The Town of Light

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.

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.

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 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.

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 an ambitious game to cover such heavy subject matter.

The Town of Light is the type of game that is going to make you think.

The Town Of Light is an atmospheric horror game set in the 1930s-40’s and explores the horrors of mental illness and pre-professional health care. The game has no zombies or action, but instead follows along something like Dear Esther or one of the “walking” simulators. The game takes place in Italy and features native voice acting, as well as english to deliver the heavy narrative which follows Renee’ as she struggles to find what is real what isn’t. Moving through several locations and exploring the now abandoned mental institution showcases different aspects of how someone can remember something in opposition to actual events.

If you're intrigued by The Town of Light's exploration of mental health and abuse and can stand a slower-paced, less-than-challenging game, this one might just cure what ails you.