In the past, I’ve argued at great length about how some video games are more than just a form of entertainment, more than just interactive creative work. Titles such as Okami, Journey, and Brothers are considered by many in the industry as works of art. Whilst many debate the philosophical concept of whether a video game can actually be considered as an art form, Child of Light is one such game that certainly makes a strong case.
Developed by a very small team at Ubisoft Montreal, Child of Light is a Japanese-style role-playing/platforming game, and looks to be a stunning example of what big publishers can achieve if they give creative freedom to their developers to experiment beyond the norms of factory-farmed franchises and multiplayer shooters. Make sure you hit the play button above to see the latest ‘making of’ video from Ubisoft.
Child of Light stars Aurora, the young daughter of a Duke who wakes up one day in the magical lost continent of Lemuria. You discover that the sun, moon and the stars have been stolen by a wicked queen and the only way for you to get home is to recover them. But it’s a coming of age story as much as it is good versus evil.
Clearly, the most striking thing about the game is its visuals. The dream-like, hand-drawn style uses the UbiArt Framework, the same technology behind Rayman Origins and Legends, but whereas those games had a humorous cartoon style, Child of Light looks like a striking ink painting come to life.
In a recent video interview, writer Jeffrey Yohalem claims his aim was to create an experience that felt like an epic poem to play. In fact, the writing in Child of Light is entirely in rhyme.
“It’s a love letter to JRPGs, but at the same time it’s much more accessible – it’s trying to bring this style of play to gamers who have never played a JRPG before.”
However, unlike most JRPGs, Child of Light features co-operative play which is not only just an option, it’s recommended. In her journey, Aurora meets friendly firefly Igniculus who can be controlled by an additional player.
“We were inspired by Ni No Kuni, but the problem is you can only play single player – traditionally a lot of games are about going off on your own and being separate from people. We wanted to create an experience that was about togetherness.”
Watching the video above, you get a real sense that a lot of passion has gone into making Child of Light. The feeling from the team is that this was developed with the sole purpose of creating a deeply unique and enjoyable game, and not just a product that would help Ubisoft line their pockets. Child of Light feels genuine, but more importantly, it’s the sort of game I would show a non-gamer if I wanted to show them there was more to gaming than just mindless war violence and zombies. It’s brimming with imagination, beauty and originality, and if those aren’t qualities of an art form, then I really don’t know what is.
Child of Light will be released next week on the 30th of April, available as a digital download on PC via Steam, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4 and Wii U.
