Lucidity
- October 6, 2009
- LucasArts
From the team that re-imagined The Secret of Monkey Island, comes Lucidity, an addictive puzzle platformer set in the surreal childlike dreamscapes of the little girl Sofi. In this challenging puzzler, it’s your task to keep Sofi safe as she drifts deeper into the strange new world of her dreams.
Reviews
- The game features a charming and emotional story about a little girl dealing with loss, which resonates with players.
- The art style is visually appealing, with a unique and stylish presentation that enhances the overall experience.
- The gameplay introduces innovative mechanics where players control the environment to guide the character, providing a different take on the platformer genre.
- The gameplay is slow-paced and repetitive, leading to a lack of excitement and engagement over time.
- Players have limited control over the character, which can result in frustration as they rely on luck to progress through levels.
- The game can feel tedious due to the requirement of replaying levels multiple times to collect all collectibles, which may not be enjoyable for everyone.
- gameplay27 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it innovative and engaging, particularly in its puzzle platforming elements that require quick thinking and adaptation. However, many criticize it for being overly simplistic, janky, and lacking depth, often feeling more like a passive experience than an interactive one. Overall, while the narrative is praised, the gameplay is seen as a significant drawback, with issues like repetitive mechanics and poor controls detracting from the overall experience.
“It's been some years since I last played this, but this puzzle platformer has actually innovative gameplay.”
“Lucidity is not passive linear media; instead, it is a game, and its specific gameplay is very much about quick thinking and adaptation, as the player is asked to help Sofi navigate constantly changing environments using a continually randomized set of tools.”
“Because gameplay essentially involves placing level pieces on a grid, a gamepad offers a smoother experience here compared to a mouse (having a mouse cursor constantly snapping to a grid is an alien and unnerving sensation).”
“So far as I can tell, the gameplay is *entirely* watching the girl walk across the screen and placing things like wood planks and stairs so she doesn't encounter danger.”
“The gameplay of this game is barely existent.”
“Platforming is janky as hell and the gameplay is nothing to speak of.”
- story23 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The story centers on a young girl named Sofi as she navigates the emotional journey of accepting her grandmother's death and saying her final goodbyes. Reviewers describe it as a beautifully crafted, bittersweet narrative presented in a charming storybook style, though some feel the gameplay does not match the story's emotional depth. Overall, the narrative is praised for its sweetness and gentle resolution, making it a worthwhile experience despite its brevity.
“The story is very sweet and gentle, and the resolution is satisfying.”
“This game tells the story of a little girl named Sofi who is coming to terms with the death of her grandmother.”
“While the gameplay itself is somewhat dull, the game is largely used as a vehicle in which to tell the story, which itself is extraordinary and well worth the short time commitment and small price of admission.”
“The story of this game is quite sad; it's about a little girl dealing with the loss of her grandma, at least that's what I understood from it.”
“These themes from story and gameplay seem to be oddly paired, especially at first.”
“Instead, all you get is faux indie art (it's okay), story, and music with all of the worst gameplay elements of a crappy indie title (meaning all of them).”
- graphics10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the stylish art and vibrant colors reminiscent of LucasArts, while others find the flat, papier-mâché aesthetic and sharp lines to resemble cheap vector art. Overall, the visuals are described as cute but not particularly special, with a general consensus that they fit the puzzle platformer genre without standing out significantly.
“The art style is just *chef's kiss* and the colors are simply amazing.”
“The visuals are stylish in that LucasArts style, and the soundtrack ranges from calming to middling.”
“I expected a cute, little puzzle platformer and, in a way, it is (especially the graphics look cute).”
“The art style is a flat papier mache style, but coupled with the sharp, straight lines that comprise platforms, levels end up looking like cheap vector art.”
“Graphics are quite okay in my opinion, also nothing special.”
“I expected a cute, little puzzle platformer and, in a way, it is (especially the graphics look cute), but I expected a platformer where I could move myself, instead of the game moving the character for me.”
- music9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 22 % negative mentions
The music in the game is frequently praised for its exceptional quality, ranging from calming to beautiful, and is considered a highlight that enhances the overall experience. While some reviews note a mix of stylish visuals and interesting art, they also mention that the gameplay may not live up to the same standard. Overall, the soundtrack contributes significantly to the game's appeal, making it a pleasant experience for players.
“A bit strange but stylish game with amazing music and extremely interesting art.”
“Exceptional music and a really clean visual style make for a pleasant playing experience.”
“[the gorgeous art, a bittersweet, touching story, a beautiful soundtrack]”
“The soundtrack ranges from calming to middling.”
“Instead, all you get is faux indie art, story, and music with all of the worst gameplay elements of a crappy indie title.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is described as a mix of heartwarming and compelling storytelling, with moments that resonate more deeply as players progress. While some feel that the emotional impact is occasionally overshadowed by a lack of substance, others appreciate the beautiful art and soundtrack that enhance the bittersweet narrative. Overall, the game offers a touching experience that becomes increasingly engaging.
“Adorable and heartwarming.”
“It tells a compelling, powerfully emotional tale that becomes increasingly engaging the further in you get.”
“[the gorgeous art, a bittersweet, touching story, a beautiful soundtrack]”