| Candlelight: Lament | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Candlelight: Lament takes players on a chilling journey through a Lovecraftian horror mystery with unique mechanics and an eerie atmosphere. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Candlelight: Lament Review Overview
What is Candlelight: Lament?
Candlelight: Lament is a point-and-click adventure side-scrolling game where you control your characters on-screen, interacting with the environment and NPCs using the mouse. Throughout the game, a mysterious 'Keeper' accompanies you, and you possess the ability to use 'Awake' to uncover hidden secrets behind seemingly ordinary objects. While the exact nature of the 'Keeper' and 'Awake' remains shrouded in mystery, they are integral to the game's exploration.
Candlelight: Lament features:
⚫︎ Lovecraftian Horror Mystery
⚫︎ Point and Click
⚫︎ Multiple Controllable Characters
⚫︎ Non-linear Timeline
⚫︎ Character-Specific "Awake" Abilities
⚫︎ 2.5D Monochromatic Animation
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Candlelight: Lament's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Steam |
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| Price | $8.99 | ||||
Candlelight: Lament Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Characters' Stories Are Intertwined Engaging Mystery and Storyline Atmospheric World Building Challenging and Rewarding Puzzles |
No "Journal" Inconsistent Pacing Grammatical Errors |
Candlelight: Lament Overall Score - 74/100
Candlelight: Lament is a Lovecraftian horror mystery that draws us in with its compelling narrative and interconnected characters. The story starts with Ed, a grieving professor searching for answers about his granddaughter's disappearance. The game's multiple controllable characters and non-linear timeline keep the mystery intriguing and complex. However, grammatical errors and the lack of a journal feature detract from the experience. The gameplay shines in its genre, offering a slow-building horror that doesn't rely on cheap scares. Visually, the game is distinct and effective, though not flawless. The audio, while decent, could have been more impactful. Overall, for its price, Candlelight: Lament is a solid entry into the horror mystery genre.
Candlelight: Lament Story - 7/10
The story begins with us controlling Ed, a professor who has just lost his granddaughter, Anna. If you've played the demo, this part will be familiar and straightforward. The mystery immediately hooks us, growing more peculiar as the plot unfolds. We uncover a cult and a drug that might be responsible for memory alterations. As players, we question the reality of the characters' experiences—are they real or induced by the drug? The story intricately weaves questions about the cult and its connections to the disappearances, keeping us engaged and curious without spoiling the ultimate revelations.
Candlelight: Lament Gameplay - 8/10
Candlelight: Lament excels as a point-and-click game within the Lovecraftian horror genre. At its core, it is a mystery and puzzle game. The absence of jumpscares is a refreshing choice, as the game instead opts for a slow-building, psychological horror. This gradual escalation of unease mirrors the characters' descent into madness, creating a more profound sense of dread. The gameplay mechanics are well-executed, with the insanity meter adding a layer of tension that complements the narrative.
Candlelight: Lament Visuals - 7/10
The game's 2.5D animation is impressive and effectively conveys the state of the characters. When their sanity is intact, the visuals are dark but not overly disturbing. As their sanity wanes, the visuals become increasingly bizarre, reflecting their mental deterioration. The cutscenes and character designs, with their distinct hand-drawn monochromatic style, are particularly noteworthy and elevate the visual experience, though some areas could benefit from more polish.
Candlelight: Lament Audio - 7/10
The audio in Candlelight: Lament contributes to the atmosphere but doesn't fully capitalize on its potential. While the music is decent, it doesn't significantly enhance the horror elements of the game. Sound effects and ambient noises are more effective in building tension, but the overall audio experience feels somewhat lacking. Stronger, more immersive audio could have elevated the game's atmosphere to another level.
Candlelight: Lament Value for Money - 8/10
At $8.99, Candlelight: Lament offers a solid blend of mystery and horror. The intertwined stories, engaging gameplay, and unique visual style make it a worthwhile investment for fans of the genre. Despite some flaws, the game provides a rich and immersive experience that justifies its price.
Candlelight: Lament Review: A Disturbing and Well-Crafted Cultist Terror
Candlelight: Lament begins with Ed, a broken professor who has just lost his only granddaughter, Anna. Anna is one of the victims of a recent wave of mysterious disappearances. Early on, we also notice the presence of the Keeper, whose role remains ambiguous. Is the Keeper the game's narrator or perhaps a guide for the characters?
In his despair, Ed breaks curfew to meet with his friend Adams, an archaeologist, to uncover more about Anna's fate. This secret meeting sets off a series of events that results in Ed coming to a startling realization, although we never learn the specifics of what he actually finds out, which only heightens the tension of the game.
With Ed’s story concluded, we move on to Beck, a detective looking to uncover the truth of what happened to Ed and, quite possibly, Anna. Beck’s tale takes us further into the supernatural mystery and a creepy cult at the center of it all. Each character's journey is marked by their unique "awake" skill, which helps them interact with the world in different ways, adding variety to the gameplay.
Throughout the game, we repeatedly switch between characters, each time uncovering more pieces of the puzzle. Dawson, vigilante and criminal, brings a gritty perspective to uncovering the truth. Chris, a teenage girl, adds a layer of vulnerability and curiosity, making her storyline particularly intriguing. As the story progresses, we are constantly on edge, questioning what is real and what is a figment of the characters' fractured minds.
The game's non-linear timeline adds to the sense of disorientation, mirroring the characters' own confusion and descent into madness. This narrative structure keeps us engaged, as we are forced to piece together events from different perspectives and time periods. The intertwined stories create a rich and immersive experience, drawing us deeper into the mystery.
