there are many technics to make lightning effects without any library. for example, the image im post #1 can be done in a simple way.
you have 1 texture that is the wall then you have another texture that is basically a dark background with a gradient to the center from black with alpha of let say 150 to transparent. now you just move the image with your player and you get a nice light effect. i did this in my
Pixel Knight game (made with Libgdx). have a look at it here: