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The Town of Light

The Town of Light

PCPlayStationXboxNintendo
Released

Release Date: February 26, 2016

Adventure, FPP, Thriller, Horror, Indie Games, Meta Quest / Oculus, Exploration Games, VR, Singleplayer

First-person adventure game in the form of a psychological thriller and the debut of an independent Italian studio Lka.it. The game's plot is set in an mental institution located in the Italian town of Volterra. Creators of The Town of Light decided to depict in their game the history of an actually existing place, focusing on dramas of its residents, treated by facility staff like animals.

6.3

OpenCritic

7.9

Steam

4.1

Users

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Ratings
[3:39] Live Action Trailer Videos: 4
Screenshot Images: 28
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The Town of Light for PC, PS4 and etc. is a psychological thriller implemented in the form of a first-person exploration game, in which the developers decided to tell the dark story of an actually existing place. The game is the debut work of a small, independent studio Lka.it from Italy.

Gameplay

The game begins in modern times, and the action takes place in an abandoned asylum in the Italian town of Volterra. This institution has existed since the nineteenth century and was one of the most famous of its kind in the Italian Peninsula (the number of its patients reached several thousand people), but it was closed in 1978 along with numerous other facilities in Italy, when the law changed. Creators of The Town of Light for PC, PS4 and etc. decided to present the history of this place, with particular emphasis on the dramatic experiences of its residents, for years treated by facility staff like animals.

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Platforms:

PC Windows

PC Windows February 26, 2016

PlayStation 4

PlayStation 4 June 6, 2017

Xbox One

Xbox One June 6, 2017

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch February 7, 2020

Developer: LKA

Publisher: Wired Productions

Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for The Town of Light Video Game:

PC Windows

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i3-530 2.93 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 460/Radeon HD 6770 or better, 10 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10 64-bit.

Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-4690 3.5 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 1 GB GeForce GTX 560/Radeon HD 7790 or better, 10 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10 64-bit.

Ratings

Game Ratings for The Town of Light Video Game.

6.3

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 23% of Critics. There are 58 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

PlayStation LifeStyle: 7 / 10 by Blake Grundman

If you're looking for a feel-good gaming experience, it's probably best to steer clear of The Town of Light. It's a darkly haunting narrative that touches on a subject matter that doesn't get anywhere near enough attention nowadays, while also avoiding falling into the trap of sensationalism. As long as you can get past some of its legitimate structure issues, not to mention a general lack of a cohesive gameplay thread, it provides a depressing, yet unforgettable quest into a person's descent into madness. While this is definitely not an experience that I plan on putting myself through ever again, it will undoubtedly stick with me for a long time.

Full Review

Push Square: 6 / 10 by Stephen Tailby

The Town of Light is a powerful experience that highlights a fascinating, if chilling, chapter in human history. The heavy atmosphere is achieved through the very real setting of Volterra, and Renée's unfortunate tale of life inside its walls that represents the woes of many real people. The story meanders a little too far into obscurity and can become confusing, and some long load times scupper things further. While you won't necessarily have fun in the traditional sense, it's worth playing if you're at all interested, as it contains some striking sequences that will stay with you long after you finish.

Full Review

VideoGamer: 5 / 10 by Alice Bell

The Town of Light has an interesting premise, but, however worthy an enterprise it is, the story is just too confused a journey to leave a real impact.

Full Review
79%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mostly Positive (2,733)

STEAM
User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

  • Emotional and Thought-Provoking Story: The narrative is deeply engaging, addressing heavy themes like mental illness, institutional abuse, and the historical treatment of patients in asylums. Many players found it to be a powerful exploration of real-life events, making it a significant experience rather than just a game.
  • Atmospheric and Immersive Environment: The game effectively captures the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of a derelict asylum, with strong art direction and sound design that enhance the emotional weight of the story.
  • Strong Educational Element: Players appreciated the educational aspect of the game, as it sheds light on the dark history of mental health treatment, making it a compelling experience for those interested in historical and psychological themes.
  • Artistic Presentation: The visuals, particularly the surrealist sequences and illustrations, received praise for their artistic merit, contributing to the overall impact of the narrative.

The main cons of the game

  • Slow Pacing and Gameplay: Many users criticized the slow walking speed and minimal gameplay mechanics, which can make the experience feel tedious. The game often requires players to navigate slowly through environments, which some found frustrating.
  • Lack of Clear Direction: Players reported difficulty in understanding where to go next and how to progress in the story. This lack of clear guidance can lead to confusion and disrupt immersion.
  • Heavy and Depressing Themes: While many appreciated the serious subject matter, others found the relentless sadness and darkness overwhelming, making it hard to enjoy the game fully.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

  • Faster Movement Option: A common suggestion was the addition of a run or sprint feature to alleviate the slow pacing and enhance gameplay fluidity.
  • Clearer Navigation and Guidance: Users expressed a desire for better direction indicators or a more intuitive way to understand objectives, as they often felt lost during gameplay.
  • More Interactive Gameplay Elements: Some players wished for a deeper gameplay experience with more complex puzzles or interactions, rather than the predominantly narrative-driven walking simulator format.
  • Explanation of Choices and Consequences: There were mentions of the game's decision-making elements being unclear, with players wanting more feedback on how their choices impacted the story.

Summary

  • Overall, "The Town of Light" is a unique and impactful experience that resonates with those willing to engage with its heavy themes, though it may not appeal to all players due to its pacing and gameplay style.

Summary generated on:

4.1

USERS Score

Average score from votes.

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