A Epic Tale of Light and Shadow: Busan-Developed High-Difficulty Action Game "Light Odyssey" Faces the Black Hole That Swallows the Universe
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/806/G080634/20251020043/
Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Noguchi | 2025/10/20 08:19 (UTC)
“Light Odyssey,” developed by SSUN GAMES, was showcased at “gamescom asia × Thailand Game Show 2025,” held in Bangkok from October 16 to 19.
The setting of “Light Odyssey” is the “Shadow World,” where light is gradually being consumed by a black hole. Players control a small protagonist named Pandi, confronting a colossal threat that seeks to swallow the entire universe. Pandi alone holds the last hope for reclaiming lost light.
At the event, what first caught attention upon seeing the game in action was its art style. The game features a unified monochrome visual aesthetic based on black and white—not merely a stylistic choice. According to Michael Kang, the music director of the development team, this visual expression directly stems from the game’s core premise: “the black hole consumes light.”
Seonho Kim, CEO/Programmer at SSUN GAMES (left), and Michael Kang, Music Director (right) Image Gallery No.002 thumbnail / A Poem of Light and Shadow. The high-difficulty action game “Light Odyssey” from Busan confronts a black hole devouring the universe
A world where light is vanishing—visually, this setting is embodied throughout the game’s black-and-white aesthetic. The meticulously crafted world by a dedicated artist carries an almost dystopian atmosphere while possessing its own unique beauty. The fact that such compelling visuals are achieved with a monochrome palette speaks volumes about the team’s technical skill.
Image Gallery No.004 thumbnail / A Poem of Light and Shadow. The high-difficulty action game “Light Odyssey” from Busan confronts a black hole devouring the universe Image Gallery No.005 thumbnail / A Poem of Light and Shadow. The high-difficulty action game “Light Odyssey” from Busan confronts a black hole devouring the universe
Though “Light Odyssey” combines boss rush and hack-and-slash elements, its combat system features unique innovations. Among them are two standout skills: “Burst” and “Overdrive.”
“Burst” is an attack skill that deals massive damage to bosses, while “Overdrive” grants the special ability to continue fighting without consuming stamina. To unlock these skills, players must earn skill points by defeating bosses. Additionally, hidden puzzles scattered across the field allow players to gain extra skill points upon solving them.
Image Gallery No.006 thumbnail / A Poem of Light and Shadow. The high-difficulty action game “Light Odyssey” from Busan confronts a black hole devouring the universe Image Gallery No.007 thumbnail / A Poem of Light and Shadow. The high-difficulty action game “Light Odyssey” from Busan confronts a black hole devouring the universe
Kang explained that “there are puzzle elements reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda,” but this system masterfully blends the joy of exploration with strategic combat. Players aren’t just fighting bosses—they can unlock stronger abilities by carefully exploring the world.
The game is expected to feature between 10 and 11 bosses, each wielding different elemental powers—fire, ice, nature—and possessing unique battle patterns. The first boss shown at the event already conveyed a sense of high difficulty through its movements.
In boss rush-style games, effectively distinguishing each boss’s individuality is crucial. “Light Odyssey” achieves this by varying elements and attack patterns, ensuring players remain engaged. As Kang put it, these diverse elements are what “keep players drawn into the game.”
Image Gallery No.008 thumbnail / A Poem of Light and Shadow. The high-difficulty action game “Light Odyssey” from Busan confronts a black hole devouring the universe Image Gallery No.009 thumbnail / A Poem of Light and Shadow. The high-difficulty action game “Light Odyssey” from Busan confronts a black hole devouring the universe
The development team behind “Light Odyssey” is small—only four members at SSUN GAMES. The lineup consists of one programmer, two artists, and music director Michael Kang. Of these, only the programmer works full-time on the project; the artists and Kang participate part-time.
Based in Busan—the second-largest city in South Korea, not Seoul—the team has been developing this game for four years from a small studio in a port town. Despite limited budget and working around the clock, Kang smiles and says, “I love making games.” Everything is driven by passion.
It’s also notable that music composition isn’t Kang’s primary profession. He primarily works as a composer for musicals and theater, creating music for stage productions and films. Regarding game music, he describes himself simply as “helping out the programmer because I enjoy games.” His approach—possessing professional compositional skills yet contributing purely from passion—mirrors the entire team’s spirit.
Currently, development is progressing toward a targeted release in April 2026. However, due to the small team advancing slowly, unforeseen delays are possible. Still, they remain focused on completing the game by April.
A demo version of “Light Odyssey” is available on Steam for anyone to experience the game’s atmosphere firsthand. The monochrome world view, distinctive combat system, and heartfelt passion poured in by this tiny team make it a must-try.
The journey of these four people, working with limited budget and time, crafting “Light Odyssey,” embodies the very essence of indie game development. The story of a small protagonist striving to reclaim hope in a universe losing its light echoes the developers’ own determination. We can’t wait to see what kind of reception this finished work will receive.