Killing Time At Lightspeed

About

"Killing Time at Lightspeed" is a game of interactive fiction set on a spaceship traveling at lightspeed. The player passes time by scrolling through their social media feed, but with a delay between sending messages and their arrival due to the distance from Earth. Each refresh offers a brief glimpse into the past, prompting the player to consider the impact of their fleeting interactions on others' lives.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 222 reviews

story50 positive mentions

monetization4 negative mentions

The game presents a unique and intriguing premise that explores the effects of time dilation and social media on relationships.
The writing is generally well-crafted, with engaging characters and a narrative that develops over the course of the game.
The minimalist retro aesthetic and cy-mbient soundtrack effectively enhance the overall atmosphere of the experience.

The lack of a save function is frustrating, forcing players to complete the game in one sitting, which can detract from the experience.
The game is relatively short, with some players feeling that it doesn't offer enough depth or interactivity for its price.
There are instances of typos and grammatical errors that can disrupt immersion, especially in a text-heavy game.

story
104 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
48%
4%
The game's story intertwines sociopolitical themes with personal narratives, exploring the impact of technology on relationships and feelings of alienation. While the unique format of storytelling through a social media feed is praised, many reviewers note that the brevity and limited interactivity detract from its depth, leaving some aspects feeling underdeveloped. Overall, the narrative is considered thought-provoking and engaging, though it may lack replay value and the emotional resonance found in more expansive stories.
- “A touching story in a unique format.”
- “I experienced a profound sense of regret at a decision that was made before I even started the game, which I think is storytelling done well.”
- “It's a fantastically original story, and I immediately wanted to replay to see how my choices could affect my friends' lives.”
- “Thought-provoking but not entirely original in format or story, with very little replay value in my opinion.”
- “The story does not really offer any choice other than occasionally you get to choose your replies to some posts, and there are no branching endings, which is understandable because the player character is just literally sitting there the whole time.”
- “I appreciate that the developer is trying to do something unique here, but I can't recommend this game to fans of sci-fi or story games in general.”
music
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
47%
9%
The game's music, characterized by a chill, cy-mbient soundtrack, effectively sets the mood and complements its retro aesthetic, though it suffers from repetitiveness and limited track variety. While many players appreciate the atmospheric quality of the soundtrack, some noted issues with looping and abrupt transitions that detracted from the experience. Overall, the music is well-received but could benefit from more variety and smoother integration.
- “Great soundtrack that keeps the mood where it needs to be.”
- “All of the game is set to the tune of a sci-fi soundtrack that fits really well with the theme of the game.”
- “Soundtrack is beautiful, storylines are great and got me thinking :3 it's pretty short so if you're looking for a good little text-based game, I really recommend it.”
- “The game looks the part, with its throwback monochrome UI and cyberpunky synthwave soundtrack, but the content just doesn't measure up.”
- “The only issues I had with the title were a bug in which two separate news stories contained the same text, and a musical background track that obviously restarted multiple times while I was reading through news stories and my timeline - it was a little jarring.”
- “The music, especially toward the beginning, looped badly.”
gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
61%
17%
The gameplay of "Killing Time" is primarily narrative-driven, resembling a visual novel where players engage mostly through reading and light interactions that can influence outcomes. While some players appreciate the unique storytelling mechanics, others find the minimal gameplay—essentially scrolling through a social media interface—lacking, making it less appealing for those seeking more traditional gaming experiences. Overall, it caters well to fans of narrative-focused games but may disappoint those looking for deeper gameplay mechanics.
- “From a strictly mechanical standpoint, 'Killing Time' is a visual novel, where the player will be mostly tasked with reading, although there is some light interaction that can change some outcomes and unlock achievements.”
- “This makes for a very interesting narrative mechanic, as you watch your friends' lives unfold, and see more technological advances happen, yet you are powerless to actually participate in any of it save for the odd comment.”
- “There is no other gameplay, which is unfortunately the main sticking point for me, as is the ironic fall of the game into the very echo-chamber that it cleverly lampoons: by the end you are only permitted to see the world you have left behind through the very specific social lens of your friendpage friends.”
- “The gameplay is simple: you click through an interface containing news and social media.”
- “It is purely narrative driven, and the gameplay is pretty much scrolling down your Facebook feed.”
emotional
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its immersive storytelling, which evokes feelings of loneliness and connection as players navigate their character's journey through personal and societal changes. Reviewers describe it as a poignant experience, filled with wit and nostalgia, that can be both overwhelming and deeply touching, likening it to an emotional rollercoaster. The unique format and relatable character dynamics further enhance the emotional depth of the narrative.
- “I actually found it to be a slightly emotional journey as I watched my character's friends go through a number of changes and how the earth also changed, some for the better and some for the worse.”
- “At the end of the day, however, there's nothing differentiating Jay from you - the player - and it can be immersive to the point that it's emotionally overwhelming.”
- “What an emotional rollercoaster.”
replayability
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
40%
30%
Overall, the game has been criticized for its limited replayability, with many reviewers noting that it offers very few opportunities for different outcomes or interactions. While some acknowledge a slight replay value, the lack of a save function and the game's short length contribute to a perception of minimal incentive to replay.
- “There's very limited replay value, but this doesn't mean this game isn't worth getting.”
- “I do wish that there were a lot more opportunities for interaction, though, in order to increase the amount of endings and replayability.”
- “As a sidenote, and despite this being a relatively short experience, albeit with some replay value, the lack of any kind of save function in a 2016 game is, in my opinion, inexcusable.”
- “As a sidenote, and despite this being a relatively short experience, the lack of any kind of save function in a 2016 game is, in my opinion, inexcusable.”
- “Thought-provoking but not entirely original in format or story, with very little replay value in my opinion.”
- “Almost zero replayability - intentionally.”
humor
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game features a wealth of witty and humorous writing, particularly in its news section, which is filled with clever references and amusing articles. Players find the humor to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, with standout moments like a comical story about a zombie caused by a corrupted heart implant firmware update. Overall, the humor adds a delightful layer to the gaming experience.
- “The writing in the game is phenomenal, and often hilarious.”
- “Ktals is funny, thought-provoking, and finally bittersweet.”
- “There was this hilarious article on an older man being a zombie because his heart implant got a corrupted firmware update, which your friends will acknowledge in your feed.”
graphics
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The graphics are described as minimal yet effective, contributing to a coherent overall aesthetic that complements the story-driven gameplay. While generally well-received, there are suggestions for enhancements to make the visual experience more engaging.
- “The graphics are very minimal, but they work well; the whole game feels very coherent.”
- “This was a pretty good concept for a story-based game; the graphics are nice, and generally I had a good time.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game is intertwined with broader themes of digital age challenges, including targeted advertising and the implications of technology on society. Reviews highlight concerns about asset flips and the ethical considerations of monetization strategies in gaming, reflecting a critical view of how these practices intersect with contemporary issues like privacy and digital rights. Overall, the discourse suggests a complex relationship between monetization and the evolving landscape of technology and culture.
grinding
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players found the initial grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to extensive reading, but many reported that the experience became more engaging as they progressed, ultimately compelling them to complete the game in one sitting.