The City of Lost Children (PS1) Playthrough

Playthrough of Psygnosis's 1997 adventure game for the PlayStation, The City of Lost Children. Psygnosis’s The City of Lost Children, released in 1997 for the PlayStation, is an adventure game inspired by the surreal and atmospheric French film of the same name. The game follows Miette, a young orphan, as she navigates a dystopian city ruled by a sinister scientist named Krank, who kidnaps children to steal their dreams. The narrative is dark and dreamlike, reflecting the film’s unique aesthetic, with an emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving over traditional action gameplay. Players control Miette as she interacts with the city’s grim and oppressive environments, solving puzzles to uncover the secrets of Krank’s operation and rescue the kidnapped children. The gameplay focuses on logic-based challenges and object collection, requiring players to think creatively to progress. Conversations with NPCs are integral, as they provide vital clues and deepen the game’s eerie and melancholic atmosphere. The lack of direct combat adds to the tension, as players must rely on wit and stealth to navigate the dangers of the city. Visually, The City of Lost Children captures the film’s haunting aesthetic with detailed pre-rendered backgrounds and character models. The art design conveys a sense of decay and claustrophobia, immersing players in the game’s unsettling world. The sound design is equally evocative, with a moody score and ambient effects that heighten the sense of unease and mystery. The game’s narrative is delivered through dialogue and cinematic sequences, staying true to the film’s tone and style. While The City of Lost Children was praised for its atmospheric presentation and faithfulness to the source material, it faced criticism for its slow pacing and unintuitive gameplay. The reliance on trial-and-error puzzle-solving and occasional lack of direction could frustrate players unfamiliar with the adventure game genre. Nevertheless, for fans of the film and those drawn to unconventional storytelling, The City of Lost Children offered a unique and immersive experience that stood out for its artistry and ambition.