Project X: Light Years

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Project X: Light Years is a single player and multiplayer action game. It was developed by MK_Games and was released on August 15, 2025. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Project X: Light Years is a high-octane side-scrolling shoot’em-up where players pilot advanced spacecraft against relentless alien forces and massive bosses. Combining modern graphics and refined mechanics with a nostalgic soundtrack, it honors the classic while delivering intense, strategic combat. Prepare your ship with powerful weapons and upgrades for an epic space battle.

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96%

Audience ScoreBased on 96 reviews

gameplay13 positive mentions

story2 negative mentions

Project X: Light Years is a fantastic modern successor to the original Amiga classic, featuring stunning graphics, a great soundtrack, and tight gameplay that retains the spirit of the original while adding new mechanics.
The game offers multiple modes and difficulty levels, making it accessible for both newcomers and veterans, while the developer is highly responsive and actively updates the game based on community feedback.
With its engaging power-up system, varied gameplay, and nostalgic elements, the game provides a rewarding experience that encourages practice and skill development.

Some players have reported issues with visibility of pickups and bullets, making it difficult to differentiate between hazards and collectibles, which can lead to frustrating gameplay moments.
The game has been criticized for frequent updates that sometimes introduce new bugs, leading some to feel it resembles an early access title rather than a polished final product.
While the game offers a challenging experience, some players feel that certain mechanics, such as the continue system, could be improved to make the game more forgiving for those struggling with its difficulty.

gameplay
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
50%
9%
The gameplay of this title is a well-crafted blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements, featuring five distinct modes that cater to both classic fans and newcomers. Players appreciate the tight controls, addictive mechanics, and varied gameplay options, which include tactical elements and environmental challenges that keep the experience fresh. The game successfully preserves the essence of the original while offering significant improvements in graphics, sound, and overall playability, making it a standout in the shmup genre.
- “Not only does this provide an almost perfect recreation of the Amiga experience, but the tactical gameplay options offered by the new modes build effortlessly on the already top-notch playability of Team 17's original.”
- “The gameplay is tighter than a drum, and the controls are so smooth you'll be dodging bullets like you've been doing it your whole life.”
- “Addictive gameplay, superb graphics and sound, and plenty of depth and variety in the game modes to satisfy fans of the original and those who are new to the Project X series as well.”
- “Mechanics are being changed, which is annoying, since this is marketed as a finished game.”
- “I was considering changing it to a negative before after seeing how mechanics were being changed after release, but decided not to at that time.”
- “Modern and arcade mode come with a lot of upgrades and features which I don't fully grasp yet, whereas the 1992 mode is more retro with straightforward gameplay.”
music
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
35%
9%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many praising the contributions of original composers Allister Brimble and Chris Hülsbeck, who have reimagined classic tracks alongside new compositions. The soundtrack effectively blends nostalgic Amiga-era tunes with modern elements, enhancing the gameplay experience and keeping players engaged. While some players noted a desire for more variation in the early levels, the overall consensus is that the music is a standout feature, adding depth and excitement to the game.
- “Lovely to see that Chris and Alistair worked their magic into this game too, and the original retro music to boot.”
- “Special mention should also go to the excellent soundtrack(s) which feature two reworked versions of the original theme by Allister Brimble himself and tunes from Amiga legends Bjorn Lynne and Chris Huelsbeck.”
- “The graphics are updated but still have that classic Amiga vibe, and the soundtrack is a great mix of old-school tunes and modern flair.”
- “A bit more variation in the music from the first 2 levels would be welcome as it can get repetitive if you play those levels over and over.”
- “Don't get me wrong, I do like the music, but I hope that with time this can be expanded a bit.”
- “And the soundtrack?”
graphics
25 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
44%
12%
The graphics of the game have received widespread acclaim for their beautiful, high-definition visuals that maintain the classic aesthetic of the original while enhancing it significantly. Reviewers praised the art style as vibrant and immersive, with fluid animations and a consistent color palette that evokes nostalgia. Despite minor critiques regarding certain design choices, the overall impression is that the graphics are a standout feature, contributing to an engaging and visually appealing gaming experience.
- “Graphically, the game looks beautiful and is very much in keeping with the original aesthetic.”
- “The graphics are absolutely delicious—it looks like a retro game took a sip of future juice.”
- “Graphically, there is usually a lot going on, and it's not always straightforward differentiating between hazardous scenery, background, bullets, etc. and then just to make it more challenging, zappy beams appear, meteor storms hit, and a threat appears from a different side of the screen - it's easy to get a bit overwhelmed!”
- “Love the graphics, although not a fan of the very thick purple outlines on the large rocks in the space levels - it makes them feel flat - but is a minor thing.”
- “The graphics are updated but still have that classic Amiga vibe, and the soundtrack is a great mix of old-school tunes and modern flair.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game offers significant replayability through its varied levels, multiple modes, and diverse ships, allowing players to enjoy a fresh experience each time. It successfully honors the source material while enhancing playability, making it a strong choice for those seeking longevity in gameplay.
- “There's plenty of game here, with plenty of varied levels, and the different modes and ships present a lot of replay value.”
- “It's really good to have different mode options and great replay value. Great job! ”
- “There's plenty of game here, with plenty of varied levels and the different modes and ships present a lot of replay value.”
- “It respects the source material while making it more playable today.”
story
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
The story is presented through gameplay rather than text, allowing players to engage with individual levels for quick experiences or follow a cohesive narrative in story mode. This approach enhances immersion and offers flexibility in how players experience the game's plot.
- “Turrican 2, The Settlers, Robocop, New Zealand Story, Superfrog—how about it?”
- “The story is told through play, not textual exposition.”
- “You can jump into individual levels for a quick fix or tackle the story mode from start to finish.”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
33%
Overall, users report that the game has minor bugs but benefits from frequent updates and an engaged developer community. It runs particularly well on the Steam Deck, enhancing its stability for that platform.
- “Especially if you have a Steam Deck, it runs great!”
- “The game maintains a steady frame rate, even during intense action sequences.”
- “I haven't experienced any crashes or bugs, which is impressive for a game of this scale.”
- “While I found it a bit buggy, the game is getting constant updates and the developer is very active in the community forums.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting its nostalgic qualities that transport them back to their childhood experiences of gaming in the 90s, particularly on platforms like the Amiga.
- “This game is the only one that really made me feel like I'm back in the 90s playing on my Amiga again.”

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Project X: Light Years
€17.49
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89h Median play time

78h Average play time

56-100h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Project X: Light Years is a action game.

Project X: Light Years is available on PC, Steam Deck, Windows and Linux.

On average players spend around 78 hours playing Project X: Light Years.

Project X: Light Years was released on August 15, 2025.

Project X: Light Years was developed by MK_Games.

Project X: Light Years has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its replayability.

Project X: Light Years is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Platypus Reclayed, Contra: Operation Galuga, Steredenn, Enemy Mind, Blazing Chrome and others.

Project X: Light Years

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