Now, admittedly, it doesn’t take a lot for me to fall in love with a game, but this one has really caught my attention. The game is called Sky: Children of Light, and not only is it free and an easy multi-player game, but it's available across so many platforms too! Run in third person, it follows a young child, a survivor of a a magical people able to fly who are powered by light, trying to revive their home and their world from the darkness.
The lore and backstory is so beautifully put together with a soft gentleness that centers the game. With creative customizations, each and every character is adorably made.
There is so much to do in the game. The explorable maps are incredibly detailed, and while seemingly simple, there are hidden gems everywhere (sometimes literally!). While some are more based around exploring and finding the various spirits to reawaken them through tracing their last memories, there are sections based around speeding donw hills of sandunes in a highly satisfying, though minmumly stressful race, and some where you have to manuever through islands while hiding from dangerous flying beasts.
Going through the first run through, the animations are stunning, with beautiful and emotional cut scenes that paint this fantastical reviving world.
From making friends with other players to the spirits you work to take home and to a handful of non-player characters such as the adorably tragic Little Prince following a side quest, there are so many characters to interact with. The multiplayer aspect of the game allows you to both play with your friends and to meet other people. Never once in my 20+ hours of playing this game, had I experienced a negative interaction with other players. The chat feature allows for some interaction, but by no means is it a mandatory step.
While an occasional, non-required room remains unlocked unless you have other players there to open the door, the majority of the game does not depend on playing individually or not. Making friends throughout the game with other players is a very fun part of the game that includes requesting some more experienced players of the game to help you run through the game without missing anything important.
Another beautiful thing of the game is the music. The grand compositions of Vincent Diamante and Adam Gubman really make this game come to life. The addition of the music brings up the already stunning game to another level. On top of this, the sound effects are both realistic and align with the fantastical feel of Sky.
With six successful years, and the anniversary being this month, an event has been happening to celebrate the game. With showcases of a cinematic-inspired backstory that can be experienced within the game, to small competitions and interviews of the players, as well as contributions to the creators, there is so much that goes in to celebrating the six year anniversary of this game. The celebration is beautiful, though it does not become the entire focus of the game.
Overall, Sky: Children of Light is a stunning, beautiful game that should be celebrated for its success as it is in the game. It's a wonderfully fun indie game that thrives on friendships, caring for others and your world, and creating something from a long-lost life.
Challenging Level: 4/10
Animation: 7/10
Music: 9/10
Rating: 8/10