This is a smart upgrade of the original Project X, and the playable demo is available free on Steam — and it’s Steam Deck compatible, too!
I’ve just put down my Steam controller after playing Project X: Light Years on the big screen, via a Steam Deck and dock — and it is everything you might hope for.
Developed with the approval of Team 17, this is a Project X remake for PC, which can finally banish the disappointment of the old DOS version. Launched late last year as a Kickstarter, the game — a sequel to the original rather than a reboot — absolutely smashed its goal, and is now available to play.
Here’s the synopsis:
Thirty years have passed since the original battle against the alien menace in “Project X: Light Years”. Now, the threat has returned, more formidable than ever. “Project X: Light Years” is a high-octane, side-scrolling shoot’em up, an official entry to the classic Amiga game that captivated gamers decades ago.
In “Project X: Light Years”, players will once again pilot advanced spacecraft through treacherous enemy territories, facing waves of relentless foes and colossal bosses. With modern graphics, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and a soundtrack that pays homage to the original, Project X: Light Years is designed with both old-school fans and new players in mind. Equip your ship with an array of powerful weapons and upgrades, strategise your assault, and harness your piloting skills to save humanity from annihilation. The fate of the galaxy rests in your hands – can you rise to the challenge and thwart the alien invasion once and for all?
Project X: Light Years trailer
Developer MK Games has launched the game with this trailer:
The sequel features these gameplay highlights:
- Classic Side-Scrolling Action: Relive the intense gameplay of the original “Project X” with modern graphics, smooth animations, and enhanced controls.
- Dynamic Environments: Battle through a variety of beautifully crafted levels, from asteroid fields and alien planets to deep-space outposts and enemy motherships.
- Challenging Enemies: Face off against a diverse array of foes, each with unique attack patterns and behaviors. From agile fighters to colossal bosses, each encounter will test your skills and reflexes.
- Powerful Upgrades: Collect power-ups and upgrades to enhance your ship’s firepower, speed, and defenses. Customize your loadout to suit your playstyle and adapt to the evolving challenges.
- 35 random power-ups: From explosive boosts to quirky gameplay twists, each one adds a fresh layer of chaos and fun to every match.
- Epic Boss Battles: Confront massive bosses with formidable defenses and devastating attacks. Utilize strategy, precision, and your full arsenal to emerge victorious.
- Multiplayer Mode: Team up with a friend in local co-op mode. Coordinate your attacks and support each other to overcome the toughest challenges.
- Modern Features: Enjoy features like high-definition graphics, adaptive difficulty, achievements, and leaderboards. Compete with players worldwide to achieve the highest scores and fastest completion times.
Developed for Windows and Linux/SteamOS, the game also features:
- High-Definition Visuals: Stunning, hand-crafted visuals bring the universe of “Project X Light Years” to life, with vibrant colors and detailed environments.
- Enhanced Soundtrack: An epic, remastered soundtrack that captures the spirit of the original game while providing a fresh, immersive audio experience.
- Smooth Controls: Intuitive and responsive controls designed for both veteran players and newcomers.
- Replayability: Multiple difficulty levels, hidden secrets, and unlockable content ensure hours of engaging gameplay.
- Two Player Co-Op Mode.
- Online leaderboards
Head to Steam to try the demo or buy the full game of Project X: Light Years — if you loved the orginal, you don’t want to miss this!
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.