LUCID News

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][h2]
🌸 Demo Available Now![/h2][p]Today, as part of the Six One Indie Showcase, Apogee Entertainment and solo-dev Eric Manahan of The Matte Black Studio launched the first public demo for LUCID, a crystalpunk action-platformer that blends smooth traversal, rich storytelling, and handcrafted pixel art into a Metroidvania built for both flowstate junkies and curious newcomers.[/p][p][/p][h2]
💎 What is LUCID?[/h2][p]LUCID is a 2D action-platformer RPG where movement matters. Inspired by games like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Super Metroid, it offers a low barrier to entry with a sky-high skill ceiling. From acrobatic platforming to layered boss fights, players can take their time or rush headfirst into the challenge.

[/p][p][/p][p]In the demo, you’ll journey through up to three hours of content across vibrant biomes... Petrified Forest, Sentinel Temple, and a teaser of Welltown. Each filled with unique enemies and secrets. With 18+ enemy types, 4 boss fights, and a growing cast of characters, LUCID gives players the tools to explore, experiment, and engage at their own pace.[/p][p]Whether you’re into speedrunning, vibe-chasing, or full-on 100% completion, LUCID is approachable, responsive, and built for replayability.

[/p][p][/p][h3]💠 Key Features:[/h3]

• [p]Fluid Traversal & Combat: Enter the flow state through precision movement and skill-based enemy encounters[/p]
• [p]Crystal Arts: Wield evolving powers like the Crystal Blade, Spear, and Axe[/p]
• [p]Customization: Equip Talismans, enhance Bracers, and build a playstyle that suits your speed[/p]
• [p]Cinematic Boss Fights: Face off against epic foes like Sentinel Bludgeon and more[/p]
• [p]Gorgeous Pixel Art: Every sprite and frame is lovingly handcrafted for depth and beauty[/p]
• [p]Narrative Depth: Explore a world torn by dissonance as Oenn, a young Sentinel on a solemn quest[/p]

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]🎶 Chatting with a Legend.[/h2][p]Developer Eric Manahan recently sat down with legendary composer David Wise (Donkey Kong Country, Battletoads, Star Fox Adventures) to discuss music, mood, and David’s contribution to LUCID’s “Welltown” track. It’s a meditative gem, don’t miss it!

💻 The LUCID Demo is available now on Steam[/p][p]📅 Full PC release set for 2026, with console ports coming later.[/p][p][/p][p]📌 Wishlist LUCID on Steam, follow Apogee Entertainment, and The Matte Black Studio on Twitter/X. Make sure to join LUCID's Discord to stay in the loop with dev updates and community feedback![/p][p]

[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

An example video detailing how LUCID handles Backtracking and "Non-Critical Path" Secrets!

(Room still a W.I.P.)

In LUCID there will be secrets to discover.

Often hidden away from the critical path, behind more challenging, and optional platforming.

Here you can see a more advanced course found later into the game.

Not only will these challenges reward you with a rare material or upgrade, but will more often than not, reveal a new shortcut. Making for a much better backtracking experience.

Really happy to share some more progress my friends. I hope you are excited to play LUCID, I'm giving it everything I got.

I'd love to hear from you, what are you most excited to do in LUCID?

Explore the world? Solve puzzles? Meet new friends? Aerial acrobatic combat? Boss fights?
E V E R Y T H I N G !??

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

I always love figuring out what puzzles needed what Masks to solve them.

So I thought why not use the same idea but with the Talismans you can equip in LUCID!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

LUCID's First Boss Fight Progress - ORRO : Brethren of Ash Captain


Though Orro is capable of rendering Flame Aura in unique and powerful fashions his brute strength is just as formidable and reliable.

Add LUCID to your Steam Wishlist to learn more of this hot headed foe and his life long vendetta against your father, Hol.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]