Lux-Pain
- JP: Marvelous Entertainment
- NA: Ignition Entertainment
- PAL: Rising Star Games
Yasuyuki Suzuki
- JP: March 27, 2008
- NA: March 24, 2009
- EU: March 27, 2009
- AU: 2009
Lux-Pain[a] is a visual novel adventure video game developed by Killaware and published by Marvelous Entertainment for the Nintendo DS video game console. The game was released in Japan on March 27, 2008. It was published in North America by Ignition Entertainment on March 24, 2009, and in Europe by Rising Star Games on March 27, 2009.
Gameplay
This game is mostly a visual novel, but there are a few new techniques specific for the DS. When using Lux-Pain, the player 'digs' into their surroundings using the stylus and touch screen. The player can 'dig' into people's feelings and emotions to find worms, or deep emotions. However, if the player digs in too long and is unable to erase the worms that surround the person, the person's mind becomes corrupt and it becomes game over for the player. The game ends if a battle against one of the Silent is lost. However, in some cases, if the player loses against a Silent (mainly in boss battles) they are able to retry.
Plot
Lux-Pain is set in the historical Kisaragi City, a town plagued by mysteries from small mishaps to murders - with no logical explanation as to why these events occur. It seems "Silent", a worm born through hate and sadness, has infected humans and forced them to commit atrocious crimes. Atsuki's parents are the victim of such crimes. To avenge his parents, Atsuki goes through a dangerous operation to acquire Lux-Pain in his left arm, a power so strong that it turns his right eye golden when using it to seek and destroy Silent for good. In this game, however, there is a strong difference between Silent and worms. Worms are a sort of offspring created by Silent that are transferred to anyone who comes in contact with the host of the specific Silent. Worms are much weaker than Silent and are eliminated after simply finding them with the stylus and pressing on them for several seconds. Silent are considered the bosses of the game and though the player faces many smaller Silent they slowly show the larger Silent who is much stronger. After the first 10 "episodes" the player faces the first true Silent. This Silent is caused by the emotions of a deceased 12-year-old girl whose parents left for dead in her room. Though not mentioned specifically there are over 685 known Silent and the player starts with the 683rd.
Development
Lux-Pain was developed by a team of ten people at Killaware, which was founded by former Atlus members Takeo Higashino and Kazuhiro Yamao.[1][2] The game took a full 14 months to develop from start to finish.[2] Higashino described the plot as being "dark," and stated that social problems such as truancy, group suicide, mental abuse on the internet, and cruelty to animals inspired him to create the game.[3] He stated, "I think this game is a kind of 'antithesis' against the distortion of the current education or the recent crimes that occur amongst young people."[2] Lux-Pain was translated internally at Killaware, but the Japanese voice acting was replaced for its localizations.[3]
The soundtrack for Lux-Pain was composed by Kenji Ito and Yasuyuki Suzuki. It was released in Japan April 23, 2008.[4] A CD featuring two vocal songs from the game ("Holding the Holy Pain" and "On/Off") sung by Yoko Takahashi was released on March 12, 2008.[5] Two pre-order bonuses were included with the game with its release in Japan. They include Lux-Sound, a set of pre-arranged songs from the game's soundtrack along with a drama track; and Lux-Paint, an artbook.[6]
Reception
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
Metacritic | 48 of 100[7] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
Destructoid | 5 of 10[8] |
Famitsu | 29 of 40[9] |
GamePro | [10] |
GameSpot | 3.5 of 10[11] |
GameZone | 5 of 10[12] |
IGN | 4.2 of 10[13] |
NGamer | 81%[14] |
Nintendo Life | [15] |
Nintendo Power | 4 of 10[16] |
Official Nintendo Magazine | 76%[17] |
411Mania | 4.5 of 10[18] |
The Daily Telegraph | 7 of 10[19] |
Lux-Pain received "generally unfavorable reviews" from video game critics according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[7] In Japan, however, Famitsu gave it a score of one seven, one eight, and two sevens for a total of 29 out of 40.[9] Its localization was almost universally mentioned as being poor, with Austin Shau's GameSpot review noting that it "makes the story harder to follow than it should be," and "results in too much unintentional humor to take any of Lux-Pain's commentary seriously." The review expressed disappointment over the notion that what could have been a "poignant experience" is ruined by its failure "to deliver on the most basic element of a novel-style adventure," referring to its apparent poor writing.[11] Daemon Hatfield of IGN remarked, "This graphic adventure doesn't make any sense, and all players are allowed to do is clumsily poke at static scenes and wade through endless pages of poorly-translated dialogue."[13] Modojo's Robert Falcon panned the game entirely, calling the characters "useless."[20]
The Daily Telegraph gave a more favorable review, though writer Chris Schilling also mentioned the game's "wonky localisation, with grammatical oddities ranging from female characters being referred to as 'he' to confusion over whether the setting is Japan or America." He opined that while "you'd presume those issues would be difficult to overlook (...) developer Killaware has crafted a world you'll find (...) difficult to pull yourself out of" and praised its "genuinely interesting themes – the kind most gamers are afraid to approach."[19]
References
- ^ Sheffield, Brandon (November 16, 2007). "Q&A: Killaware's Yamao On Japan's Upstart Dev Scene". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on May 11, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
- ^ a b c Ba-Oh, Jorge (April 22, 2009). "Killaware Talks Lux-Pain on Nintendo DS, Wants Sequels". Cubed3. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ a b Spencer (March 24, 2009). "Shades Of Lux-Pain's Dark Plot". Siliconera. Archived from the original on April 27, 2009. Retrieved April 13, 2009.
