Lightmatter

Lightmatter is the type of puzzle game I really enjoy. The game has a unique idea and it is executed very well. It looks good visually, but the light physics are the real highlight. The story has a dark tone, but the voice acting adds a lot of humor, which balances it nicely.

The story takes place in a research facility during the unveiling of Lightmatter, a new source of renewable energy. The game starts right after a big catastrophe. You watch the last people leave the facility, and soon you realize that only two people remain: you and the CEO of the company, who guides you through the building.

The main idea of the game is simple: all puzzles revolve around light and shadows. If you step into a shadow, you die. Because of this rule, every puzzle becomes a careful balance of placing light and finding a safe path forward.

The game mainly uses two light sources. One is a lamp that emits a beam of light, and the other is an orb that creates a circle of light when it is connected to a power source. Even though the game only uses a small number of tools, the developers do a great job creating clever puzzles with them. You will also see obstacles you might expect in a facility, like buttons that activate elevators or platforms, and broken scaffolding that forces you to jump across gaps.

The puzzles are well designed because they rely on thinking rather than fast reactions. You don’t need special movement or perfect timing, just your brain. The game is also forgiving, since dying only sets you back a short distance.

The CEO’s narration sometimes feels similar to GLaDOS from Portal, which the game even references. The puzzles also reminded me a bit of The Talos Principle, though the overall vibe is different.

Facilities in games are often grey or sterile white, but Lightmatter mixes these with bright colors from the lighting and equipment. This contrast works really well and helps set the tone of the game.

Overall, Lightmatter is a very enjoyable puzzle game with a strong concept and clever design. It shows how much can be done with a simple idea when it is used in creative ways.