161 people found this review helpful
Recommended
0.0 hrs last two weeks / 12.3 hrs on record (11.3 hrs at review time)
Posted: Apr 30, 2014 @ 10:24am
Updated: May 8, 2014 @ 8:33am

:edit: I've finished the game so I can flesh out this review a bit.

The first great thing about this game is the artistic aspect.It was pretty obvious how amazing this was going to be even before this game came out and Ubisoft definitely lived up to my expectations. The artwork is very beautiful and very pleasing to the eye. You don't want to rush through but take time to enjoy the visual aspect of the game. The aesthetic side also extends into every part of the game, from the way the main character moves to the beautiful orchestral music. I definitely plan on getting the OST if/when they release it.

:EDIT: Someone in the comments just told me where to find the OST. Apparently, the music was done by the Montreal artist Cœur de pirate and you can digitally download it from her site for a little over 8 USD here: http://musique.coeurdepirate.com/album/child-of-light

The story is another amazing part of the game. I've read a few reviews that try to knock it because "its just a fairytale". While this is obviously true, it doesn't detract from the game in the slightest. Ubisoft does a brilliant job of telling a story that, yes, in its simplest, most watered-down form, is just your typical fairytale. There are no real plot-twists, or at least, there are none they try to hide from you. It does have the "evil stepmother" trope and magic and princesses and all the things fairy tales do have. The game, however, fleshes out the story so thoroughly and beautifully that the result is more than satisfactory. The characters are all developed as far as could be expected for the format of the game, and poetic telling of the story just adds to the overall effect. The only other game that is really similar is Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, another fairy tale beautifully told. In the end, the story is as satisfying as the artwork.

The only thing I was worried about going into the game was the combat. I am not a fan of JRPGs or turn-based combat but I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed the combat immensely. If I played it again, however, I would have played on the hard difficulty since the combat is rather easy and I only found it challenging once or twice. I never lost a fight and I only had a few characters die during a battle and that was only towards the end of the game during boss fights. If you dislike JRPG combat, don't let that stop you from enjoying the game...putting it on normal difficulty will allow you to enjoy the story without worrying about the combat. But if you like JRPG's or just want a challenge, definitely play on hard. You'll have to make more use of all the powers your characters have, especially their defensive and buff abilities. In addition, on a harder difficulty you will have to make more use of the gem system in the game, which provide passive abilities for each one of your characters.

Overall, this game was well worth playing. It took longer than expected (10 hours) and was a beautiful and relaxing experience. It rivals Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons for the most beautiful indie game (yes, I know its Ubisoft, not technically indie) as well as my favorite indie game. It also shows what big gaming studios can produce when they try and hopefully points to a better future for gaming.



And to anyone who decided not to get this game because of UPlay or because of "first day DLC". The only DLC in my opinion worth getting is the $2.99 one that unlocks the Golum character. His powers are unique and helpful so he is worth getting. Everything else is aesthetic or unnecessary, including all the little DLC's that give you gems...you find so many of them in-game, they're unnecessary. The experience of the game is complete even without the Golum so they didn't chop out a huge part of the game and then sell it to you as extra. Don't let it stop you from getting the game. And if you don't want to play it because of Uplay, I don't know what to say to you. You're just losing out on an amazing game because you don't want to deal with a piece of software that works pretty much smoothly and really causes no problems at all. At least, I've never had a single problem with them and I enjoy the rewards you can earn as you progress through whatever game you're playing.
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7 Comments
Chicago Falcon May 8, 2014 @ 8:28am 
@Kyle Awesome! I can't thank you enough. The music is amazing!
Kow Kow May 7, 2014 @ 10:48pm 
This game looks pretty awesome, nice review! Just thought I'd share a link to the OST, she's an amazing pianist. I actually discovered the game through following Coeur De Pirate.

http://musique.coeurdepirate.com/album/child-of-light
Chicago Falcon May 5, 2014 @ 1:48pm 
Oh definitely. Even if finished within 10 hours (which is still a pretty relaxed pace), it is more than worth the $15. I've played shorter games that have cost just as much, like Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons. I ended up with a level 50 character after the final boss. Next time I think I will play a little longer to get all my characters leveled all the way up.
Zowieanna Zanthia™ May 5, 2014 @ 9:26am 
Good job finishing the game,it is very possible to finish in 10 hour's or less,but i like the game so much I'm just crunching along, and I'm nearly level 60 now,I still have 2 quest to complete ,but i'm not bothered.Oh and I saw your screen shot of the final boss good job on finishing it. It's still worth the $ asked I think .:violettOK:
Chicago Falcon May 5, 2014 @ 7:53am 
@Shisnat It was a little closer to 10. When I was writing this review, I still had Uplay open, and steam apparently registers that as me still being in-game. You could probably do it much faster than 11 hours, especially if you skip through/ignore the dialogue. You could also probably take longer than 11 hours if you want to level up more before bosses or just enjoy the fighting. I took my time, did all the sidequests, and just enjoyed the scenery. :)

@Zowieanna Zanthia Thanks!
Shortarida May 4, 2014 @ 8:35pm 
One quick question, you finished the game in 11 hours?
Zowieanna Zanthia™ May 4, 2014 @ 7:06pm 
Very nice Review,and well written. :violettOK: