Game: Linelight
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
System: Nintendo Switch (Also on PC, PS4 and Mobile)
Developer|Publisher: My Dog Zorro | Plug In Digital
Age Rating: EU 3+ | US Everyone
Price: UK £8.99 | EU €9,99 | US $9.99
Release Date: November 12th 2020
Review code provided with many thanks to Plug In Digital
Line of Light
It’s hard to define what makes Linelight so special. It’s a puzzle game that appears simple on the surface but it doesn’t take long before you get sucked into its wonderful soundtrack and smart game design.
You play as a little glowing line that is only able to travel across the paths set out in the game. Almost like a train on its tracks. You get to move to other paths with ease requiring you to only use the directional buttons and a face button to restart if you make a mistake. The goal of the game is simply to reach the end of each area. You can choose to collect gems on the way or you can simply carry on. Prepare for quite the zen experience.
Casual Puzzle
Each screen usually presents with a straight forward puzzle to solve. Sometimes you need to hit a button to open a path, sometimes you need to avoid a red line from making you go poof into nothingness. The levels often conclude with a section where you and an enemy red line have to sort of work together to progress. These red lines act independently but by flipping switches, you can manipulate the path they take. Working with the red lines drums up interesting emotions as you play. It feels like your working with the enemy, making amends despite your differences. A hard thing to achieve especially with a game where you play as a glowing line. These puzzles are all relatively simple and quick to solve but the way Linelight presents them just flows so well.
Zen Game
You never linger on a puzzle for too long and the game feels like its constantly moving forward all while beautiful music plays in the background. My wife made a passing comment that the soundtrack sounds like lullaby something you would be happy to fall asleep to. Occasionally you might hit a wall but with some experimentation, no puzzle is overly frustrating. This feels like a game made for those looking for a casual experience. Stress is one of the emotions you won’t feel while playing Linelight.
Light Up Your Life
Linelight is quite a shining light in the sea of Switch releases this November. If you’re looking for a nice casual puzzler with great music this is an easy one to recommend for all ages. Linelight is like an adult colouring book. Simple in concept but provides some mindfulness that feels both good for the soul and fun to play.
Final Verdict: I Like It A Lot