The Light that Binds Us is a student-made game created in around 40 days by ISART Digital students as part of their final-year project, giving them the opportunity to put their skills and learning into practice. We hope you enjoy the experience they have created for you!
In the ancient lands of Tang-era China, Yuè, the daughter of a local lord, perishes in the flames of political war.
Reunited in the afterlife with her faithful celestial guardian dog, Yún, she must embark on a funerary journey through the depths of Diyu, uncovering forgotten memories, overcoming spiritual trials, and confronting the destiny that was shaped for her long before her death.
The Light that Binds Us is an atmospheric 3D puzzle-narrative adventure set within Diyu: the transitional underworld of Chinese mythology.
Diyu is no ordinary underworld. It absorbs the lives of those who wander through it, forging a realm in their image. Joys, sorrows, memories and even the very circumstances of your death etched into its walls forever.
This world forgets nothing. Your only path through it is the mastery of light and shadow. Let the shadows guide you.
Inspired by the ancient art of Chinese shadow puppetry, The Light that Binds Us reimagines what a puzzle game can feel like. Shadows here are not decorative: they are tangible, physical platforms.
By projecting light across the environment, you transform empty voids into solid paths you can walk, climb and build upon in real time. Every puzzle demands that you think in three dimensions.
To find each solution, you must carefully observe your surroundings and adjust four interconnected parameters: the position of your light source, its distance from the target, the projection angle and the structural shape of the object being cast.
Do not forget Yún, your faithful companion and living light source. Your collaboration is essential to your survival.
With him, find ways to activate ancient stone artifacts, ignite dormant light plinths and amplify receptacles to manipulate complex geometry.
Your bond with Yún and how well you work together dictate your progression through the world of Diyu.
Cast and reshape structural shadows to build physical platforms across dangerous chasms and vertical spaces.
Command Yún independently to solve multi-layered environmental puzzles requiring precise coordination between both characters.
Travel through misty caves, vast mountain ranges, ancient temple complexes and dense forests inspired by real historical structures of the era.
Explore monumental statues, hidden wall frescoes, and story-rich collectibles: including the Damaged Doll, Bloodstained Dao and Custom Tea Set, that slowly piece together the tragedy behind Yuè's fate.
A fully dynamic score blending Western orchestral composition with live-recorded traditional Chinese instruments like the Erhu (Eliott Tordo), the Xiao flute (Josh Plotner), and the vocals of Aeralie Brighton, shifting seamlessly in real time to match your exploration and emotional journey.
Follow Yuè and Yún on this journey through Diyu and see if you can help her unlock her memories.