- ^ Chandran, Neal. "RPGFan Soundtracks - Lux-Pain OST". RPGFan. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
- ^ Chandran, Neal. "RPGFan Soundtracks - Holding the Holy Pain". RPGFan. Archived from the original on April 23, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2009.
- ^ Fletcher, JC (November 13, 2007). "Lux-Pain is apparently a big deal". Engadget (Joystiq). Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ a b "Lux-Pain for DS Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ Sterling, James Stephanie (April 8, 2009). "Destructoid review: Lux-Pain". Destructoid. Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
- ^ a b James (March 18, 2008). "Famitsu Review Scores". Pure Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ Herring, Will (March 28, 2009). "Lux-Pain". GamePro. Archived from the original on March 30, 2009. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
- ^ a b Shau, Austin (April 14, 2009). "Lux-Pain Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 19, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ Platt, Dylan (April 6, 2009). "Lux-Pain - NDS - Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on April 12, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
- ^ a b Hatfield, Daemon (March 24, 2009). "Lux-Pain Review". IGN. Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ "Review: Lux-Pain". Nintendo Gamer: 73. May 2009.
- ^ Clark, Adam Scott (April 15, 2009). "Review: Lux-Pain". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
- ^ "Lux-Pain". Nintendo Power. 240: 85. April 2009.
- ^ "Lux-Pain Review". Official Nintendo Magazine: 75. May 2009.
- ^ Williams, Jordan (June 18, 2009). "Lux-Pain (DS) Review". 411Mania. Archived from the original on May 10, 2017. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ a b Schilling, Chris (April 8, 2009). "Lux-Pain review". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on April 23, 2019. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
- ^ Falcon, Robert (April 7, 2009). "Lux-Pain". Modojo. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2016.
Notes
- ^ Lux-Pain (ルクス・ペイン, Rukusu・Pein)
External links
- Official website (in Japanese)
- Lux-Pain at MobyGames
- v
- t
- e
- Metal Fighter Miku (1994)
- Maze: The Mega-Burst Space (1997)
- Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997)
- Virus Buster Serge (1997)
- Alice SOS (1998–1999)
- Kare Kano (1998–1999)
- Sorcerous Stabber Orphen: Begins (1998–1999)
- If I See You in My Dreams (1998)
- Iketeru Futari (1999)
- Starship Girl Yamamoto Yohko (1999)
- Sorcerous Stabber Orphen: Revenge (1999–2000)
- Excel Saga (1999–2000)
- UFO Baby (2000–2002)
- Descendants of Darkness (2000)
- Rune Soldier (2001)
- PaRappa the Rapper (2001–2002)
- A Little Snow Fairy Sugar (2001–2002)
- Azumanga Daioh (2002)
- Ai Yori Aoshi (2002)
- Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning (2002–2003)
- Nanaka 6/17 (2003)
- Someday's Dreamers (2003)
- Gunparade March: The New March (2003)
- Ikki Tōsen: Battle Vixens (2003)
- R.O.D the TV (2003–2004)
- Shingetsutan Tsukihime (2003)
- Ai Yori Aoshi: Enishi (2003)
- Maburaho (2003–2004)
- Daphne in the Brilliant Blue (2004)
- Doki Doki School Hours (2004)
- Melody of Oblivion (2004)
- Starship Operators (2005)
- Mahoraba ~Heartful Days~ (2005)
- Best Student Council (2005)
- Loveless (2005)
- Honey and Clover (2005)
- Oku-sama wa Mahō Shōjo: Bewitched Agnes (2005)
- Shakugan no Shana (2005–2006)
- Karin (2005–2006)
- Yomigaeru Sora – Rescue Wings (2006)
- Honey and Clover II (2006)
- The Familiar of Zero (2006)
- Ghost Hunt (2006–2007)
- Living for the Day After Tomorrow (2006)
- Di Gi Charat (2006)
- Nodame Cantabile (2007)
- Sky Girls (2007)
- Potemayo (2007)
- The Familiar of Zero: Knight of the Twin Moons (2007)
- Shakugan no Shana II (2007–2008)
- KimiKiss: Pure Rouge (2007–2008)
- Sky Girls TV DVD Specials (2007–2008)
- Shigofumi: Letters from the Departed (2008)
- Nabari no Ou (2008)
- Slayers Revolution (2008)
- The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses (2008)
- Toradora! (2008–2009)
- A Certain Magical Index (2008–2009)
- Nodame Cantabile: Paris-Hen (2008)
- Slayers Evolution-R (2009)
- Hayate the Combat Butler!! (2007–2008)
- First Love Limited (2009)
- Sweet Blue Flowers (2009)
- Taishō Baseball Girls (2009)
- A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009–2010)
- Nodame Cantabile: Finale (2010)
- Maid Sama! (2010)
- The Betrayal Knows My Name (2010)
- Okami-san and Her Seven Companions (2010)
- Bakuman (2010–2011)