A key element that adds to the mystery is the presence of a drug that appears to affect memory and perception. Throughout the game, we are left wondering if the strange events and the characters' experiences are the result of this drug or the cult's influence. This ambiguity heightens the tension, making us question everything we see and hear. Is the cult using the drug to manipulate reality, or is something even more sinister at play?
The puzzles in Candlelight: Lament are another highlight, offering a satisfying challenge that requires exploration and creative thinking. For example, a key to a locked mirror might be hidden inside a bed, which can only be accessed by finding a sharp tool elsewhere. These puzzles are not immediately obvious and often require us to think outside the box to solve them. This level of complexity ensures that we remain engaged and invested in the game, as each solution feels earned.
As we progress through Candlelight: Lament, the game slowly descends into Silent Hill territory. The environment becomes increasingly disturbing and surreal, mirroring the characters' deteriorating sanity. This gradual shift creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps us on edge, making us question what is real. At one point, the sense of paralyzing fear crept in that I felt an urge to stop playing, this kind of experience is what I use as my internal meter for great horror games. The changing surroundings and eerie narrative work together to deliver a truly captivating and horrifying experience.
Despite its flaws, Candlelight: Lament offers a compelling and immersive experience. The intertwined stories, engaging gameplay, and unique visual style make it a standout entry in the Lovecraftian horror genre. The game's gradual shift towards a more unsettling and unnerving atmosphere keeps us on edge and fully engaged.
Pros of Candlelight: Lament
| Things Candlelight: Lament Got Right |
|---|
|
Characters' Stories Are Intertwined Engaging Mystery and Storyline Atmospheric World Building Challenging and Rewarding Puzzles |
Characters' Stories Are Intertwined
One of the standout features of Candlelight: Lament is how seamlessly the characters' stories intertwine. Each character we control brings a unique perspective to the overarching mystery. As we progress through the game, the narratives of these characters weave together, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected events. This narrative complexity keeps us engaged, constantly piecing together clues from different viewpoints. The way their paths cross and influence each other adds depth and makes the world feel cohesive and alive, enhancing the immersive experience.
Engaging Mystery and Storyline
The game excels in crafting an engaging mystery that hooks us from the beginning. The plot, revolving around the mysterious disappearances and the enigmatic cult, keeps us on edge. The gradual revelation of clues and the non-linear timeline ensure that we are always piecing together parts of the puzzle, which is both challenging and rewarding. The story's complexity and depth make it a standout in the horror mystery genre.
Atmospheric World Building
The world of Candlelight: Lament is meticulously crafted to create an unsettling atmosphere. The visual and audio design work together to immerse us in the game's eerie setting. As the characters' sanity deteriorates, the surroundings become more disturbing, enhancing the psychological horror elements. This gradual shift in the environment, reminiscent of Silent Hill, keeps us on edge and fully engaged in the game.
Challenging And Rewarding Puzzles
The puzzles in Candlelight: Lament are a standout feature, offering a satisfying level of challenge that requires exploration and creative thinking. Some puzzles are even time-sensitive, adding an extra layer of tension as we feel that if we dwell too long, something bad might happen. This urgency enhances the immersive experience, making each solved puzzle feel like a significant achievement and keeping us on edge throughout the game.
Cons of Candlelight: Lament
| Things That Candlelight: Lament Can Improve |
|---|
|
No "Journal" Inconsistent Pacing Grammatical Errors |
No "Journal"
One of the game's significant drawbacks is the absence of a journal feature. In a complex mystery where every clue matters, having a journal to track discoveries and important information is essential. The lack of this feature means we have to rely on memory or external notes, which can be cumbersome and detract from the smooth gameplay experience. A journal would have greatly enhanced our ability to piece together the story without unnecessary frustration.
Inconsistent Pacing
At times, the pacing of the game feels inconsistent. Some sections of the story drag on, while others feel rushed. This uneven pacing can disrupt the flow of the narrative and affect our immersion in the game. A more balanced approach to the pacing would help maintain the tension and engagement throughout the entire experience.
Grammatical Errors
While the game's story is compelling, it's marred by some grammatical errors. These mistakes can be jarring and pulled me out of the immersive experience. In a game where atmosphere and narrative are crucial, such errors are particularly noticeable and detract from the overall quality. The developers could benefit from a more thorough proofreading process to ensure the text matches the high standards set by the game's other elements.
Is Candlelight: Lament Worth It?
A Worthy Descent into Madness
Candlelight: Lament offers an immersive and eerie experience that blends engaging storytelling, intricate puzzles, and a chilling atmosphere. Its intertwining narratives and unique character abilities provide depth and variety, making it more than just another horror game. Despite some flaws, the game's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The gradual descent into unsettling territory ensures that the tension and intrigue never let up, keeping us hooked until the very end. At $8.99, it's a compelling and valuable addition to any horror enthusiast's collection, promising a journey into the unknown that you won't soon forget.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
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| Price | $8.99 | ||||
Candlelight: Lament FAQ
What role does the 'Keeper' play in Candlelight: Lament?
The 'Keeper' is a mysterious presence that accompanies players throughout the game, potentially acting as a narrator or guide, though its exact nature remains unclear.
How do the puzzles work in Candlelight: Lament?
The puzzles require exploration and creative thinking, often involving multiple steps to solve. Some puzzles are time-sensitive, adding tension as players feel that dwelling too long could lead to negative consequences.
What Languages do Candlelight: Lament support?
Currently, the game only supports English, simplified Chinese and traditional Chinese.
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Candlelight: Lament Product Information
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| Title | CANDLELIGHT: LAMENT |
|---|---|
| Release Date | August 6, 2024 |
| Developer | LAWSQUARE Games |
| Publisher | Gamera Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam) |
| Genre | Adventure, Horror, Story-Driven |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Rating | N/A |
| Official Website | N/A |
