We don’t pretend to know a thing about shadow puppetry at TheXboxHub, but watching the trailer for Projection: First Light makes us astonished that it hasn’t been the subject of a game before. At least, not one we’ve encountered (hey, before you say it down the back, games like Limbo and Toby: The Secret Mine don’t count – they’re more interested in shadows than shadow puppetry).
Projection: First Light is an exploration of shadow puppetry across the world, hopping from Indonesia to China to Turkey and more, observing how the medium has changed over the centuries. As a topic for a game, it’s pretty inspiring and, frankly, puts this right at the top of our lists to play. It also helps that – from the trailer, anyway, the game looks all sorts of beautiful, and audio design to match it, too.
Projection: First Light is out today on every system under the sun (projecting a hell of a shadow, obviously), including Xbox One, Switch, Playstation 4 and PC via Steam.
The game truly embraces the shadow puppetry theme, creating platform moments from the shadowplay. Greta, the main character, takes control of a source of light from the very start, and then manipulates it to create platforms and walls, all in an effort to navigate levels and complete puzzles. Again, it feels like something that gaming should have done before: it’s a neat, elegant approach.
Don’t expect intensity and hardcore platforming here. The aim of Projection: First Light is to explore, in the developer Shadowplay Studios’ own words, “themes of worldliness, respect and understanding”. This is a game that aims to make you feel and think, which might just be the tonic you need right now.
Projection: First Light is out today on Xbox One for £16.74. It is also shedding light on Playstation 4, Switch and PC via Steam.
Game Description:
Projection: First Light follows the adventures of Greta, a girl living in a mythological shadow puppet world, as she embarks on a journey of self-enlightenment with the assistance of legendary heroes from each culture she explores. Accompanied by atmospheric visuals and an ethereal soundtrack made with antique instruments used for shadow puppet performances, Projection: First Light takes players on an inclusive voyage through the history of shadow puppets as it evolves through Indonesia, China, Turkey, Greece, and 19th century England. Early in her expedition, Greta takes control of a source of light and learns of her ability to manipulate it. Shadows become platforms and walls, other elegant and imaginative solutions irradiate puzzles, and enemies can be dispersed – as Projection: First Light explores themes of worldliness, respect and understanding.