- Otome Yōkai Zakuro (2010)
- Tantei Opera Milky Holmes (2010)
- A Certain Magical Index II (2010–2011)
- Dream Eater Merry (2011)
- Aria the Scarlet Ammo (2011)
- Heaven's Memo Pad (2011)
- Twin Angel: Twinkle Paradise (2011)
- Bakuman. 2 (2011–2012)
- Kimi to Boku (2011)
- Shakugan no Shana III: Final (2011–2012)
- Tantei Opera Milky Holmes: Act 2 (2012)
- Kill Me Baby (2012)
- The Familiar of Zero F (2012)
- Waiting in the Summer (2012)
- Kimi to Boku 2 (2012)
- La storia della Arcana Famiglia (2012)
- Joshiraku (2012)
- Bakuman. 3 (2012–2013)
- Little Busters! (2012–2013)
- The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (2012–2013)
- Dangerous Jii-san Ja (2012)
- A Certain Scientific Railgun S (2013)
- The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat (2013)
- Futari wa Milky Holmes (2013)
- Golden Time (2013–2014)
- Little Busters! Refrain (2013)
- Witchcraft Works (2014)
- selector infected WIXOSS (2014)
- Dai-Shogun – Great Revolution (2014)
- Magimoji Rurumo (2014)
- Love Stage!! (2014)
- selector spread WIXOSS (2014)
- Tantei Kageki Milky Holmes TD (2015)
- Tsubasa to Hotaru (2015–2016)
- Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma (2015)
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (2015)
- Shimoneta (2015)
- Prison School (2015)
- Heavy Object (2015–2016)
- Flying Witch (2016)
- Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Second Plate (2016)
- The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)
- Taboo Tattoo (2016)
- Amanchu! (2016)
- Lostorage incited WIXOSS (2016)
- Urara Meirocho (2017)
- Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club (2017)
- Schoolgirl Strikers (2017)
- Alice & Zoroku (2017)
- Twin Angel Break (2017)
- Sword Oratoria: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? On the Side (2017)
- Vatican Miracle Examiner (2017)
- UQ Holder!: Magister Negi Magi! 2 (2017)
- Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Third Plate (2017–2018)
- Children of the Whales (2017)
- The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. 2 (2018)
- Lostorage conflated WIXOSS (2018)
- Amanchu! Advance (2018)
- Last Period (2018)
- Back Street Girls (2018)
- Angels of Death (2018)
- Planet With (2018)
- Hi Score Girl (2018, production co-op)
- A Certain Magical Index III (2018–2019)
- Million Arthur (2018–2019)
- Date A Live III (2019)
- One-Punch Man 2 (2019)
- The Demon Girl Next Door (2019)
- A Certain Scientific Accelerator (2019)
- Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks? (2019)
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? II (2019)
- Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Fourth Plate (2019)
- Hi Score Girl II (2019, production co-op)
- A Certain Scientific Railgun T (2020)
- Mewkledreamy (2020–2021)
- Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma: The Fifth Plate (2020)
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? III (2020)
- WIXOSS Diva(A)Live (2021)
- Skate-Leading Stars (2021)
- Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House (2021)
- Combatants Will Be Dispatched! (2021)
- Blue Reflection Ray (2021)
- Edens Zero (2021)
- Mewkledreamy Mix (2021–2022)
- How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom (2021–2022)
- The Duke of Death and His Maid (2021, production co-op)
- The Strongest Sage with the Weakest Crest (2022)
- Requiem of the Rose King (2022)
- The Executioner and Her Way of Life (2022)
- The Demon Girl Next Door Season 2 (2022)
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? IV (2022–2023)
- Sugar Apple Fairy Tale (2023)
- Edens Zero Season 2 (2023)
- In Another World with My Smartphone Season 2 (2023)
- Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts (2023)
- Reign of the Seven Spellblades (2023)
- The Duke of Death and His Maid Season 2 (2023, production co-op)
- Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy Season 2 (2024)
- The Duke of Death and His Maid Season 3 (2024, production co-op)
- Chillin' in Another World with Level 2 Super Cheat Powers (2024)
- 2.5 Dimensional Seduction (2024)
- Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest (2024)
- Delico's Nursery (2024)
- Demon Lord 2099 (2024)
- Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? V (2024)
- Magilumiere Co. Ltd. (2024)
- Mahō Tsukai ni Narenakatta Onna no Ko no Hanashi (2024)
- The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor (2024)
- Honey Lemon Soda (2025)
- Danjo no Yūjō wa Seiritsu Suru? (Iya, Shinai!!) (2025)
- One-Punch Man 3 (TBA)
- Tamon's B-Side (TBA)