Children of Silentown is a dark adventure game that tells the story of Lucy, a girl growing up in a village deep in a forest inhabited by monsters. People disappearing is nothing uncommon here, but this time, Lucy is old enough to investigate on her own. Or so she thinks.
Players take control of the protagonist, Lucy, and must explore the town, interact with characters, and solve various puzzles to progress the story. The core gameplay loop involves examining the environment, collecting and combining items, and utilizing Lucy's special ability of singing to interact with the world in unique ways.
The game features a diverse range of puzzles, including traditional item-based puzzles that require players to figure out how to use certain items in creative ways to overcome obstacles. Additionally, the game incorporates musical puzzles, where players must use Lucy's singing ability to interact with the environment and solve challenges. These puzzles often involve minigames that test the player's rhythm and problem-solving skills. The game avoids relying on a single type of puzzle, providing a varied experience that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. While some players found certain puzzle types, such as the gear-based puzzles, more frustrating than others, the overall puzzle design is praised for its creativity and variety.
Players are encouraged to thoroughly explore each area, as hidden items, collectibles, and additional story elements can be discovered through careful examination of the environment. The game's atmospheric presentation and intriguing characters further incentivize players to engage with the world and uncover the town's mysteries.
The game's progression is primarily story-driven, with the narrative guiding players through the various chapters and puzzles. While the pacing can feel uneven at times, with certain sections feeling more puzzle-focused than others, the overall progression is praised for maintaining a good balance between exploration, storytelling, and problem-solving.
The game offers multiple possible endings, which adds a degree of replayability for players interested in experiencing the different narrative outcomes. However, some reviewers found the process of obtaining all the endings to be repetitive, as it requires replaying substantial portions of the game.