Critics’ responses to The Town of Light were mixed. Metacritic’s PlayStation 4 page shows a 67 Metascore from 23 critic reviews, with assessments ranging from praise for its emotionally forceful story and unsettling setting to criticism of its technical and gameplay shortcomings. That score describes one platform-specific sample, not every version or players’ opinions.
What was the critics’ overall verdict?
Metacritic’s PlayStation 4 critic page, observed in 2026, lists a 67 Metascore from 23 reviews and labels the result “Mixed or Average.” Its displayed breakdown is 11 positive reviews (48%), 9 mixed (39%), and 3 negative (13%). The reviews shown are predominantly from 2017, when the game launched.
Another storefront snapshot gives a different measure: the Epic Games Store page displayed a 63 Top Critic Average and 25% Critics Recommend, attributed to OpenCritic. These figures come from different aggregators and measures, so they should not be treated as directly interchangeable. Neither number is a player rating.
What did positive reviews praise?
Emotional impact and difficult subject matter
Reviewers who responded positively often valued the game’s serious approach to its themes and its focus on Renée’s story. Wccftech’s review, which scored the game 85/100 on 7 June 2017, praised its direct engagement with controversial themes and narrative immersion. PlayStation Country gave it 80/100 on 29 May 2017, describing the subject matter as difficult and saying the game handled it admirably while warning that it could be upsetting.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
Atmosphere and the Volterra setting
The story takes place at the Volterra Psychiatric Asylum in Tuscany. Reviewers who praised the experience also highlighted its oppressive atmosphere and historical setting. Official descriptions characterize the first-person psychological story adventure as based on research and inspired by real events; that description does not make the game a substitute for historical or clinical documentation.
What were the main criticisms?
Technical and structural weaknesses
Some critics found the presentation technically rough. Multiplayer.it’s 80/100 review, published 6 June 2017, called the game intense and dramatic but technically poor. Other critical responses cited repetitive backtracking and weak puzzle or gameplay structure, which can make the experience feel less engaging as an interactive game.
Limited player agency
Criticism also focused on how little control players have over events. Readers looking for consequential choices, varied puzzles, or a strongly game-driven narrative may find the structure restrictive. These are review judgments about the experience, not a claim that every player will react the same way.
How should you interpret the scores?
- Check the platform: Metacritic’s cited 67 is specifically for PlayStation 4. Its details page also lists Xbox One, while official listings support Windows, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. Availability can vary by region and storefront.
- Keep aggregator measures separate: Metacritic’s Metascore and OpenCritic figures displayed by Epic use different measures and review sets.
- Read beyond the average: The spread of positive, mixed, and negative reviews reflects disagreement over the balance between emotional storytelling and the game’s technical and structural limitations.
- Account for content intensity: The official PlayStation listing includes mature-content descriptors. Check the rating and content details for the version available in your region if the subject matter may be difficult for you.
Which edition includes documentary material?
Nintendo’s Switch listing identifies a Deluxe Edition that adds documentary content and is offered as download software. It is not evidence of a physical cartridge edition. Storefront editions and availability can differ by region.
Rank #3
Who is likely to appreciate The Town of Light?
The reviews suggest it may appeal to players drawn to bleak, story-focused experiences, difficult themes, and an atmospheric historical setting, even when the gameplay is limited. It may be a poorer fit for someone prioritizing polished technical presentation, frequent puzzles, or meaningful control over the story’s direction. The critic scores offer context, but the specific strengths and drawbacks matter more than the aggregate alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
