The Town of Light
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Critic Reviews for The Town of Light
An impactful exploration of mental health issues that presents a very different kind of horror.
Uneven, bleak and unflinching. You won't enjoy it, but it's one of a kind.
Tackling such a difficult subject matter is laudable, but as a video game documentary this only really succeeds in terms of its good intentions.
The Town of Light examines mental illnesses and the hospitals meant to treat them in the early 1900s, but ultimately fails to stick the landing.
However, even if you're one to stomach these triggers in some way, you must also be open to the power of storytelling over gameplay. If you're looking for a jump-out action packed horror game, The Town of Light is not for you. But I urge you to open your mind and consider it a separate learning experience.
The Town of Light isn't a game you play for fun. There's nothing enjoyable about the true face of mental illness nor the fear and isolation it engenders. Instead of aiming to reward players with a sense of enjoyment, LKA.it strives to help them empathise with the character of Renée and the unspeakable horrors she's forced to endure. There's a sobering, meaningful story to be witnessed and while its delivery is imperfect, The Town of Light still makes for one of the most thought-provoking games of this year.
A different kind of horror that could have been much better without its technical flaws and a bit more freedom.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Town of Light is an ambitious game to cover such heavy subject matter.
