I AM THE SUN

Some you play for the hours of content, others for the excellent plot, and at times you stumble onto small games that look, feel and, sound unique. Like, I AM THE SUN for example. It’s a Ludum Dare 33 build that’s more of an experience than an actual game. However, from design, effects, and even gameplay points of view, it surpasses tens of games I’ve come across this year. It’s quite the treat.

Less is more, and for a good reason

The visual style to I AM THE SUN is a very simple one with polygonal graphics drenched in gray tones and bright white. Coupled with the audio, which is short of excellent, you get a relaxing experience within a world that’s very small and mysterious.
Your character is not only nameless, but he’s also faceless. Censorship is applied to his face and that of the enemies he encounters, adding more questions about the game and some style points. When it comes to the latter, it’s impressive how well-polished everything is in this game, especially considering that it was put together in 72 hours.

There’s not a lot to the gameplay, but the experience is memorable

Crisp, clear cut audio, smooth animations and excellent use of third-person camera angles make I AM THE SUN simply beautiful. The game itself is very short and somehow underwhelming toward the end, but when you play it, you’re connected.
All you have is a sword, a battle stance and precise movements of the blade. Enemies die from one successful swing, but surviving can be a bit tough. You need to time and plan each movement. You kill with one hit, but you also die from one.

I’d like to see this as a more elaborate game

To end, I AM THE SUN is something I want to see with a story attached to it. More of that world and everything else.