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Lightmatter similar games & best alternatives

Lightmatter

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4 • 2020

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Quick resume

A first-person puzzler where shadows kill you. Watch your step or be swallowed by the darkness.

Global score

91/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging and clever puzzles
    • Unique light and shadow mechanics
    • Strong voice acting and humor
    • Atmospheric visual style
    • Well-paced difficulty curve

    Cons

    • Short game length
    • Some technical issues and crashes
    • Final platforming section divisive
    • Limited puzzle variety
    • Heavy portal references may feel derivative

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Competition. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Violence, Value, Thrill.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have freedom to solve puzzles in multiple ways using light placement and manipulation, with some exploration and choice in approach."

    • Competence
      3

      "Puzzles require logical thinking and skillful timing especially in platforming sections; difficulty ramps steadily but remains accessible."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focus is on individual puzzle solving and personal progress without competitive elements or leaderboards."

    • Continuation
      2

      "Players tend to engage in multiple sessions to complete the game and achievements, though the game is relatively short."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Entirely single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer components."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players creatively manipulate light sources and connectors to solve puzzles, though within defined mechanics."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No elements of exerting control over others; gameplay is solitary and non-confrontational."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Immersive puzzle environment and narrative provide distraction and engagement away from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, with no external pressure or obligation."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Encourages trying different puzzle solutions and exploring light mechanics, though within a structured framework."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Players explore a large facility with some secrets and Easter eggs, but mostly linear progression."

    • Expression
      -3

      "Minimal customization or self-expression; players interact with preset environments and characters."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Fictional sci-fi setting with imaginative technology and narrative elements inspired by Portal universe."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "No social or community features; entirely solo experience."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop puzzle-solving skills and learn mechanics progressively throughout the game."

    • Health
      -5

      "Standard sedentary gameplay without physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and active problem solving; not suited for passive or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -5

      "No social or emotional relationship building; interactions limited to narrative voiceover."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management roles; single-player puzzle focus."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players progress through chapters and unlock achievements, with some collectible elements."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Generally balanced challenge with moments of flow, though some frustration possible in platforming."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Distinctive visual style and atmospheric audio provide engaging sensory experience."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social recognition or status systems present."

    • Story
      3

      "Narrative voiceover and environmental storytelling provide a simple but engaging plot."

    • Strategy
      3

      "Puzzles require logical reasoning, planning, and problem solving."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Some suspense in platforming and timing challenges, but mostly controlled puzzle solving."

    • Value
      -1

      "Mixed player sentiment on value; short length noted but generally considered worth price on sale."

    • Violence
      -5

      "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on constructive puzzle solving."

    • Survival
      2

      "Players must avoid shadows that cause instant death, adding a survival element to puzzle navigation."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026