Ubisoft’s New IP Child Of Light Is A Serene Homage To JRPGs

Though it was officially announced back at this year’s GDC, it was only recently that Ubisoft lifted the curtain on its whimsical, turn-based RPG, Child of Light. Harnessing the studio’s UbiArt framework engine – which has rendered other visually striking games such as Rayman Legends – the studio’s new IP will release on current and next-gen platforms in 2014 and has been described as a “playable poem.”

For the game, players will assume the role of Aurora, a young princess who is tasked with defeating the Black Queen and restoring the kingdom of Lemuria to its former state. During this quest, our heroine will traverse a vibrant environment reminiscent of a watercolour painting. From dragons to pixies, wolves to lurid fairies, the game’s enemy roster has its roots in the RPG genre and the battle system within Child of Light will appear familiar to any fans of the Final Fantasy series.

That Active Timed Battle System in particular is represented via the game’s time bar, which in turn signifies the frequency of your attacks. Of course, this is a stalwart mechanic within the genre, and given the setting and overall aesthetic, it’s clear that Ubisoft are developing their very own love letter to the JRPG canon.

Child of Light will also feature an element of co-operative play, which is channelled through Aurora and her firefly aide. In this mode, one player controls the game’s flame-haired protagonist while the other experiences Ubisoft’s mystical realm through the sprite-like Igniculus. The game itself is being overseen by Ubisoft Montreal’s Patrick Plourde, who previously worked on Far Cry 3 – though this project is a ways away from the manic Rook Islands.

Ubisoft’s Child of Light is slated for a 2014 release on PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Wii U. In the meantime, be sure to check out the gallery of screenshots and give us your thoughts on the game in the comments below.