A brand-new demo and trailer for LUCID, the highly anticipated 2D action-platformer RPG from Apogee Entertainment and solo developer Eric Manahan of The Matte Black Studio, has officially launched today as part of the Six One Indie Showcase. With its gorgeous hand-crafted pixel art and precision-focused gameplay, LUCID is shaping up to be one of 2026’s standout indie releases.
A Fresh Look at LUCID’s Crystal-Punk Adventure
The newly released LUCID demo delivers up to three hours of content, letting players dive deep into its lush biomes and fast-paced action. Long praised for its “easy to learn, hard to master” gameplay philosophy, the game blends fluid movement with high-stakes combat—perfect for fans of skill-heavy Metroidvania-style exploration.
In this early slice of the game, players can explore multiple hand-crafted environments, each featuring unique enemies, platforming challenges, and even a few boss encounters. The demo also serves as a testing ground for speedrunners eager to master the game’s dizzyingly smooth momentum. A speedrunning-focused video, showcased previously at Gamescom, highlighted just how expressive and advanced LUCID’s movement tech can become in expert hands.
Step Into the Role of Oenn, the Young Sentinel
Players take on the role of Oenn, a young Sentinel navigating a fractured crystal-punk world devastated by past calamities. The journey is rich with narrative depth, environmental storytelling, and a progression system that promises both challenge and mastery. As you advance, Oenn gains powerful new abilities that transform platforming, combat, and exploration in meaningful and exhilarating ways.
Drawing inspiration from the golden age of 2D sidescrollers, LUCID blends nostalgic design with modern polish. It’s fast, it’s fluid, and it delivers a cinematic feel—without sacrificing its old-school charm.
LUCID Key Features
Tight and Responsive Controls
Oenn’s movements are designed as an extension of the player. Whether mastering air dashes, chaining abilities, or executing advanced combat maneuvers, LUCID aims to create a satisfying flow state through its precision controls.
Master the Crystal Arts
Unlock an arsenal of powerful Crystal Arts, such as the Crystal Blade, Crystal Spear, and Crystal Axe. Each ability alters mobility and combat in unique ways, offering multiple playstyles and endless opportunities for mastery.
Deep Upgrade System
Collect Crystal Shards and rare crafting materials to upgrade Oenn’s Bracers and enhance your Crystal Arts through Anointments, enabling deeper customization and build experimentation.
Challenging Boss Encounters
Prepare for fierce battles against visually stunning and mechanically intricate bosses. Every encounter tests your reflexes, knowledge, and confidence in your abilities.
Explore the Mysteries of Aedyn
Aedyn is vast, interconnected, and filled with secrets. Choose your path through icy ridges, shimmering caverns, and bleak subterranean settlements as you uncover the truth behind this fractured world.
Try the LUCID Demo Now
The LUCID demo is officially available on Windows PC via Steam starting today. The full PC release is planned for 2026, with console versions set to follow. Fans eager to support development can wishlist the game and even contribute via PayPal to secure post-Kickstarter backer rewards.
For more updates, visit Apogee Entertainment’s official channels across Bluesky, X (Twitter), Facebook, Threads, and Instagram, subscribe on YouTube, and join the community on Discord.
