LUCID is a fast-paced action Metroidvania where movement and combat are deeply connected. Strike enemies, chain abilities together, and stay airborne as long as your skill allows. This gameplay breakdown showcases the core gameplay loop, including movement, combat, exploration, C
LUCID is a fast-paced action Metroidvania where movement and combat are deeply connected. Strike enemies, chain abilities together, and stay airborne as long as your skill allows.
This gameplay breakdown showcases the core gameplay loop, including movement, combat, exploration, Crystal Arts, Talismans, and the systems that make LUCID unique.
💠 The LUCID Steam Next Fest Demo Is Live Now This expanded demo features up to three hours of content and introduces a host of enhancements that further position LUCID as one of 2026’s most exciting platformers. A World Shattered, A Promise Unbroken Bound by a solemn vow, protag
This expanded demo features up to three hours of content and introduces a host of enhancements that further position LUCID as one of 2026’s most exciting platformers.
A World Shattered, A Promise Unbroken
Bound by a solemn vow, protagonist Oenn is a young Sentinel who journeys through a world fractured by catastrophe. As you explore the crystalpunk landscapes of Aedyn, you’ll absorb powerful abilities that enhance movement, deepen combat, and unlock new paths across interconnected biomes.
Inspired by the golden age of 2D sidescrollers, LUCID blends nostalgic design with modern mechanics to deliver fast, expressive gameplay wrapped in an emotional narrative.
What Awaits in the Demo
In this updated demo, players will explore multiple handcrafted biomes, each filled with unique enemies, traversal challenges, secrets, and boss encounters. Mastering Crystal Arts allows you to phase through barriers, uncover hidden routes, and approach combat in your own way.
Whether you’re chasing speed, mastery, or discovery, the demo offers a strong first look at LUCID’s fluid movement and depth.
What’s New in the Steam Next Fest Demo
We’ve made significant improvements based on player feedback:
• Revamped Skill and Anointed Crystal system
• Overhauled Totem sequence and Incandescent Pulse for improved approachability
• Expanded tutorials and smoother pacing
• More dialogue hints for a user-friendly experience
• Streamlined narrative progression along the main path
• Gameplay balance updates and polished UI
• Additional feedback and general bug fixes
Built for Exploration, Mastery, and Replayability
The community has praised LUCID for its low barrier to entry and high skill ceiling. Combining lush pixel art environments, tight controls, and expressive movement to create a deeply immersive platforming experience. It’s designed for newcomers, completionists, and speedrunners alike.
Secrets await in every biome. New abilities reveal new routes. Every run brings new discoveries.
Coming Spring 2026
The full version of LUCID launches first on Windows PC in Spring 2026, with console releases to follow.
If you enjoy the demo, be sure to wishlist LUCID and share your feedback. Your support helps shape the future of the game. You can also follow the developer, Eric Manahan of The Matte Black Studio, on Twitter/X,Bluesky, Instagram, and Discord for updates and behind the scenes insights.
Stay connected with Apogee Entertainment on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram, and Discord for the latest news, events, and announcements.
I've been affectionately calling LUCID a "Celestoidvania", due to the aerial mobility and striking gems to refresh your jump resources... BUT more and more players are saying LUCID feels more like a Megaman Zero Metroidvania! What do you think?? (I know these names can be dumb...
I've been affectionately calling LUCID a "Celestoidvania", due to the aerial mobility and striking gems to refresh your jump resources... BUT more and more players are saying LUCID feels more like a Megaman Zero Metroidvania!
What do you think??
(I know these names can be dumb... but dumb can be fun :) )
LUCID was awarded this years GHOSTIE for BEST DEMO! Thanks so so much Trollymog for this lovely honor 🙏🌸🥰 Friends, I HIGHLY recommend checking out a Moggy Stream. Her vibes are only matched by her kindness.
LUCID Friends, I'm excited to announce that LUCID will be taking part in the upcoming OTK Games Expo! A nifty new trailer will be shown in all its pixel-y goodness. I hope to see you all there, be sure to say "HI!" in the Stream Comments :D OTK Games Expo will be on November 22nd
LUCID Friends, I'm excited to announce that LUCID will be taking part in the upcoming OTK Games Expo!
A nifty new trailer will be shown in all its pixel-y goodness.
