Open the wounds of the past in The Town of Light

The Town of Light is a psychological horror game set in a disused Italian mental hospital. As Renee, a young woman who was once a patient at the institution, you’ll explore the hospital grounds, uncovering clues to her dark past. The Town of Light deals with dark and troubling issues of discrimination and patient mistreatment.

The idea of a horror game set in a mental institution might make you think of a jump-scare horror game like Outlast. However, The Town of Light is a different type of game, focused on its dark story. In tone, it’s closer to the Taiwanese political horror game, Detention, although without that game’s supernatural elements.

A journey into real darkness

The horror story at the heart of The Town of Light is based on true episodes from medical history. The game’s flashbacks reveal a storyline based on real injustices. Renee’s story highlights the ways in which psychiatric care was used to persecute those who didn’t conform to society’s expectations. The resulting story is compelling but not exactly lots of fun.

While The Town of Light has a lot to say in its story, its gameplay is a little basic. As Renee, you walk the halls of the asylum, revealing pieces of evidence that illuminate your history. Eventually, you get to leave the repetitive environment behind for a trip to the asylum grounds, but it isn’t a huge improvement.

More an experience than a game

The Town of Light is focused on its story, a sobering tale of real human suffering. Its gameplay is mainly a vehicle for delivering that story. If you don’t mind that and can put up with a fair amount of repetitive walking, this game delivers a unique experience. If you’re looking for more interactivity, it may not be for you.