Projection: First Light

Let's be clear – this is no disaster like Gleamlight. This is a well-crafted, carefully designed and fantastic-looking game. It's just such a damn shame that the central shadow-casting mechanic is so fussy, so irritating and so downright broken that we can't recommend it without the strongest of caveats. It's very clear that the developers put their heart and soul into Projection: First Light, and that effort deserves to be recognised. Unfortunately, we suggest you recognise it from afar. We don't think that a patch alone could solve this game's problems, and if there's ever a Projection: Second Light, we'd be surprised.

I cannot stress enough how wonderful Projection: First Light looks. It’s a well-rounded piece that uses an unusual twist on an old concept. The style reinforces the history behind puppetry, and the graphics and audio create a lush and emotive landscape. However, its key mechanic is its main drawback, forcing it to plateaus early as a consequence, and this impacts the desire to play. Do I recommend it? I do. Only because it’s a masterpiece to look at and listen to. If you want a copy, it can be purchased here! Be warned though, you’ll be balancing beauty with frustration. Can you help Greta manipulate the light and travel the world? Patience and a glowing butterfly are all you need to succeed.

As long as you don’t run into any major bugs, the most frustrating gameplay elements are the finicky controls, and if you don’t understand the intricacies of the plot, you might get bored waiting through the cutscenes. Despite that, Projection: First Light is worth picking up: it’s a stunning visual display with unique gameplay that usually succeeds in elevating its concept. Also, it’s fun to play. It’s pretty. I liked it.

Projection: First Light is one of the most unique games that I’ve played in a long time, and one that leaves a memory of a wonderful experience.

Even though I enjoyed my time with Projection: First Light's clever 2D platforming, there's no denying just how flimsy it can be at times.

Projection: First Light is a charming, beautiful and interesting game that 2D puzzle-platforming fans will enjoy. It doesn’t quite hit the heights of Creaks, but it’s certainly a welcome addition to the genre. In the end, it may last a little longer than it needed to, but there is value here given the generous price.

Projection: First Light is a game that requires patience, but if you enjoy sprawling, beautifully designed platformers, it is worth playing.

Only being lacking in some technical adjustment and editing stops this title from being truly great. Nevertheless, Projection: First Light immerses you in a forgotten culture for a visual and narrative treat that will no doubt prove to be a memorable experience.

Projection: First Light is a beautifully designed Australian gem that still needs a lot of refining before it can be a viable option in the puzzle-platforming arena.

We all were making shadow puppets with hands early in our childhood. Highlighted back during PAX, Projection: First Light has already showed a lot of potential using the light and shadow as a mechanic for platforming. Eventually you have a whole world of shadow puppets in front of you and you can freely play around with creating your own shadows.