Lightyear Frontier

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,281 reviews
  • grinding
  • gameplay
  • story
Lightyear Frontier Game Cover
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Lightyear Frontier is a peaceful, combat-free simulation game where you start an interstellar homestead, farm alien crops, customize your mech, and explore an open world with up to three friends. Experience a low-stress, grinding-based gameplay with compelling graphics, splendid story, and perfect music, while carefully managing your relationship with the ecosystem for a sustainable homestead.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,281 reviews
gameplay62 positive mentions
grinding406 negative mentions
  • The game features stunning graphics and a beautiful, vibrant world that enhances the overall experience.
  • Lightyear Frontier offers a relaxing gameplay loop with no combat, allowing players to enjoy farming and exploration at their own pace.
  • The customization options for the mech and the ability to decorate the homestead add a fun and creative element to the game.
  • The game currently lacks content, with many players completing the available tasks in a relatively short amount of time.
  • The mech controls can feel clunky and cumbersome, often leading to frustration when navigating the environment.
  • The day/night cycle is too short, making it difficult to complete tasks and often requiring players to rush back to their homestead.
  • grinding409 mentions

    The reviews for "grinding" in the game highlight a mixed experience; while many players appreciate the relaxing and cozy nature of the farming mechanics, they also note that the resource gathering can become tedious and repetitive over time. Some players find the grind manageable and enjoyable, especially with the mech's assistance, while others feel that the lack of automation and depth in farming tasks detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game offers a unique twist on the farming genre, but players should be prepared for some grindy elements.

    • “A lot of the mechanics are easy to understand, and the game isn't too grindy.”
    • “The world is not procedurally generated, which means exploration can feel predictable, and the time spent grinding for materials in different biomes quickly becomes repetitive.”
    • “Farming, the core mechanic of the game, feels underwhelming, as you are confined to small fields rather than sprawling, large-scale agricultural endeavors that could have added more depth and satisfaction.”
    • “It's kinda dull, there are no real incentives to keep you going, there is barely a plot, the gameplay gets tedious really quickly (for me literally just after two hours).”
  • gameplay195 mentions

    The gameplay of Lightyear Frontier is characterized by its relaxing and visually appealing mechanics, blending farming, crafting, and exploration within a mech-focused environment. While many players appreciate the chill atmosphere and simple mechanics, some find the gameplay repetitive and lacking depth, particularly in farming and progression elements. Overall, it offers an enjoyable experience for those seeking a laid-back adventure, but it may not satisfy players looking for more complex gameplay dynamics.

    • “The gameplay mechanics shine through the integration of farming, crafting, and exploration.”
    • “Lightyear Frontier is a delightful addition to the ever-expanding universe of farming simulators and exploration games, delivering a unique blend of sci-fi charm and captivating gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth and everything that is already there this early in early access is a lot of fun.”
    • “While it succeeds in creating a relaxing experience, the gameplay can occasionally feel monotonous and restrictive.”
    • “Farming, the core mechanic of the game, feels underwhelming, as you are confined to small fields rather than sprawling, large-scale agricultural endeavors that could have added more depth and satisfaction.”
    • “But over time the gameplay loop became a drag and quality-of-life problems became increasingly grating.”
  • story151 mentions

    The game's story is described as charming and cozy, with a focus on exploration and farming, but many players feel it lacks depth and is relatively short, often completing it in under ten hours. While the narrative has potential and is still being developed, players express a desire for more content, quests, and a more engaging storyline to enhance replayability. Overall, the story serves as a pleasant backdrop to the gameplay, but it currently feels incomplete and simplistic, leaving players eager for future updates.

