Light up the Town – Review

Light Up the Town is a recent addition to our collection of games. In the game you throw Christmas Lights anywhere you please and it’s lots of fun. In my review you’ll find out more.

Why Light up the Town?

Light Up the Town is a relaxing, visually charming puzzle-style video game that centers around creativity, problem-solving, and calm exploration. Instead of fast reflexes or competitive gameplay, the game invites players to restore light, color, and life to a darkened town through thoughtful interaction with the environment. Its gentle pace and soothing presentation make it especially appealing to players who enjoy cozy games that encourage patience and creativity.

At its heart, Light Up the Town is about transformation. Players move through a town that begins in muted tones, gradually bringing brightness back by solving puzzles, activating mechanisms, and interacting with objects in meaningful ways. Each area feels like a small canvas waiting to be restored, and watching the environment slowly glow with color and light is one of the most satisfying aspects of the game. The visual feedback is immediate and rewarding, reinforcing the feeling that your actions matter.

Gameplay is intentionally intuitive. Controls are simple, and the game does an excellent job of teaching mechanics naturally through exploration rather than long tutorials. Early puzzles are straightforward and help players understand how light, switches, pathways, and objects interact. As the game progresses, challenges become more layered, encouraging players to think ahead and experiment, but they rarely feel punishing or overwhelming. The game promotes curiosity rather than trial-and-error frustration.

The atmosphere of Light Up the Town is one of its strongest features. Soft music, ambient sound effects, and gentle animations combine to create a calming experience. The game feels meditative, making it well suited for winding down or playing in short sessions. There is no constant pressure or countdown, allowing players to move at their own pace and enjoy the journey rather than rushing toward an end goal.

Narrative elements are subtle and environmental rather than heavily story-driven. The town itself tells a story through its design, layout, and gradual changes. Players are encouraged to interpret meaning through visuals and progression, which adds emotional depth without relying on dialogue or cutscenes. This approach makes the experience feel personal and reflective, allowing players to connect with the world in their own way.

That said, the game’s calm nature may not appeal to everyone. Players who prefer high-energy action, complex combat systems, or constant stimulation may find Light Up the Town too slow or minimalistic. The puzzles focus more on logic and observation than on difficulty, and some players may wish for more variation or challenge as the game goes on.

Replayability largely depends on how much players enjoy the core loop of restoring areas and experimenting with light-based mechanics. While the experience is satisfying, it may feel repetitive for those who complete the game quickly or seek long-term progression systems. However, for players who value atmosphere, creativity, and relaxation, this repetition can feel soothing rather than dull.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. This game is up to 4-players on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

Beautiful visual transformation as the town fills with light and color.

Relaxing, stress-free gameplay with no time pressure.

Intuitive controls and mechanics easy to learn for all ages.

Soothing music and atmosphere ideal for cozy play sessions.

Encourages creativity and exploration.

Minimalist storytelling that allows personal interpretation.

Cons

Slow pace may not appeal to action-focused players.

Limited challenge for those seeking complex puzzles.

Gameplay can feel repetitive over long sessions.

Summary

Overall, Light Up the Town is a thoughtfully designed game that prioritizes mood, creativity, and gentle problem-solving. It stands out not by trying to do everything, but by doing a few things very well. Its calming tone, satisfying visual progression, and accessible gameplay make it a great choice for players looking for a peaceful and rewarding gaming experience.