Coming next year to Steam, LUCID is a brand new 2D action-platformer that its creator describes as the first of its kind – a “Celestoidvania.” Developed by Eric Manahan at The Matte Black Studio and published by Apogee Entertainment, LUCID blends the challenging, quick platforming of Celeste with the expansive levels and fast-paced action of Metroid, creating a unique and original game for PC.
I remember checking out LUCID when it was just a Kickstarter project back in September 2023 – it totally blew past its goal, earning over $82,000 from over 1,300 backers! The developers were awesome and gave backers a playable demo in May 2024, and they’ve been showing off gameplay trailers ever since. I was excited to see it at the Winter OTK Games Expo, and they finally announced a release date: Spring 2026! Can’t wait!
LUCID Is The “World’s First Celestoidvania”
In LUCID, you play as Oenn, a young Sentinel, and explore the vibrant, crystal-powered world of Aedyn. Aedyn is now overrun with dangerous enemies and bosses, but Oenn can learn new skills to move around and fight more effectively, unlocking previously inaccessible areas. Here’s what players can look forward to when LUCID launches next year:
- Precise platforming mechanics heavily inspired by Celeste‘s node-based traversal
- Side-scrolling action inspired by Super Metroid
- Obtain new combat and traversal Crystal Art abilities (like the Crystal Blade, Spear, and Axe) that will open new parts of the map as well
- Collect Crystal Shards to upgrade Crystal Art abilities
- Intense boss battles
- A vast, interconnected world with a varied range of biomes
- Original music by David Wise, a co-composer of Donkey Kong Country, Yooka-Laylee, and Star Fox Adventures
Though Metroid and Celeste clearly influenced LUCID, the game’s creators also drew inspiration from several other titles. Mega Max X contributed to the game’s precise controls and satisfying platforming, while Donkey Kong Country inspired its captivating music. The characters and puzzles in LUCID were influenced by The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and the game’s interwoven narrative takes cues from Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke.
I’m so excited about LUCID! You can actually download and try a free demo right now on its Steam page. The game is coming to PC first, as a Steam exclusive, but the developers have said they’re planning to bring it to consoles after it officially launches in Spring 2026.
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2025-11-23 06:04