Light Years Apart

Light Years Apart is an interactive sci-fi novel where you and your sister must outwit a galaxy-spanning AI to save your home planet. Set in a richly detailed universe, the game offers a rollicking adventure filled with space pirates, spies, and snarky computers, blending plot-driven storytelling with character development and personal stakes.

Light Years Apart: A Masterpiece of Interactive Sci-Fi

Introduction

Light Years Apart (2020) is a standout title in the realm of interactive fiction, blending the depth of a novel with the agency of a game. Developed by Choice of Games LLC and written by Anaea Lay, this 230,000-word text-based adventure transports players into a richly detailed sci-fi universe where choices matter, consequences resonate, and the line between morality and survival is razor-thin. At its core, Light Years Apart is a testament to the power of narrative-driven gaming, proving that stories—when crafted with care—can rival the most immersive AAA experiences.

Development History & Context

The Studio and Its Vision

Choice of Games LLC, known for its extensive library of interactive fiction, has carved a niche in the gaming industry by prioritizing narrative depth over graphical fidelity. Light Years Apart is part of a lineage of games that emphasize player agency and branching storylines, a tradition that harks back to the text adventures of the 1980s. The studio’s use of ChoiceScript, a proprietary scripting language, allows for complex, choice-driven narratives without the need for traditional game engines.

Anaea Lay, the game’s writer, brought her expertise in world-building and character development to the project. Having previously worked on Gilded Rails, a historical management sim, Lay demonstrated her versatility by shifting gears to a sci-fi setting. Her background in writing novels provided a solid foundation for crafting a sprawling, interconnected universe that feels both lived-in and expansive.

Technological Constraints and the Gaming Landscape

Released in 2020, Light Years Apart arrived during a renaissance of text-based games, buoyed by the success of titles like A Dark Room and 80 Days. The game’s reliance on text and minimalist design allowed it to reach a broad audience across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This accessibility was crucial in an era where mobile gaming was booming, and players sought portable, narrative-rich experiences.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot and Characters

The story follows a former spy trained at the Kempari College, an academy for elite operatives. After resigning due to moral conflicts, the protagonist has spent a decade drifting through the galaxy, accompanied only by their ship’s sentient AI. The narrative kicks into high gear when the Interplanetary Corporate Alliance (ICA) blockades Kempus, the protagonist’s home planet, threatening the lives of thousands. The player must decide whether to ally with the ICA, return to the rebels who once betrayed them, or forge an entirely new path.

Central to the plot are the enigmatic siblings the protagonist smuggles aboard their ship. Their true nature and motivations are gradually revealed, adding layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity. The game excels in its portrayal of complex relationships, particularly the dynamic between the protagonist and their AI companion, which blurs the lines between utility and companionship.

Themes and Dialogue

Light Years Apart grapples with themes of identity, loyalty, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The game’s dialogue is sharp and often laced with humor, reflecting Lay’s knack for balancing levity with deeper philosophical questions. The sentient computers, in particular, serve as a lens through which the game explores the tension between human autonomy and technological dependence.

A notable aspect of the narrative is its handling of player agency. While the game offers multiple paths and endings, it also subtly guides the player toward certain thematic beats, ensuring that the core messages—about the cost of rebellion, the nature of freedom, and the ethics of AI—are not lost in the shuffle.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loops

As a text-based adventure, Light Years Apart relies on player choices to drive the narrative forward. The game’s interface is straightforward: players select from a menu of options, each leading to different outcomes. The use of ChoiceScript allows for a high degree of branching, with player decisions influencing not just the immediate scene but the broader trajectory of the story.

Character Progression and Stats

The game employs a stat-based system where attributes like Gregarious, Smooth Talker, and Social Butterfly affect dialogue options and outcomes. These stats are not just numerical values but reflect the protagonist’s personality and skills, adding a layer of role-playing depth. However, some players have criticized the overlap between stats, making it unclear which attribute is being tested in any given scenario.

UI and Accessibility

The user interface is clean and intuitive, with a focus on readability. The game’s minimalist design ensures that the narrative remains the primary focus. For players who prefer visual aids, the game offers a map feature, though it is not as detailed as one might find in a traditional RPG.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting and Atmosphere

Light Years Apart is set in a galaxy where sentient AI, interstellar travel, and political intrigue are commonplace. The world-building is impressive, with each planet and faction possessing distinct cultures and histories. The game’s setting is a mix of hard sci-fi and whimsy, featuring elements like planets that “breed with their moons” and sentient computers with distinct personalities.

Visual Direction and Sound Design

As a text-based game, Light Years Apart relies on the player’s imagination to bring the world to life. The absence of graphics is a deliberate choice, allowing the narrative to shine. However, the game does include a soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, with tracks that range from upbeat space-rock to moody ambient pieces.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Upon release, Light Years Apart received praise for its engaging narrative and depth of choice. Critics noted the game’s ability to balance humor and serious themes, as well as its strong character development. The game’s Steam page shows a “Mostly Positive” rating, with players appreciating the replayability offered by multiple endings and paths.

Commercially, the game performed well, particularly among fans of interactive fiction. Its success can be attributed to its accessibility across multiple platforms and its appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers.

Influence on the Industry

Light Years Apart contributed to the growing recognition of text-based games as a legitimate and impactful medium. Its success helped pave the way for other narrative-driven titles, demonstrating that players are willing to engage with stories that prioritize text over graphics.

Conclusion

Light Years Apart is a masterclass in interactive storytelling, combining rich world-building, complex characters, and meaningful choices to create an experience that lingers long after the final credits roll. While its stat system could use refinement, and its reliance on text may deter some players, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. It stands as a testament to the power of narrative in gaming and a shining example of what interactive fiction can achieve.

In the annals of video game history, Light Years Apart will be remembered not just as a game, but as a story—a story that invites players to explore the vast, unpredictable cosmos of choice and consequence.