Part 1: I'm something basic, made of 30-odd pieces;
Many will know me even among different speeches.
Part 2: Do I contain waves or particles? Depends on your context;
I am not what you think I am, there is one crucial difference.
Part 3: One of me has a bright streak yet its outlook is dreary;
My like has been here since the first, but not by name 'til 3.
Part 4: I'm a magical number: simple but powerful;
A single operation makes me uncountable.
Put them all together and what do you get? And in case anyone is concerned that I am too prolific a puzzler, this will be the last puzzle I contribute until one of them is solved.
EDIT: Seems I made it too hard indeed. See below for an easier version of the riddle.
Part 1: I'm something primitive, made of 32 pieces; many will know me, even among different speeches.
Part 2: If light is what you say I am, you're technically right; but you're head's full of me if you think that I am light.
Part 3: In games, in comics, in movies, in the dungeon; if solo's your style, then with me you'll have fun.
Part 4: I'm a magic number, a power of two; I make Cantor cock his head and say 'Ooooh'