Candleman Definitive Edition Xbox One Review

Candleman Definitive Edition Xbox One Review – A Small Candle, A Big Dream

Candleman is a game that centers on discovering light amidst darkness, and what better symbol for this journey than playing as a candle? Developed by Chinese studio Spotlightor Interactive, this game brings a simple yet beautifully crafted concept to life.

At its core, Candleman is a platformer starring a candle with legs. Though faceless and more realistic than cartoonish, the candle’s animations infuse it with a surprising amount of personality. Inspired by a distant lighthouse, the little candle sets off on a journey to shine as brightly, with each flicker fueling his resolve. The plot, while simple, is effective and thoughtfully narrated, adding depth to this charming adventure.

In Candleman, platforming involves plenty of jumping, but the main goal is to light candles scattered throughout each level. The number of candles varies, each one offering a brief sanctuary of extra light, which is especially useful in the game’s darker areas. However, as a candle, your burn time is limited: you only have 10 seconds of light per level. Each flicker brings the wick closer to the base, and if it burns out completely, you’ll lose a life. Fortunately, the game is forgiving, giving you a generous 10 lives per level to keep you going.

The game spans 12 chapters (including DLC), and even well into the journey, new mechanics keep things fresh. You’ll do everything from using light to move objects, like flower-boats, to interacting with fireworks, navigating invisible platforms with mirrors, and warding off threats with bursts of light. Each chapter brings inventive ideas, ensuring that the gameplay evolves alongside the candle’s quest.

One of the game’s main flaws is its uneven difficulty. For instance, one level may present a tough challenge, while the next one feels unexpectedly easy. Some players might find the overall difficulty lacking, but despite this inconsistency, Candleman remains a thoroughly enjoyable and well-crafted platforming adventure.

Candleman is visually striking, with realistic graphics that set a moody, immersive atmosphere. The sound design enhances this, from the echo of the candle’s footsteps to the drip of distant water, creating a sense of depth in each environment. Music is used sparingly, primarily during story sequences, but it’s beautifully composed and perfectly matches the game’s tone.

Candleman Definitive Edition Xbox One Review Summary: A candle that shines bright

In summary, Candleman is a charming and atmospheric 5 to 6 hour platformer that creatively explores light and darkness through simple yet effective mechanics. Despite some uneven difficulty and a relatively gentle challenge, the game’s engaging visuals, ambient sound design, and imaginative level design make it a memorable experience. The journey of a small candle with a big dream is both heartwarming and visually captivating, making Candleman a delightful adventure for those looking for something a little different in the platforming genre.