Lightyear Frontier

Lightyear Frontier is both a no-brainer for fans of the genre and also one of the best introductions to it for newbies thanks to a consistently compelling loop of farming, exploration and customisation.

Lightyear Frontier is a surprisingly huge game that just keeps building up as it goes, each new system requiring a rethink of current activities as you switch from farming, mining, livestock management, going full lumberjack and then replanting the forest, etc. There are fruit trees if you want an orchard, automation systems to simplify crafting, and if you decide to build a bridge across a lake there's nothing to stop you. New machines arrive at a regular pace, frequently requiring a tear-down of the previous setup to house their new bulk, but also encouraging a rethink of the old system for something much more attractively designed. Each upgrade is another step towards domesticating the new planet you call home, transforming Lightyear Frontier's wilderness into your own personal garden as it slowly reveals the history of those who had been there first.

Lightyear Frontier is a fun farming sim that provides a unique experience thanks to its implementation of mechs. The lean into sci-fi sets the game apart from similar titles, even if there’s something to be desired in the way of the gameplay loop. Fans have already been playing the game for quite some time, but the 1.0 update puts a great emphasis on quality-of-life improvements and enhancing what was already great about this farming sim.

Lightyear Frontier is a charming and relaxing farming sim that offers a fresh twist on the genre with its alien setting and Mechsuit mechanics. Its colorful world, enjoyable building system, and customizable difficulty settings make exploration a delight. However, shallow farming mechanics, clunky Mechsuit controls, limited NPC interactions, and a mismatch between the relaxed gameplay and urgent story hold it back. It's a great choice for players who enjoy building, exploring, and unwinding, but those seeking deeper farming mechanics and social interactions may find it lacking.

So is Lightyear Frontier worth checking out? Definitely yes, although you must remember that the game has its limitations. However, if you need a casual title, where the most fun will be provided in short sessions, you've come to the right place. [Early Access Score = 65]

Lightyear Frontier might feel familiar at first, but make no mistake—this isn’t your average farming sim, and your massive Mech friend is determined to prove it. Whether it’s successful, though, I’m unsure. [Early Access Score = 50]

The accessible nature of the game makes it an easy recommendation for fans of the genre who prefer to farm or explore in peace, but there’s enough going on to satisfy anyone looking for a slightly deeper experience than the average cosy farming sim. [Early Access Score = 80]