I hope to see you all there, be sure to say "HI!" in the Stream Comments :D
OTK Games Expo will be on November 22nd at 12PM PT (3PM ET, 8PM GMT) and you can watch it live on the OTK Twitch channel HERE Or the OTK YouTube channel HERE !
LUCID DEMO - 1.0.4 ALTERATIONS + POLISH Circuit Text is more clear explaining that Grace Completion is optional Air Slashing Red Crystal Walls creates unique SFX that indicates you are not Slash Combo-ing Extended floor near Bombabite Laser puzzle to ensure laser is less likely t
LUCID DEMO - 1.0.4
ALTERATIONS + POLISH
Circuit Text is more clear explaining that Grace Completion is optional
Air Slashing Red Crystal Walls creates unique SFX that indicates you are not Slash Combo-ing
Extended floor near Bombabite Laser puzzle to ensure laser is less likely to hit player
Pulses that cause Guard Break create unique SFX
Polished environment Tiles
Added Second moving Lantern after Temple Power returns
Added additional environmental shards to help lead players
Added Running Koda NPC to 1st Temple Circuit - Gives tip about mobility options
If player completes Circuit in time, the final Door emits confetti particles to indicate success
Shield Cinders shields can now be destroyed by environmental explosions
Lowered audio level of Circuit Music track
BUGS
Geyser camera error
Fixed missing Door Pad point of interest particles
Vipers Boss fight Health Bar was misrepresenting proper remaining health
Adjusted certain particles to be on proper layers
Fix animation errors
Fixed bug that would allow purchasing Skills without proper/enough materials
Adjusted Door logic to fix rare bug that would immediately return player to previous room
Fixed particle error when getting Bracer from Syd, talking to her on the Right side
Fixed bug where Dpad icon above Oenn would not disappear
Music now returns after dying in a Circuit and then continuing from Circuit entrance
Mushspring would not always burn away on bounce
Fixed rare softlock when speaking to Scribe and mashing "A"
Can no longer leave certain arena fights before doors close
Fixed bug that allowed player to Pause when leaving room
🌸LUCID SPEEDRUN CONTEST🌸 ALL Entries will be IMMORTALIZED with their Name and Time placed in Game! TO ENTER: 1. Record or Stream your best run, tag me! 2. Runs must have an on-screen timer livesplit.org No cheats, mods, or external tools. 3. SHARE your run on Social Media use t
ADJUSTMENTS Map Outlines now Scale and have anti aliasing for easier reading on small screens Altar Menus now "Grey Out" sections not pertaining to current Menu Selected Controller Mapping Remembers settings Volume Remembers settings When "Full Screen" clicking outside of window
ADJUSTMENTS
Map Outlines now Scale and have anti aliasing for easier reading on small screens
Altar Menus now "Grey Out" sections not pertaining to current Menu Selected
Controller Mapping Remembers settings
Volume Remembers settings
When "Full Screen" clicking outside of window does not minimize game
Red Crystal Walls (the ones that need to be Slash Combo'd to break) now make a distinct SFX if struck by an Air Slash - to help alert the player they are indeed not combo-ing the wall, not doing damage
Pulses that increase an Enemies Guard Break Meter now make a distinct SFX
Lower amount of Guard Break OreChungus needs to enter Guard Break State
Twin Viper fight now has a Health Bar
Adjusted some enemy Health amounts
New Altar of Attunement placed near 2nd circuit
Additional NPC Sign to remind the players they need to Save
Shortened / Cleaned up / Made more clear - NPC Dialogues
Lowered Permanent Altar "Hum" Sfx
Visuals updated
Removed some Camera Zoom triggers after events have happened
BUGS
Geyser Talisman inputs can no longer be held to repeat attack
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH I'm so grateful to everyone for playing the LUCID Demo . I cant believe how well the reception has been. I have recently pushed a NEW PATCH that addresses the following: - Totem Heads : larger Hit Box / No longer have timer that turns them off - BOSS - Senti
🌸 Demo Available Now! 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 handcraft
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.
💎 What is LUCID?
LUCID is a 2D action-platformer RPG where movement matters. Inspired by games like Hollow Knight, Celeste, and SuperMetroid, 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.
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.
Whether you’re into speedrunning, vibe-chasing, or full-on 100% completion, LUCID is approachable, responsive, and built for replayability.
