During the summer of 2022, farming and survival sim enthusiasts were given a glimpse of something special. The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase shared about two minutes of the futuristic farming sim Lightyear Frontier. While I am not a big Twitter user, I was always excited to periodically check on the progress of this title through the regular updates provided by developers FRAME BREAK and Amplifier Studios. With that, it is my profound pleasure to share my thoughts on the recently released demo.
Lightyear Frontier‘s Story
This open-world farming adventure begins with a somber text introduction. The Earth has become inhabitable, and some individuals have decided to seek their fortune in the Lightyear Frontier. As the player scopes out a spot for a new home, they crash land on an alien planet. Fear grips the players as they plummet to the ground before a black screen emerges. After coming to, the player finds themselves outside of their mech suit. Next comes the task of reclaiming what you own and meeting the ever-helpful satellite pal PIP-3R. With your tools restored, this is where your journey truly begins. Welcome to Lightyear Frontier.
Features Unique to Lightyear Frontier
- Enjoy a low-stress survival farming experience.
- No need to manage hunger or thirst mechanics.
- No combat.
- Players focus on farming and exploration.
- Own a sweet mech suit.
- Players can customize their suits to fit their needs.
- There is a suit for everyone from the parts to the paint job.
- Work with the environment.
- You are here to do better than those on Earth did.
- Create a sustainable homestead where you are one with nature.
- Farming!
- Gather unique seeds from all over the planet.
- Enhance your harvest with fertilizers.
- Profit.
- Trade your crops for credits to buy upgrades and building materials.
- Build a beautiful home.
- Turn those resources into the homestead of your dreams.
- Then, customize it with alternative color palettes and decorations.
- Explore and discover the secrets of the planet.
- This planet is ancient. Who knows what you will find out there?
- Work with your friends or alone; the choice is yours.
- Play with up to three other players.
Thoughts on Lightyear Frontier
When I first saw this game, I knew I would love it. I rewatched that trailer several times, trying to learn more about what I would devote hours of my life to. Now that the demo is here, I cannot stop recommending it. Comparing what I said a few years ago to what I see now, I am amazed.
First, the graphics are as vibrant as the trailer alluded to. I am in a safer version of Journey to the Savage Planet. Everything is bright, crisp, and a pleasure to look at. Many of the plants feel alien without being overtly gross. Additionally, the music feels farm-like without being too country. It is subtle and adds to the ambiance without being too distracting. Overall, this is a world I would not mind getting stuck in.
Secondly, the controls are easy to figure out. While I may have accidentally spat out a few seeds with my Seed Shooter instead of using my Spike Saw, that is primarily due to user error. After I realized my mistake, swapping between tools was a breeze. Ultimately, I like the spinning wheel function versus having hotkeys.
Finally, this game is relaxing as hell. I did not realize how many hours I put into the demo that first day until my spouse came home asking about it. We could boot up this title after a long workday and get lost in it. In the end, I am looking forward to seeing where early access takes this game.
Odds & Ends
In conclusion, Lightyear Frontier will become a permanent feature of my Steam library. It is available in early access on Steam and for preorder on Xbox Series X|S. If you want to see my previous thoughts on this game, there is an article here. Looking for another game about being on an alien planet? I would recommend Journey to the Savage Planet. Finally, check out their Twitter page for more news on Lightyear Frontier.
