Children Of The Sun Review: A Shot Worth Taking
- Innovative gameplay mechanics
- Striking visual and audio design
- Bleak narrative tone may not suit all audiences
- Very short, but works at its price point
A PC code for "Children of the Sun" was purchased by SVG for this review. The game is available now for PC.
Imagine a game where every level is a puzzle, and your only key is a single bullet. Welcome to "Children of the Sun," a game that doesn't just bend genres — it shatters them. Developed by the visionary René Rother and presented by the indie champions at Devolver Digital, this game offers a journey of vengeance, strategy, and telekinesis, all wrapped in a revenge tale against a malevolent cult. With an innovative approach to gameplay and a striking aesthetic, it's easy to see "Children of the Sun" becoming a cult classic in its own right.
"Children of the Sun" doesn't shy away from making a statement with its visuals. Picture the raw, edgy vibes of a '70s grindhouse film, then throw in a bucket of neon paint. It's as if the game world was soaked in bleach and then left to dry in a neon-lit alley. The dark, gritty backgrounds contrasted with the bright, almost jarring colors of cultist robes make each target stand out, ensuring you never miss the mark — visually, at least. The minimalist sound design punctuates the atmosphere. Bullet impacts, the quiet hum of the night, and the occasional explosion provide a soundscape that's as much a part of the game's world as its visuals. It's this pairing of sight and sound that keeps you satisfyingly immersed, even as you navigate through its darkest corners.
Pulling the trigger on gameplay
Here's where "Children of the Sun" really shines: You're not just shooting, you're orchestrating a ballet of destruction with a single bullet. Each level is a new puzzle, where enemy formation and obstacle layouts demand that you think creatively. The catch? You only have one bullet per level. But this isn't your average bullet — it listens and bends at the command of your will (and some nifty telekinetic powers). From redirecting your shot in mid-air to using objects in the environment to your advantage, the game constantly introduces new challenges and mechanics to keep you engaged. Whether it's enemies shielded behind barriers or moving targets that test your timing, "Children of the Sun" keeps you on your toes, making each successful level feel like a triumph of wit and skill.
The narrative of "Children of the Sun" is as much a mystery as the cult you're dismantling. Told through brief and often silent cutscenes, the story of your silent protagonist's quest for revenge unfolds bit by bit with each cultist you take down. While the game leans heavily on its gameplay to carry the narrative, it's in these quiet moments that you're given a glimpse into the darker motivations driving your character. The lack of explicit storytelling might leave some wanting more, but it also invites you to fill in the blanks, making the short journey feel like it belongs to you just as much as it does to your character. In a world where actions speak louder than words, every bullet tells a part of your story.
Addicted to the chase
Despite its relatively short length, "Children of the Sun" nails the "just one more level" feeling. The game cleverly balances challenge with satisfaction, offering stages that are as rewarding to solve as they are fun to play. And with a scoring system that beckons you to outdo yourself, the replay value is surprisingly high for such a short and concise adventure. Whether it's mastering a level for a leaderboard spot or finding the quickest route for a speedrun, there's always a reason to dive back in, even if only for a few spare minutes. The game's brevity becomes an asset, not a weakness, inviting repeated plays rather than outstaying its welcome.
The game seemingly unabashedly draws inspirations from a diverse palette — the precision of "Sniper Elite," the time manipulation of "SuperHot," and the narrative style of the underrated "Killer7" — all while forging its own identity in the genre. This amalgamation creates a gameplay experience that's both fresh and familiar, offering a new take on the puzzle-shooter genre that feels innovative and nostalgically engaging.
The cult of personality
However, not all is perfect in the cult-ridden world of "Children of the Sun." The game's stark, unyielding atmosphere, while compelling, won't be everyone's cup of tea. The relentless grimness and the portrayal of a revenge fantasy devoid of glory or redemption might weigh heavily, offering a narrative experience that's as bleak as it is thrilling. In addition, the game's exclusive availability on PC limits its accessibility, denying console players the chance to join the fray. And while the game's length feels just right, some may crave more — more levels, more story, more of the addictive gameplay that makes "Children of the Sun" stand out.
Those nitpicks aside, should you embark on this bullet-driven quest for revenge? If you're a fan of puzzles, action, and games that dare to be different, then "Children of the Sun" is a journey worth taking. It's a game that challenges you to aim and shoot, but doing so while thinking, planning, and adapting. Yes, it's dark. Yes, it's short. And yes, it's confined to PC (for now). But within its compact runtime lies a deeply satisfying gameplay experience that's both visually arresting and mentally stimulating. "Children of the Sun" is an experience that's deserving of its 8/10 score and a spot on your must-play list, especially at its $15 price point. So load up, take aim, and let that single bullet guide you through a uniquely unforgettable game. Just remember, in the world of "Children of the Sun," every shot counts. Make it count.