By Karoline Castillo-Troncoso

Have you ever felt compelled to confront an aspect of your identity, one that challenged the very essence of your being? When attempting to combat monsters internally encompassed, it can be easy to disregard the anticipation of a hope that is to come, in other words, the light at the end of the tunnel.

Strayed Lights, developed and published by Embers Games, is an atmospheric action-adventure game that delves into an experience similar to that of self-discovery and reflection. The word “stray” can be defined as the aimless wandering away from the right course or place. In the context of this video game, players are compelled to tackle monsters both internally encompassed as well as externally presented in an attempt to embark on the journey of restoring the light that was diminished by shadows and creatures distorted under the haze of their affliction. 

This game’s objective lies within using parries – which can be described as a charge carefully placed in the middle of an adversary’s attack during combat in an attempt to dodge incoming strikes. In doing so, one must switch between two colors (blue and orange) in order to match/meet the enemy’s attack. When a particular amount of parries are performed in combat, accumulated energy can be used to conclude any current fight with an opponent in order to be able to advance your journey. Additionally, when enemies are defeated, what remains are shards. Shards act as in-game currency that players can use for accessing advantages through the Inner World – which consists of different skills that ultimately improve a player’s gameplay. These include upgrading the character’s abilities, an increase in health, as well an increase in the damage of one’s attacks. Moreover, shards can also be collected as players traverse through the game’s map. 

The copious hues of common colors used in the game’s visual elements, particularly within the characters, solidify ideas that are subtly hinted at within this game. Colors used include deep blue, flaming orange, yellow, and purple. Often, many correlate these colors to different emotions. For example: blue – usually represents sadness; flaming orange or red represents anger; and yellow typically represents joy or serenity. I don’t believe these colors correlate to such emotions in the context Strayed Lights. If anything they enhance the storyline in the sense that a journey to self-discovery is often chaotic and disorderly. That’s what the lights represent to me. Nonetheless, using this method of color selection allows players to cognitively perceive “Strayed Lights” in a manner distinct from that of other games and media.

The graphics used to create “Strayed Lights” are captivating – visual images and illustrations hold intricate detail and a beautifully selected color palette. Only minutes into the game, I was enthralled by the scene being played out; when the newborn light transforms into a further developed being and such light is stolen from within him by a shadow-like creature. It’s beautiful how this moment said it all despite no words being expressed. 

The opening scene alone motivates the player and sets the scene/establishes the mood for the adventure that is to come. Just look at a screen shot!

The game’s original soundtrack, composed by the talented Austin Wintory, embodies an obscure and mysterious essence in the sense that you wouldn’t know what to expect. However, even with the touch of uncertainty – aspects of the music are rather soothing and therapeutic. Additionally, throughout playing the game, one is also accompanied by the sound of irregular storms – which may symbolize the ups and downs many individuals face when making the journey to self-discovery (See Below. 

Moreover, the absence of dialogue within Strayed Lights potentially represents internal conflict that exists within oneself. Yet in the context of this game is portrayed through an external lens in combat where the adversaries are inner demons one must confront. Specifically, such creatures can be described as what looks to be molten lava formed into a human-like configuration, yet misshapen; possessing cracks and malformities deeply rooted.

The beauty of Strayed Lights is within the depth of the concepts addressed; there are too few games that target mental health and illustrate its effects on individuals in such a flawless and emotional manner. Additionally, I appreciate how the developers allowed for the selection of various difficulties which highlight the variety of interests of diverse players; whether a player is more interested in a game’s storyline, or if one dominates in the area of digital combat, each difficulty presents the opportunity for adventure through different outlets and intensities. 

Ultimately, I recommend “Strayed Lights” to anyone interested in games that begin with simple concepts but display profound demonstrations of them, especially those which are open to the interpretation of the player. It’s unlike any other game I’ve played in the sense that it subtly delves into emotional and mental dimensions of health in a way that players can enjoy. Because of Strayed Lights. players can relate to thematic yet profound ideas.

Karoline is our intern from the Bronx’s TapCo school. She won one of our scholarships for writing a one-act play featuring a video game.

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