itch.io

In many ways, the work of a critic is easy. We risk very little yet enjoy a position over those who offer up their work and their selves to our judgment. We thrive on negative criticism, which is fun to write and to read. But the bitter truth we critics must face, is that in the grand scheme of things, the average piece of junk is probably more meaningful than our criticism designating it so. But there are times when a critic truly risks something, and that is in the discovery and defense of the new. The world is often unkind to new talent, new creations. The new needs friends. Last night, I experienced something new: an extraordinary game from a singularly unexpected source. To say that both the game and its maker have challenged my preconceptions about indie games is a gross understatement. They have rocked me to my core. In the past, I have made no secret of my disdain for indie games as they agree that "Anyone can create a game." But I realize, only now do I truly understand what they meant. Not everyone can become a great artist; but a great artist can come from anywhere. It is difficult to imagine more humble origins than those of the genius now making games at Lightspeed’s creation, who is, in this critic's opinion, nothing less than the finest creator in Australia. I will be returning to the creators of Lightspeed soon, hungry for more.