ori and the Blind Forest,' albeit with a heavier RPG core. While its aesthetic may appeal to a younger audience, the narrative's sombre themes and the combat's strategic demands make it a compelling experience for adults.

It is perfectly suited for casual players seeking a beautiful, 10-15 hour story, as well as RPG enthusiasts who enjoy character progression and tactical battles. It is not for those seeking a hardcore challenge, extensive loot systems, or multiplayer competition.

Who it is for

• Fans of narrative-driven adventures who value atmospheric worlds and storybook presentation.
• JRPG enthusiasts who enjoy ATB combat and character progression without excessive complexity.
• Casual players seeking a beautiful, 10-15 hour story with no filler.

Who it is not for

• Players seeking a hardcore challenge or extensive loot systems.
• Those who prefer fast-paced action or open-ended gameplay.
• Players averse to rhyming dialogue or a melancholic, dreamlike tone.

Graphics and performance

The visual style of Child of Light is its most immediately striking feature. It employs a gorgeous hand-painted watercolour aesthetic, rendered with the UbiArt Framework engine (also used for 'Rayman Legends').

Every background is a lush, moving painting, with parallax layers creating an incredible sense of depth. Character and enemy designs are evocative and fluid.

The performance, in our experience, is generally excellent across platforms. On PC, it is a very undemanding title that runs flawlessly on modest hardware, with stable frame rates and no notable bugs or technical issues. The art direction is timeless, ensuring the game has aged far better than many titles from the same period reliant on realistic graphics.

Value for money

The game offers a focused experience, typically taking between 10 to 15 hours to complete the main story, with extra time for thorough exploration and side quests. It is a complete narrative with no filler, and its price has dropped significantly since launch, frequently appearing in sales.

For the cost of a few pounds, you are purchasing a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant adventure with a fully realised combat system. In our view, it represents exceptional value for money.

You are paying for a curated, artistic experience rather than sheer volume of content, and on those terms, it justifies its price point with ease.

Verdict

Child of Light is a rare gem: a polished, poetic, and profoundly beautiful hybrid of genres that succeeds on every level it attempts. The juxtaposition between its ethereal presentation and the tense, strategic combat creates a uniquely engaging rhythm.

Child of Light is a luminous, self-contained fairy tale that lingers long after the credits roll. A polished, poetic gem that succeeds on every level it attempts.

The critical acclaim reflected in its 88 Metascore is well-deserved, highlighting its artistic achievement and refined gameplay. The disparate Steam rating of 4.4/10 appears to be an historical anomaly related to early technical issues with its DRM, which have long since been resolved; the contemporary user experience is smooth.

We wholeheartedly recommend Child of Light to anyone with an appreciation for video games as an art form, to fans of thoughtful turn-based RPGs, and to players seeking a short, impactful story. You will love it if you want to be transported to a melancholic, dreamlike world and engage with a clever and active battle system.

You might not enjoy it if you require fast-paced action, open-ended gameplay, or are entirely averse to rhyming dialogue. Ultimately, it stands as one of Ubisoft's most original and heartfelt creations.