Originally released on 2014, Child of Light has been made available on nearly every platform, and this miniature, 2D fantasy RPG now arrives on Switch. You play as Princess Aurora, who, after her apparent death, awakens in the land of Lemuria and goes on a quest to return to her homeland of Austria. Themes of family, love, and loss permeate Aurora’s adventure, and the colorful and fantastical world of Lemuria provides a sublime backdrop to explore and marvel at. Child of Light’s narrative and dialogue are told through rhyming couplets. This combined with its storybook watercolor art style makes the game ooze with whimsy and charm. In keeping with the writing of Child of Light, the format of this review will be different but hopefully more than all right.

The music and visuals are utterly striking, and you children-at-heart will find them to your liking. The music is light, soft, and thematically apt, and combined with the gameplay the soundtrack kept me enrapt. Shortly after starting you gain the power of flight and can explore and zip around to your heart’s delight. Treasures and items are scattered around each area, but there’s no need to let their sheer number scare ‘ya. You can easily fast travel back to places explored and collect and stockpile what you previously ignored.

The combat is fast and fun and engaging; in turn-based fashion you face off against enemies raging. Mythical creatures light and dark are your foes, and you fight them off with a partner in tow. I really enjoyed being able to switch out my party without wasting a turn or being penalized harshly. There are eight friends who can join your team, each with his or her own value it would seem. Fighter, mage, and support are their general roles, but as they level up you can dictate their growth and stat goals. Ability points are gained with each level up and doled out on a grid so you can customize your lineup.

In terms of content the game is somewhat light, but I couldn’t put it down, try as I might. Following the story and completing side missions reminded me of old-fashioned RPG traditions. Experience points, levels, and stat boosts are here, but “money” and “equipment” are words you won’t hear. Instead, items you find and craft called Oculi may be equipped to empower yourself and each ally. A wrinkle to combat I forgot to mention was that turn order is displayed to raise each clash’s tension. Attacking a foe at just the right time can interrupt their action, sending them to the back of the line, but the same can be done to you if you don’t choose to defend, so tactics are needed to not break but just bend.

All in all, Child of Light can be simple and easy, and played with low stress, an experience breezy. The aesthetic is one up there with the best, and if you avoid enemy encounters bosses can be quite a test. Without a doubt here’s a title that’s unique but subtle, yet demands your attention and a look; I’ll hear no rebuttal. Well-suited to those who want a creative RPG that both sticks to and deviates from this genre’s normalcy. If you’re never played it, well now’s the time. Go on and enjoy Child of Light in its Nintendo Switch prime.