Lighthaze World

Lighthaze World is an Aussie Game with the support of ScreenAustralia and the Australian government. So of course, I had to support it and I'm glad I did. In this puzzle game, you meet Nym who is out playing with their much loved dog Chewy. When Chewy gets hungry, Nym realises they will have to navigate the Lighthaze World mall to buy some food. Anxiety and panic strikes as Nym doesn't like crowds and finds the noise and sights overwhelming, but Chewy's needs are more important than feelings. As they navigate the mall, you see everything from Nym's anxious perspective and navigating problems together gives Nym more courage as time goes on. Strategy and imagination are the key elements to their success, especially believing they are navigating the Tasmanian wilderness together. You see Aussie Easter eggs like the Tasmanian Tiger and the Tasmanian Devil showing up, plus many Launceston landmarks or businesses. Even Aussie football makes an appearance!! There is no hand holding in this game with minimal direction, but with a helpful arrow here and there so you don't get compeletely lost. Puzzles are mainly sokoban with both boxes and lights and make sure you take note of all the runes/signs around. The sokoban puzzles earn you gold coins which opens gates further on in the game, so earn as many as you can. Light puzzles set up an electricity grid which propels you into another level. Many puzzles are hidden in caves, so be sure to check everything and everywhere. There are even a couple of mazes to navigate too, so a good variety of puzzles abound. There are nine ninja figures hidden in the game which opens another gate and area. A few of my ninjas didn't activate despite 3 playthroughs. Collecting all the coins opens another secret which I didn't get. Be sure to look for the large mushroom houses which have letters in them and contain the narrative. Graphics were fairly minimal and hand drawn, but suffice for this game. Everything ran smoothly and I played on keyboard and struck no issues. Gameplay was good and puzzles were medium to hard difficulty. Music was not intrusive and quite calming. This is a chill cozy game with no combat in it. There are a couple of time critical areas where you have to pass by traps, but you respawn very quickly. I died many times, but usually from falling off ledges because I wasn't watching where I was going!! Most people got through the game in 5 hours plus as you can replay it to find your missing collectables. 7.5/10 due to the ninja's not behaving as they should, which I let the devs know about.

I've been having lots of fun with it. The puzzles have been an enjoyable challenge and a great wind-down at the end of my day. Great to play. Can't wait to get deeper into the game.

Absolutely loved this game! The controls were fantastic, the atmosphere and the music was so calm and peaceful! The overall flow of the game, design and story is just beautiful. Loved the puzzles and the gradual challenge as I progressed through the levels. Since playing at PAX, I was very excited to play the full version and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! COIN FINDING! AMAZING! It gave me that little more incentive (not that I needed it) to find all the coins! (I was 3 short! So I will have to search where the hidden ones are!) Definitely recommend!

Beautiful puzzle game made with lots of heart. Love the look and feel. Well done!

This game was relaxing and the puzzles were a bit hard but the game was amazing

Was really looking forward to the full game after playing the demo at PAX, so had to get it on release day! The developers have done an amazing job; I instantly care about what happens to Chewy! The puzzles are challenging, the music is calming and it suits the different settings really well. Stand out game and looking forward to playing more. As a Tassie Ex-Pat loved the little Launceston nods here and there.

Great game. Fun, relaxing a good mix of play and depth for everyone to appreciate.

Cool indie game with Sokoban style puzzles that grow in mechanics/complexity as you play, leading into domino style puzzles (solve one that opens up another part or context for another puzzle). The narrative touches on anxiety, and social discomfort. (leaving it there, as I don't want to give spoilers) Music is interesting and fits really well with the atmosphere of the scene. (Will edit if I land on a favourite song) Bonus points because there is a doggo!!

It's really fun and relaxing. I like all the puzzles and how unique they are in each world.

Nice little puzzle adventure. Good blend between doing puzzles and exploring the environments. Lots of lil gems hidden around of Tassie locations. Music is well done. Loved going on the adventure with Chewy!