The Town of Light Reviews
Get engrossed in this decent psychological thriller.
The Town of Light is the type of game that is going to make you think.
A dark and depressing exploration of a dark and depressing aspect in history. If you like the idea of that it will probably deliver.
Great story overcomes lacking gameplay.
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.
A haunting, personal horror story that does not need lazy jump scares or cheap shocking moments to be effective.
Review in German | Read full review
The Town of Light is a harsh horror game where the horror is very real – it is something that could certainly happen to us or to a loved one. What Renée had to go through, and how it changed her and made her into the person she is in the present day is something that you certainly will not forget.
[The Town of Light is] a game that tries to open people's eyes to the very real problem of mental health
I'm not so foolish as to ignore that some of the game's missteps are just that. However, LKA should be commended for being one of only a few developers in recent memory who has endeavored to express this much humanity and depth for the community of the mentally ill and in a way that is so subversive. The Town of Light is an experience with the power to enlighten many to the anguish of those few still lost in the dark.
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.
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. Actual gameplay may be lacking, but don't let this put you off you if you like psychological horror games and have the stomach to witness straight on the horrors inmates had to go through.
The Town of Light is a thoughtfully written, painstakingly designed walking simulator set in an early 20th century asylum. Though load times and sections that are less than intuitive cause frustration, they do not dissuade my recommendation. You'll quickly become caught up in the story of Renee, a young girl whose circumstances were depressingly real for many women during that time.
I had one of the worst times of my gaming life whilst playing through The Town Of Light, I felt constantly on edge and uncomfortable throughout the entire experience. With this in mind, I absolutely LOVED my time with the game, I just wish it was a bit longer and quicker at times.
What LKA has created here transcends being "just another video game"; The Town of Light is an incredibly important insight into a dark part of history that, thankfully, most of us are too young to have lived through.
I cannot thank the developer enough for The Town of Light. Not only are we beginning to acknowledge the injustices our ancestors committed, we are exploring how to prevent it from happening again by telling these important stories instead of burying them.
Even though it is short and repetitive, The Town of Light's powerful, mature story along with its strong presentation makes it a worthwhile experience.
Worth getting yes, to everyone's taste maybe not. But for those wanting an insight to the world of mental illness and perhaps some understanding of it, then look no further.
An impactful exploration of mental health issues that presents a very different kind of horror.