💠 Key Features:
Fluid Traversal & Combat: Enter the flow state through precision movement and skill-based enemy encounters
Crystal Arts: Wield evolving powers like the Crystal Blade, Spear, and Axe
Customization: Equip Talismans, enhance Bracers, and build a playstyle that suits your speed
Cinematic Boss Fights: Face off against epic foes like Sentinel Bludgeon and more
Gorgeous Pixel Art: Every sprite and frame is lovingly handcrafted for depth and beauty
Narrative Depth: Explore a world torn by dissonance as Oenn, a young Sentinel on a solemn quest
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
📅 Full PC release set for 2026, with console ports coming later.
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 advanc
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
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 !??
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!
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!
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 l
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.
My Friends! I am so excited to announce that the LUCID Kickstarter Build will be coming to eligible backers THIS FRIDAY! 05.17.24 Prepare to dash and slash your way through Sentinel Training and overcome what challenges may be lurking within the Petrified Forest! I know you can d
My Friends!
I am so excited to announce that the LUCID Kickstarter Build will be coming to eligible backers THIS FRIDAY! 05.17.24
Prepare to dash and slash your way through Sentinel Training and overcome what challenges may be lurking within the Petrified Forest! I know you can do it :)
For any and all that may suffer from the fear of missing out (I know I sure do) you can still become a BACKER via this PAYPAL LINK !
Simply pledge the Elder Sentinel Tier amount or higher, and you shall gain access to the exclusive Kickstarter Build.
If you plan on streaming your LUCID gameplay and want to help support the game, please reach out to me and let me know!
I played 40 games during my time at PAX East and GDC, and none of them were even close to rivaling Lucid . I walked into my demo feeling haggard and road-weary; late nights and over a week on the road working videogame conventions is fun, but it also takes a toll - and this was m
I played 40 games during my time at PAX East and GDC, and none of them were even close to rivaling Lucid. I walked into my demo feeling haggard and road-weary; late nights and over a week on the road working videogame conventions is fun, but it also takes a toll - and this was my last demo of the trip. But speaking with Eric Manahan, the founder of Matte Black Studio and solo developer behind Lucid, was restorative. His excitement to show off his first game was infectious, and Lucid easily lived up to the high expectations he set for me.
An amazing video why you should BACK and be HYPED for LUCID!!! ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT for the KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN www.lucidkickstarter.com Head over and get your Kickstarter Exclusive Rewards before its too late!
An amazing video why you should BACK and be HYPED for LUCID!!!
ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT for the KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN
www.lucidkickstarter.com
Head over and get your Kickstarter Exclusive Rewards before its too late!
Sentinels! We DID IT! 200% FUNDED. Another Stretch Goal Completed :) LUCID will now have even more DAVID WISE MUSIC .. How wild is that?? Now.. onto the next Stretch Goal , which is… BOSS RUSH MODE! A brand new way to test your might and challenge your friends with the fastest ti
Sentinels!
We DID IT! 200% FUNDED.
Another Stretch Goal Completed :)
LUCID will now have even more DAVID WISE MUSIC.. How wild is that??
Now.. onto the next Stretch Goal, which is… BOSS RUSH MODE! A brand new way to test your might and challenge your friends with the fastest time.
I’m really excited to bring you more LUCID content, and as we enter the last 10 days of the Campaign, it’s more important than ever to get the word out and recruit new Sentinels!
True Sentinels! We did it! 150%!! And with that, we unlock: THE SENTINEL TRIALS! I can’t wait for all of you to tackle some of the most challenging platforming I can conjure, and LUCID has officially become better because of your support! Thank you all so much! NOW! Onto the next
True Sentinels!
We did it! 150%!!
And with that, we unlock: THE SENTINEL TRIALS!
I can’t wait for all of you to tackle some of the most challenging platforming I can conjure, and LUCID has officially become better because of your support! Thank you all so much!
NOW! Onto the next Stretch Goal which is:
3 more tracks by the legendary DAVID WISE!
www.lucidkickstarter.com
I can’t wait for the chance to work with the composer behind some of my favorites, and with your support I’ll be able to add even more of his music to the soundtrack!
Only 15,000 to go, Sentinels!
Spread the NEWS and share this journey with all your Friends. Let’s get to 60!
Thank you once again for your pledges, your enthusiasm, and your kind words!
P.S. Don’t forget to join me this Friday at 7PM EST on Twitch as I play Celeste, one of the inspirations for LUCID! You can find the channel here: https://www.twitch.tv/thematteblackstudio