    • “The game is a nice marriage between cozy and story driven.”
    • “The story is interesting, farming went great.”
    • “It's relaxing, the story is intriguing, pip-3r is a great funny little companion, and the world is stunning.”
    • “The story seems promising in the beginning but unfortunately does not deliver.”
    • “Once the main storyline is finished, there is essentially no other content in the game aside from the daily quests and no incentive to farm anymore.”
    • “As this game is in early access at the time of this review, the story is essentially non-existent aside from a 'precursor' civilization and a focus on restoring the polluted regions of the planet.”
  • graphics143 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and charming art style, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gameplay experience. Players appreciate the beautiful landscapes, smooth animations, and the relaxing aesthetic that invites exploration and creativity. Despite some minor performance issues, the game's graphics are consistently described as breathtaking and a major highlight, making it a visually appealing choice for fans of the genre.

    • “The graphics are breathtaking, delivering an alien yet oddly familiar and cozy atmosphere.”
    • “The game balances a colorful art style with soothing sound design, creating an immersive atmosphere that invites players to lose themselves in the serenity of their alien farm.”
    • “Lightyear Frontier is such a beautiful game, the visuals are jaw-dropping with fantastic attention to detail.”
    • “Moving from the graphics, the controls are pretty janky.”
    • “Im at a loss, I have tried to see if my graphics card needs updating and that isn't it.”
    • “The issue is that I am seeing cones of graphic glitches, but it is only happening in that temple once I restore all biomes.”
  • music67 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its relaxing and cozy qualities, perfectly complementing the tranquil atmosphere and gameplay. Many players find the soundtrack memorable and soothing, enhancing their overall experience and making it ideal for relaxation. While a few critiques mention repetitiveness, the general consensus is that the music significantly contributes to the game's charm and enjoyment.

    • “The soundtrack is a highlight, featuring relaxing and cozy music that perfectly complements the game’s tranquil vibe.”
    • “The music is perfect for this genre of game; it has a relaxing and calm feel that lets you relax while doing your daily watering and/or harvesting.”
    • “The environment and artwork are stunning, the music is peaceful and relaxing, and the sound effects are satisfying.”
    • “The soundtrack?”
    • “Opinion here, but I did not like the music very much.”
    • “Kinda felt like it was repeating a little, but I'm not sure; mostly play with video on the second screen so I may have really heard only the loudest music.”
  • atmosphere24 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its breathtaking graphics, cute art style, and relaxing sound design, creating an immersive and cozy environment that encourages exploration and creativity. Players appreciate the peaceful, no-stakes vibe, which allows for enjoyable gameplay without pressure, reminiscent of titles like Slime Rancher. Overall, the game successfully combines stunning visuals with a serene ambiance, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a laid-back gaming experience.

    • “The graphics are breathtaking, delivering an alien yet oddly familiar and cozy atmosphere.”
    • “The game balances a colorful art style with soothing sound design, creating an immersive atmosphere that invites players to lose themselves in the serenity of their alien farm.”
    • “It felt like a game I could pick up after a long day of work and tend to my harvest, explore a bit, and develop my farm in a beautifully atmospheric world.”
    • “Why don't you just add gay dinosaurs too? In fact, why expand on the atmosphere of the game at all, as it's clear the game's universe isn't a priority, only 'the agenda'... I really didn't want to talk about 'that', but when it is shoved in your face, all it does is ruin the experience.”
    • “The atmosphere, and general vibe of the game reminds me strongly of Slime Rancher.”
    • “Very peaceful and immersive farming simulator in a futuristic planetary atmosphere!”
  • optimization18 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed feedback from users. While many praise its surprisingly smooth performance, even on lower-end PCs, some report minor performance issues and bugs, particularly on the Steam Deck. As it is still in early access, players express hope for continued improvements, but many find it runs better than expected for an indie title.

    • “Though the game is, at the time of writing this review, in early access, it is surprisingly well polished and optimized.”
    • “It runs smoothly even on less powerful PCs, making it accessible to players without high-end setups.”
    • “Within these past few years, early access is known to players as a state where indie devs release a game that is far from finished, full of bugs, etc. which is why I had low expectations to have the game run smoothly and prepared for bugs, but I was completely wrong as this game is basically running super well as if the game is officially released.”
    • “Bad optimization!”
    • “It could use some more optimization for Steam Deck, especially when using tools.”
    • “Bugs, glitches, and performance optimization problems.”
  • emotional16 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its heartwarming and wholesome experience, offering players a sense of calm and relaxation through exploration and interaction with the environment. Users appreciate the game's non-violent nature and the nostalgic, cozy feelings it evokes, particularly through immersive details like the sound and visuals of rain. Despite some technical issues, the overall sentiment is one of enjoyment and emotional connection, making it a standout choice for fans of casual and farming simulator genres.

