Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 67 | 11 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 85% | 78 | 13 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (17)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 70
“Projection: First Light is a game that requires patience, but if you enjoy sprawling, beautifully designed platformers, it is worth playing.”
read full review ↗ - 40
“Let's be clear, this is no disaster like Gleamlight. This is a well-crafted, carefully designed and fantastic-looking game. It's just such a damn shame that the central shadow-casting mechanic is so fussy, so irritating and so downright broken that we can't recommend it without the strongest of caveats. It's very clear that the developers put their heart and soul into Projection: First Light, and that effort deserves to be recognised. Unfortunately, we suggest you recognise it from afar. We don't think that a patch alone could solve this game's problems, and if there's ever a Projection: Second Light, we'd be surprised.”
read full review ↗ - 70
- 80
“I’ll admit that simply seeing this game for the first time I pretty well fell in love, completely digging the unusual aesthetics and the promise of creative puzzle platforming it showed...”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There might be some issues here and there, but this is a perfectly enjoyable puzzle-platformer with great pacing and enjoyable shadow platforming.”
read full review ↗ - 79
“Projection: First Light has a simple core gameplay but has executed it very well with some challenging puzzles and a different and beautiful art style to make it a very good choice for anyone looking for a good puzzle/platformer title.”
read full review ↗ - 75
“Projection: First Light is one of the most unique games that I’ve played in a long time, and one that leaves a memory of a wonderful experience.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Projection: First Light is a charming, beautiful and interesting game that 2D puzzle-platforming fans will enjoy. It doesn’t quite hit the heights of Creaks, but it’s certainly a welcome addition to the genre. In the end, it may last a little longer than it needed to, but there is value here given the generous price.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Projection: First Light is a game that not only surprised me with its concept, but with its solid execution. It has a simple, yet incredible idea that I’m shocked hasn’t been utilized before. At least to this degree. The art style is beautiful with a subtle grace that adds to the whimsy of its narrative.”
read full review ↗ - 50
“Projection: First Light started out as one of my favourite indie games of the year so far, but with a game-breaking bug in the mix, it’s sadly going to fall short of what I initially expected to score it. Hopefully the bug will be fixed soon, but for now, it unfortunately has to be reflected in my score.”
read full review ↗ - 65
“I cannot stress enough how wonderful Projection: First Light looks. It’s a well-rounded piece that uses an unusual twist on an old concept. The style reinforces the history behind puppetry, and the graphics and audio create a lush and emotive landscape. However, its key mechanic is its main drawback, forcing it to plateaus early as a consequence, and this impacts the desire to play. Do I recommend it? I do. Only because it’s a masterpiece to look at and listen to. If you want a copy, it can be purchased here! Be warned though, you’ll be balancing beauty with frustration. Can you help Greta manipulate the light and travel the world? Patience and a glowing butterfly are all you need to succeed.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Only being lacking in some technical adjustment and editing stops this title from being truly great. Nevertheless, Projection: First Light immerses you in a forgotten culture for a visual and narrative treat that will no doubt prove to be a memorable experience.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Nintendo Life
VGChartz
Nindie Spotlight
PC Invasion
Bazimag
NoobFeed
VDZE Media
WayTooManyGames
GameByte
Movies Games and Tech
PlayStation Universe…and 5 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
No patch announcements found on Steam yet.