Common Sense Media Review
By Mieke VanderBorght
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Capture the light in calm, unique runner.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
SHINE - Journey of Light
What's It About?
SHINE - JOURNEY OF LIGHT starts with a mystery: Where did all the moonies go? Kids guide the one remaining moonie, a little blob of light that helps the stars shine, through darkness as it navigates mazes, runs into various obstacles, and discovers surprises to solve the mystery of her disappearing friends. Complete each level to move up to the next through four worlds of 10 levels each. Three modes of difficulty allow kids to adjust how much of a challenge they want. An original soundtrack of calming music accompanies kids as they play.
Is It Any Good?
This unique runner game offers a stark contrast to the typical fast-paced frantic fare kids usually find. Light blobs slowly float across the screen, and calming music contributes to the meditative feel. Also doing its part to create that mood are the graphics, which are quite beautiful. The effect of watching that little light blob illuminate dark corners is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also surprisingly comforting. Of course, Shine - Journey of Light is still a challenge-based runner game, and all the calming elements in the world don't take away from that sense of frustration when you just can't get past a level. Furthermore, the controls feel a bit off, and it can be annoying when that little light blob just doesn't move the way you want it to. It would also be nice to see when the blob is losing strength to avoid sudden surprises. Hints for stuck moments would also be helpful. Thankfully, being able to adjust the level of challenge is a great kid-friendly antidote that mostly -- though not fully -- addresses these problems. With 40 levels and an accompanying narrative that guides players through a mystery to solve, kids may easily get hooked.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what effect the graphics and music of Shine - Journey of Light have on how they feel. Do kids feel calm, focused, and present as they play? Or do they feel frantic and pumped up? Why?
Encourage kids to learn and practice calming activities like deep breathing and visualizations. Even better, do them together as family.
How does Shine - Journey of Light feel different from other classic runner games?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : problem solving , solving puzzles , strategy , Health & Fitness : meditation
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : January 9, 2019
- Genre : Family Games
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Publisher : Fox & Sheep
- Version : 1.8
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.3 and up
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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