LICHTSPEER: Double Speer Edition puts players behind a lightspear in a world built on Germanic legend and science fiction. Developed by Lichthund and published by Crunching Koalas, the game arrived on Linux, PC, Mac, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch in 2017. It asks players to throw a spear at speed, and it mostly delivers on that simple idea.
Trailer, via Nintendo UK.
The Lightspear System
The core of LICHTSPEER is a throwing mechanic. Players hold a spear, charge a throw, and release it at enemies. The game tracks momentum, timing and angle in real time, and the best throws land with a satisfying feel. It is a system that rewards patience and punishes haste, and it forms the whole basis of the game’s design.
Setting and Story
The game draws on ancient Germanic myth and science fiction. Players move through levels built around that mix, facing enemies and hazards along the way. The tone stays light throughout, leaning on humor and spectacle over dread. It is a world that knows what it wants to be, and it commits to that vision fully.
Modes and Play Styles
LICHTSPEER offers single-player runs, multiplayer matches and co-operative play. The Nintendo Switch version includes a co-operative mode for two players. Playing alongside a friend adds a layer of chaos that solo runs lack, since throws can hit allies as easily as foes.
Presentation and Performance
The game runs on Linux, PC, Mac, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, and it looks the same across all five platforms. Levels are bright and readable, and the lightspear itself stands out clearly against enemy fire. The side-view perspective keeps everything easy to follow, even during busy fights.
The sound design backs the action with a driving, arcade-style score. Throws land with a sharp crack, and enemy reactions add texture to each encounter.
What Works and What Falls Short
The lightspear mechanic is the strongest part of LICHTSPEER. It is precise, satisfying and consistently rewarding. The game’s presentation holds up across every platform.
Where the game falls short is in variety. Some levels repeat ideas already covered earlier. Multiplayer modes are present, and the co-operative mode for two players is a small addition. These are minor complaints against a game whose core idea works so well.
| Mode | Players | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Single Player | 1 | All |
| Multiplayer | Up to 4 | PC, Mac, Xbox One |
| Co-operative | 2 | Nintendo Switch |
Final Word
LICHTSPEER: Double Speer Edition succeeds because it trusts its central idea. The lightspear throw is a pleasure to perform, and the game builds its entire identity around it. The Switch co-operative mode gives the console edition a clear edge, and the presentation holds up across every platform. It is not a deep game, and it does not need to be. It simply asks players to throw a spear, and it does that very well.
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