Video games have been a part of me ever since I can remember. As many children do, I experienced my fair share of different genres. From puzzle games to FPS, I enjoyed them all. However, throughout my entire time sitting in front of a screen there has been one genre to stand out above the rest – role playing games. As every good party member would do to stay safe, so should you! That means stay close and stand strong; I won’t let you get lost as we explore the many layers of The Lost Child.

Developer: KADOKAWA GAMES

Publisher: NIS America, INC.

30 Hours played // Digital // Nintendo Switch Version – Review Copy // Price – $49.99

The first thing I need to mention is The Lost Child contains a multitude of diverse mechanics. I hope you set aside a day or seven! Prepare to sink some time into this one! Many hours in, it will continue to introduce new things to the player. It seems just when you are becoming comfortable with the gameplay, the game realizes this. Things will become longer, more cryptic, and more complex. Challenge accepted.

The Lost Child will truly test your resolve. The ability to plan, adapt, and problem solve will be utilized throughout your journey. How do you plan for the unknown? Are you able to adapt from battle to battle to survive? Will you be able to solve cryptic puzzles without losing your mind, body, or soul? I’ve spent upwards of thirty hours navigating the areas located between Heaven and the mortal world, and will not stop until my task is complete.

Your story is that of an average person. The intro can be summarized like this: You are an ordinary male name Hayato Ibuki. You work a day job for the LOST Occult writing agency. You specifically write magazine articles based on your own investigations into the paranormal activities that seem to be plaguing the surrounding cities.

The job description consists of two things. One is investigation and interrogation. The other is research and reporting. Your boss rides you with strict deadlines and tends to be a bit condescending. Cue a life changing event where the real story begins – meeting an angel from Heaven.

Your new story becomes one of biblical magnitude. It can be summarized like this: You are a special mortal named Hayato Ibuki. You have been divinely chosen to aid said angel named Lua. She has come down from Heaven to the mortal realm to carry on in her sisters’ stead. Her duty is to complete the unfinished goal of saving the world.

For the both of you, completing this goal will consist of two things. One is navigating trap-filled corridors and evil labyrinths. The other is slaying and/ or capturing demons with the Gangour and destroying obelisks on a mission from God. I suppose it’s a good thing the two ‘jobs’ coincide rather well.

Soon you realize just how much the Mortal world is in danger. Demons are getting comfortable in the ongoing battle between the Heavens and the underworld. Though you cannot always see what is going on, you and everyone around you is being affected by strange occurrences and phenomena. Luckily (if that’s the right word), you are able to traverse to a plane of existence where the demons reside.

The demons are growing more powerful by the day. These abominations are gaining more and more control by inhabiting new areas. All of the areas are essentially invisible planes of existence, referred to as “layers”. Layers are where your battles will be fought. You must annihilate your enemies and avoid succumbing to the frailty of your mortal being. Fortunately, you’ll have a bit of help along the way.

From there, more and more of the narrative will unfold as you play. The story is masterfully told in small snips of dialogues and cut scenes. It is up to you to piece together the information provided as it is presented. You will solve individual mysteries, fight lords of the underworld, and eventually bring everything full circle in an epic conclusion.

Now that you have some background, I would like to discuss a few of the main mechanics and elements in the game. Many of these hearken back to earlier times, but still keep the modern feel. There are more than a few to mention, so let’s tackle them one at a time!

The first major element to note is the art style. The Lost Child is proves to be part anime, part graphic novel. The hand drawn aesthetics aid in what could be described as “show quality” cut scenes. All of which include professional voice acting! The characters’ dialogues, expressions, and emotions of the voice clips while navigating each city really gives it a certain charm that many games lack.

The second mechanic is the navigation aspect within each layer. If you’ve ever played The (original) Bard’s Tale, or Etrian Odyssey, you will feel right at home! There are many labyrinths to get lost in, desperately searching for the stairs to get to the next floor. The puzzles within will rack your brain until you’re forced to explore every inch. Treasure chests will reward the ambitious. All of this enjoyed in the first person dungeon crawling aesthetic that’s been somewhat forgotten over the years.

Another important feature is the battle system and what goes along with it. Being an RPG, you better believe The Lost Child utilizes strategic turn-based battle mechanics. Of course this includes regular attacks and special attacks. What you may not know about is the Pokémon-style element that is brought to life via the “Gangour”.

The Gangour is a weapon, similar to gun, that a normal human typically would never be able to wield. It essentially destroys a part of your soul when it is used by a human being. I suppose it’s a good thing you aren’t just any mortal – you are the chosen one. What would ever make this gun worth shooting?

This particular gun allows you to harness the power of demons, referred to as “Astrals”! Not only can you capture Astral demons using the Gangour, but you can also utilize their strength in order to upgrade your attacks. Therefore, by using this weapon, you are creating an even more powerful weapon with the more demons you capture. Is it not destroying your enemy by making them an ally?

The last mechanic I would like to mention is what you are able to do with those captured demons. For each battle won, or conversation contributed to, you will earn Karma points. The type of Karma you earn can be different. It all depends on what demons you fight and how you respond in certain scenarios. What you are able to do with this Karma earned is apply them to your demons. This will ultimately strengthen them into formidable party members.

Just as in Pokémon, your demons have levels. Through Karma points applied, your demons will raise levels. These levels will increase numerous stats and eventually allow them to evolve into stronger forms. It is up to you to choose which demons to train, and which you will trust to aid you in battle. The further you progress, the more difficult and expensive these choices will be.

What you will come to realize when playing through The Lost Child is that you never know what will happen next. The game unfolds piece by piece, rewarding those who explore, persist, and capture. New options and paths will constantly present themselves. Things aren’t always as they seem. You may start to question what your purpose is in this place – the mortal world. The only question you must ask yourself is this: do you have the power to let power go?

Overall, The Lost Child was a fun, engaging experience. Exploration is a huge part of this game, so be prepared to dive into many dungeons. Leveling up your captured demons is paramount in your success, so train hard and train often. Not only should you explore each layer within the game, but be sure to explore all combat and traveling options. Visit as many places as you can and be sure to check in at the office often as well. You never know where your curiosity for all things paranormal will take you.

One big thing that I didn’t focus on in the review yet is the religion aspect. I wanted to dedicate a paragraph or two to this topic, as it can be seen as a sensitive subject. First of all, this game does incorporate religion in its story. It never specifies a specific religion, but it does incorporate ideas from different ideologies it seems.

The Lost Child makes mention of demons, archangels, fallen angels, and Cthulhu. On the surface it portrays a struggle between good and evil. What you’ll find are plot twists and lines washed out in the sand… If you are either against the subject matter or sensitive to it, you may want to carefully consider playing this game. If you can be exposed to a fantasy plot based on religion, and entertain the idea without necessarily subscribing to it, then I highly recommend trying this game.

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