Lucid

About Lucid

Lucid is a 2D sidescroller RPG that blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat in a fractured crystalline world. Developed by The Matte Black Studio and published by Apogee Entertainment, it dropped on March 31, 2026, across PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Switch. You play as Oenn, navigating Aedyn’s shattered landscapes, climbing icy ridges, crawling through claustrophobic caverns, and battling corrupted enemies. The game leans into pixel art reminiscent of classic 16-bit titles, with a focus on absorbing abilities to unlock new movement and combat options. It’s a single-player journey about exploration, promise, and figuring out the aftermath of the Lucid Giant’s destruction. If you love tight platforming and deep character progression in a retro-styled world, this is your speed.

Gameplay

Lucid’s core loop revolves around platforming and ability absorption. Each level is a vertical or horizontal maze requiring precise jumps, wall dashes, and learned skills like charge attacks or ice-based traversal. Combat is real-time, but not frenetic, you’ll absorb enemy abilities mid-fight to expand your toolkit, which directly affects how you tackle later puzzles and bosses. Boss battles are the highlight, demanding pattern recognition and creative ability use. A typical session mixes platforming challenges, enemy encounters, and optional dungeon dives packed with secrets. The pixel art isn’t just skin-deep; it’s integrated into gameplay, with reflective surfaces and light-based puzzles. Exploration is key, as backtracking with new abilities reveals hidden upgrades. The controls are tight, but the difficulty curve can be steep, some sections require multiple retries.

What Players Think

Lucid has a 87% completion rate on PlayPile, with 75% of players logging over 20 hours. Community moods are split: 40% label it “Addictive,” 30% “Challenging,” and 20% “Frustrating.” The average rating is 4.2/5, with 68% of reviews highlighting the pixel art and level design. Critics at RPGamer and PC Gamer gave it 8.5/10 and 4.5/5, respectively, praising the “organic ability progression” but noting a “slow middle act.” Achievement hunters love the 100+ collectibles, though the final boss is a common pain point. One user wrote, “Feeling like a 90s cartridge all over again,” while another griped, “Boss 3 made me rage-quit three times.”

PlayPile's Take

Lucid is a must-play for 2D platforming purists who don’t mind a grindy middle third. At $39.99, it offers 20+ hours of content with meaningful upgrades and secrets. The 29 achievements are rewarding but not overly punishing. While not perfect, some boss fights feel unfair, it’s a love letter to classic sidescrollers with modern depth. If you crave pixel-perfect controls and a world that feels handcrafted, this is worth your time. Skip if you hate backtracking or need hand-holding.

Storyline

After the Great Fall and the destruction of the Lucid Giant, the world of Aedyn has succumbed to corruption. Only the dwindling Sentinels are left to guard a fragile balance. As Oenn, you will explore this shattered world and fulfill a solemn promise. Ascend the frigid Onyx Ridge, traverse the claustrophobic Crystal Caverns, or descend into the dark from the gloom of Welltown. Meet an eclectic cast of characters, friend and foe alike, each with their own stories and quests. Combat a vast array of enemies and challenging bosses. Explore detailed levels and dungeons full of secrets and collectables to entice you off the beaten path. Discover your own legend, and see the world through lucid eyes.