Unveiling the world of "LUCID". Exclusive Developer Interview

PAX East 2024 In a cold Boston we had a chance to sit down in the cozy warm  Apogee suite to talk to Eric Manahan, lead developer at the matte black studio and the mastermind behind the indie game "LUCID," This platform game oozes both familiar and unique new qualities and Eric was eager to show us his latest build and talk about the game.

The team at matte black studio dove right into the inspirations, mechanics, and secrets that await players in this intriguing pixel art adventure. With influences ranging from classic 16-bit and 32-bit era titles to modern gems like Celeste and oddly enough even DOOM (2016), "LUCID" promises to be a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation.

Manahan described "LUCID" as a love letter to his childhood, drawing heavily from iconic titles like Mega Man X, The Legend of Zelda, Super Metroid. However, he also emphasized the game's modern twist, which comes with a distinctive PS1 aesthetic that aims to set it apart in the gaming landscape. This fusion of old and newly creates a captivating world that players will find both familiar and refreshingly original.

At the heart of "LUCID" lies a gripping narrative set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a cataclysmic event. Players assume the role of Oenn (owen), a member of the Sentinel Order, tasked with restoring balance to the world by collecting powerful Lucid Crystals. These crystals serve as the key to reconstructing a deity and bringing about salvation in a world on the brink of collapse. These crystals are the most intriguing aspects of "LUCID" with its unique aesthetic, described by Manahan as "Crystal Punk. Inspired by the concept of elemental crystals, Manahan reimagined the steampunk genre by substituting steam with crystals, resulting in a visually stunning and thematically rich world.

During our interview, we tried a hands-on demo as Eric provided insights into the gameplay mechanics, showcasing Oenn's agility and combat prowess and probably try to bite his tongue and hide his frustrations as yours truly struggled in some areas. That is totally on myself and not the game, in fact the game features very tight, responsive controls reminiscent of classic platformers like Mega Man X, and Celeste, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for players that gives them total control of battles and movement in the game. In fact, you will need to use every supplied skill to traverse through the treacherous landscape. From shooting and jumping to dashing and wall-climbing, "LUCID" offers a diverse range of abilities that players can master as they progress through the game.

Moreover, "LUCID" incorporates innovative mechanics such as Crystal Arts, which empower players with unique abilities tied to the elemental crystals they collect. These abilities not only enhance combat but also play a crucial role in puzzle-solving and exploration, adding depth to the gameplay experience.

Manahan also touched upon the game's level design, emphasizing the importance of exploration and discovery. With hidden secrets, optional challenges, and dynamic environments, "LUCID" encourages players to venture off the beaten path and uncover hidden treasures scattered throughout the world.

We clearly saw Eric's passion and dedication to "LUCID," describing it as his "baby" and promising players an unforgettable journey filled with fast-paced action, rich lore, and memorable characters. With a projected release date in 2025, anticipation for "LUCID" continues to build among gaming enthusiasts eager to embark on this epic adventure and it was a big hit on the show floor at the Apogee booth.

It is clear that "LUCID" represents a captivating fusion of nostalgia and innovation, offering players a unique blend of classic gameplay and modern design.  Every moment of the game just feels so smooth and polished and is giving you a great experience. Every difficult obstacle to overcome, hurts, but only in the best possible way.  With its compelling narrative, stunning visuals, and engaging mechanics, "LUCID" promises to be an indie gem that will captivate players and leave a lasting impression for years to come.

You can learn more about the game and Wishlist it Steam via this link : LUCID on Steam

About the writer: DadGeek (Rob) is the co-founder of GeeksVsGeeks. He is a product of the eighties and never let go of his geek interest and hobbies no matter how often someone told him to stop. His love for gaming and all things geeks has been part of his parenting style and permeates throughout the whole family. A family of Geeks vs Geeks