Steven Universe: Attack the Light
Steven Universe: Attack the Light is a role-playing video game developed by Grumpyface Studios and published by Cartoon Network Games. The game, based on the animated TV series Steven Universe and featuring a story written by series creator Rebecca Sugar, was released for iOS and Android mobile devices on April 2, 2015. An Apple TV/tvOS version was later developed, which added "Diamond Mode", a higher-difficulty version of the game with added bonuses. It was followed by Save the Light and Unleash the Light.
Gameplay
Attack the Light is a simplified role-playing game in which Steven and the three Crystal Gems—Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl—travel across five color-themed worlds. Players move across the map by swiping the touchscreen and can interact with chests, mechanisms, and hidden areas to obtain items that can either be used in battle or to open up other areas. Some areas may be inaccessible until players solve a puzzle or obtain the necessary item from another level.During battles, in which the protagonists and the enemy take turns to attack, the Gems fight against the enemy while Steven provides support, able to use healing and defensive abilities and access items. Most of the actions characters can perform require Star Points, of which there are a limited supply during each turn, though players can use items to increase their Star Points or choose to save them for their next turn.
Similar to games such as the Paper Mario series, many of the actions performed feature gesture-based controls. Simple well-timed taps of the screen can be used to deal extra damage or reduce damage taken from enemy attacks. Other abilities, which can be unlocked as each character levels up with experience, feature unique mechanics such as aiming a shot or repeatedly swiping the screen.
If a Gem loses all of their Harmony, they will retreat into their gem until an item revives them or the battle ends, with the game ending if all three Gems are defeated. Players can find badges to equip to the Gems, giving them stat boosts, as well as earn currency that can be used to purchase additional items.
Development and release
Attack the Light was developed by Grumpyface Studios. Rebecca Sugar, creator of the original series Steven Universe, was "instrumental" along with the show's supervising director Ian Jones-Quartey in the development of the game. It was released on both the iOS and Android platform on April 2, 2015. Cartoon Network promoted it with the broadcast of "Say Uncle", a non-canon crossover with Uncle Grandpa.On December 24, 2024, Attack the Light and other Cartoon Network games were withdrawn from online distribution platforms.