Strayed Lights

One not to be missed! In this nice Souls-like, you guide a being of light through dreamlike landscapes where you'll face off against creatures who have been corrupted by their emotions. With its innovative combat system that rewards parrying and dodging, every encounter is a real challenge. A great game made-in-France, with beautiful artistic direction and a rousing soundtrack.

In the vast world of videogaming, it isn't always easy to carve out a reputation as a great game, especially when you're competing with the giants of AAA titles. And yet, Strayed Lights, developed by the small but incredibly talented studio Embers in Strasbourg (France), does just that thanks to its innovative approach to the lighter Souls-like genre.

From your very first steps in the game, you'll be playing as a spark of nascent light as it explores a mysterious world. It all begins with your birth as a cute little flame-like creature in an extremely hostile world. As you explore this enchanting, dreamlike world, you’ll learn that its fragile balance is being disrupted by dark forces. You'll then be confronted by your own dark side as you strive to help the world overcome the shadows.

We liked how beautiful the game is! Visually, Strayed Lights is simply captivating! The game's whole aesthetic is one that invites wonder and contemplation. The lack of dialogue means that you are free to interpret events in your own way, evoking some of the magic of Ori and the Blind Forest. The soundtrack composed by Austin Wintory, known for his work on cult title, Journey, also adds a lot to the atmosphere. The colourful, poetic landscapes can't help but draw you deeper into an unforgettable journey.

Our favourite part? Where Strayed Lights really shines is in its innovative gameplay. Inspired by demanding games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, the combat system is based on dodging and parrying. Each enemy encounter becomes a tactical ballet where timing and precision are what really count. During combat, you'll need to juggle two aspects of your character – yellow and blue – to counter enemy attacks and refill your energy bar. Choosing the right colour at the right time can enable you to regain health, but getting it wrong can be very costly. The boss battles in Strayed Lights are immersive and breathtaking affairs.

Your character grows in power as you advance through the game. You'll get faster, learn new skills, and become ever more adept in combat. As you explore, you'll also collect little globes of light that boost your energy during battles.

It is when exploring the world of Strayed Lights that it reveals its full splendour. In its little open-world, the game invites you to travel through two different worlds, each with its own set of challenges and beautiful landscapes. It will take you around 10-12 hours to fully explore these sumptuous landscapes, depending on your skill in combat and your desire to explore.

Our tip to help you on your way? Remember that you are free to choose the order in which you progress through the game. Whether that's making it to the other end of an area via platforming sequences and fights with weaker enemies to avoid stirring the boss, or just to pick up some welcome collectibles, the choice is yours.

A real gem from 2023, the game has proven popular with players in search of a challenge and a dreamlike experience. Just read the reviews to see that this is a real masterpiece!