    • “I enjoyed every minute from exploring to upgrading and cosmetics for your mech; the farming is addictive, and going around seeing all the different animals and being able to feed them was so heartwarming.”
    • “Nevertheless, the overall experience is heartwarming and offers a fresh take on the genre, making it a must-try for fans of farming simulators and casual exploration games alike.”
    • “When I saw this one, it made me feel calm and interested again to play.”
  • stability15 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report minimal bugs and smooth performance, especially in single-player mode, there are notable issues in multiplayer and specific areas that can lead to glitches and crashes. Despite these frustrations, the game shows great potential and is generally enjoyable, especially for an early access title. Players appreciate the overall polish but acknowledge that some bugs and performance optimization problems still exist.

    • “It's the perfect EA game; there are minimal bugs, it runs great, and most of what they're doing is just adding content.”
    • “The game looks and runs great, very smooth and polished so far.”
    • “It looks great, runs great, and feels great to play.”
    • “However, it's still quite buggy, which can be frustrating, especially for such a chill game.”
    • “Great potential, very buggy (of course it is early access lol), but I have one big bug to say something about.”
    • “Multiplayer is very buggy and additionally seems to crash the host from time to time, but it is playable.”
  • humor10 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its absurd and whimsical elements, such as animals producing comically oversized items and mechs hilariously stumbling over obstacles. Players appreciate the developers' attention to detail and the lighthearted atmosphere, which often leads to uncontrollable laughter during gameplay. While some aspects may become repetitive, the overall comedic tone and engaging interactions contribute to a fun and entertaining experience.

    • “The developers are on it, and it’s clear this game has heart, attention to detail, and a dash of cosmic humor.”
    • “The base concept is hilarious.”
    • “This game is one of the best games I have played since the Xbox 360 has come out; the graphics, story, adventure, and addictive gameplay have me always entertained. The mechs you play in always fall over and tumble, providing so much laughter that sometimes I have to quit the game to stop laughing because I can't breathe!”
    • “Feeding the animals just makes no sense; the companion robotic character seems like a Claptrap ripoff from Borderlands, but in this case, it's not funny.”
    • “The jokes fall flat and often feel forced, lacking the cleverness that would make them enjoyable.”
    • “I expected a lot of humor, but instead, I was met with cringeworthy attempts at comedy that just didn't land.”
  • replayability10 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it enjoyable and filled with secrets, many others criticize it for lacking content and meaningful reasons to continue playing after completing the main objectives. Several reviews highlight that once upgrades and decorations are acquired, the gameplay can feel stagnant, leading to a low replayability score. In summary, the game may offer some fun initially, but its long-term replay value is questionable.

    • “There are loads of secrets out there, so even for an early access title, it's not short on replay value.”
    • “The ability to have something harvest resources from far-off areas or even collect your harvest/items thrown out on the floor from one of the farming techs would be an essential step to replayability.”
    • “Outright fun, great replay value.”
    • “At the time of writing this review, the game does somewhat suffer from a lack of content and, more importantly, replayability—a reason to continue playing after you've done everything that there is to do.”
    • “I have not yet experienced everything that the game has to offer at the time of writing this review, not even close, but after some research I've found that the game is currently definitely lacking in content and replayability.”
    • “However, I don't see this game having a long life or replayability.”
  • character development1 mentions

    The reviews highlight that while the graphics and character design are visually appealing, they do not significantly contribute to character development, leaving players wanting more depth and growth in the characters' narratives and interactions.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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Play time

16hMedian play time
18hAverage play time
10-22hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 15 analyzed playthroughs

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