The Lost Child is a role-playing game that plunges players into the chaotic intersection of modern Japan and the supernatural. You assume the role of Hayato Ibuki, an investigative journalist for an occult tabloid who is thrust into a war between angels, demons, and fallen angels. After encountering a mysterious figure claiming to be an angel named Lua, Hayato is given the Gangour, a magical weapon that allows him to capture defeated foes and turn them into valuable allies. This unique premise sets the stage for a dungeon-crawling experience that blends monster collecting with cosmic horror elements.
Genre and Gameplay Mechanics
The Lost Child operates as a first-person dungeon crawler with mechanics reminiscent of classic Wizardry titles. Players navigate winding labyrinths based on real-world locations, battling randomly generated enemies and hunting for treasure. The core loop revolves around the Gangour, which functions similarly to monster-collecting systems found in series like Persona or Shin Megami Tensei. Players can capture a variety of creatures known as Astrals, purify them, and recruit them to their team. These companions can level up, evolve, change forms, and learn new abilities, encouraging players to assemble a diverse squad. While the dungeons feature light puzzle-solving and interesting layouts, the exploration remains focused on step-by-step movement through corridors and rooms before confronting end bosses.
Story and Setting
Set in modern-day Japan, the narrative explores a conflict between celestial forces and infernal invasions. Hayato is portrayed as the "Chosen One," destined to wield the Gangour and stop the evil threatening the world. The game heavily incorporates Lovecraftian influences, utilizing the mythos of Cthulhu, referencing entities like Hastur and Deep Ones, and employing cosmic horror themes. This supernatural backdrop is mashed with Catholic and Buddhist religious iconography, creating a bizarre tapestry of occult lore. Additionally, the title serves as a spiritual successor to the cult-hit action game El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron, featuring cameo appearances from that game's protagonists.
Notable Features of The Lost Child
The game offers several distinct attributes for fans of niche RPG subgenres. The presentation shines through its monster designs, which are often described as creepy and bizarre, accompanied by interesting text blurbs upon capture. One standout character design is the Cyber Priest, a giant TV screen with a face and cats, offering a memorable visual element amidst the game's cast. The dungeon designs are noted for being winding and engaging, providing a solid foundation for the old-school crawler experience. However, the narrative is criticized for being incoherent and relying on cheesy cliches, with a protagonist who acts as a blank vessel for the player rather than a fully developed character.
Platform Availability
The Lost Child was released on June 19, 2018. It is available on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch. The game is published by NIS America and carries an ESRB rating of T for Teen.
Who Should Play The Lost Child?
The Lost Child appeals primarily to players who enjoy old-school dungeon crawlers and monster-collecting mechanics. Fans of the Wizardry series, as well as those who enjoy the capture-and-evolve systems of Shin Megami Tensei or Pokemon, will find the gameplay familiar and satisfying. The game also targets enthusiasts of Lovecraftian horror and the Cthulhu mythos, though the execution is more focused on creature collection than atmospheric storytelling. Additionally, players who appreciate the work of developer Arc System Works or have an interest in its connection to El Shaddai may find value in this unique crossover experience. It is best suited for those who can overlook narrative incoherence and generic character designs in favor of strategic dungeon crawling and monster acquisition.
