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This thread has been linked to the game 'Lucidity'.
A quick flick through the dictionary will define Lucidity simply as “clarity; free from obstruction and easy to understand”. Such a definition, when taken to describe LucasArt's puzzle/platformer of the same name, is far more accurate than you may first imagine. A downloadable game, released on both Windows and XBOX Live Arcade; Lucidity is as lovable as it is imperfect. Still, it's artistic world and inspiring themes make an experience which; whilst not for everyone; is difficult not to admire.
Protagonist Sofi is a little girl who is lost in the mourning of her late Grandmother. She drifts to sleep, and enters a string of lucid and memory-filled dreams. Sofi herself is not controllable; she automatically walks in an endless passage to the right-hand end of the screen. Instead, you control a selection of Tetris-like objects which are dropped onto the environment to guide her along. It starts out simple enough; positioning steps or planks of wood as to climb up surfaces and avoid enemies. It soon becomes tricky however, with the randomly generated objects and large levels leading to many an unfortunate end. Still, for the first few levels at least, it is remarkably rewarding; reaching collectible fireflies and watching as Sofi reaches the end, discovering the postcards which tell the story of the game.
It's a minimalistic yet symbolism-laden plot, based entirely on the journey of a child as she accepts the loss of her loved Grandmother. It's never intrusive, and is more of a singular theme than fully fledged storyline; but it remains engaging in it's own right. Levels are introduced by watercolour drawings and lines of text from Sofi's diary; telling of memories she had with her Grandmother on the farm where she lived. These memories form the basis of the levels; the imaginings of a child at play transformed into backdrops for our game to take place in. At the end of each level, a small postbox is stood, and with it a singular postcard; written with text from the perspective of her Grandmother. The narrative is unessential; not needed to enjoy the core of the game; but it's also an entity which is rife with interpretation; touched with moments of genuine poignancy. Ultimately, it's an original take on the theme of loss; and Sofi's quest to make her grief more 'easy to understand' is something which is hard not to be interested in.
Regrettably, the hypnotic allure of the opening levels is quickly lost as the learning curve increases. As levels become larger and harder, the randomly generated objects are often not what you need to succeed. There is an option to 'hold' the current object, placing it in reserve and allowing others to come to the front; but it doesn't always offer help. However, using the items with a degree of tact can successfully avoid most of these flaws, such as using fans to keep Sofi afloat, or positioning planks as to make your own steps. For the most part, the rewards of finishing a difficult level outweigh the annoyance of trail-and-error; though the lack of mid-level checkpoints is an unnecessary discomfort. Still, Lucidity is a game of hidden challenges; it's initially simple mechanics are quickly intensified so that your job of keeping Sofi 'free from obstruction' is as formidable as it is fulfilling.
Thankfully, the range of levels to puzzle through are a varied and colourful selection of landscapes. The art style is a wonderful achievement; pastel backdrops of story-book visions with the lighting and surreality you'd expect from a child's dream. It's one of game's main allures; guiding Sofi, who herself looks like Little Red Riding Hood, through the symbolism drenched murals of her emerging grief and sorrow. It's smooth and almost poetic looking; and importantly reminiscent of the Indie games movement from which Lucidity takes obvious inspiration.
This is non truer than in the sound department; a realisation which will hit you as soon as you start-up the game. On the title screen, a haunting rendition of the Swedish lullaby 'Byssan Lull' is your first greeting, a song which more than sums up the game with it's eerie, somniferous wording. In-game, the music is just as fetching, and whilst less memorable than the title screen, gives the same feeling of Indie-flavour and wistful fairytale. Everything goes together with ease; from the background ambience from trees and animals, to the chimes and sparkles which sound as you lay the objects. It's nothing stand-out or even high quality, but it compliments the world and gameplay with it's dreamy melodies and jingling effects.
Ultimately, Lucidity is an original, aesthetically charming game who's unfortunate flaws prevent it from being something more. It's clearly an experiment; though one which is memorable and rewarding in it's own way. It's well worth taking the journey, if only to see that with a bit more 'clarity', Lucidity could easily have sat beside Braid.
7/10
Protagonist Sofi is a little girl who is lost in the mourning of her late Grandmother. She drifts to sleep, and enters a string of lucid and memory-filled dreams. Sofi herself is not controllable; she automatically walks in an endless passage to the right-hand end of the screen. Instead, you control a selection of Tetris-like objects which are dropped onto the environment to guide her along. It starts out simple enough; positioning steps or planks of wood as to climb up surfaces and avoid enemies. It soon becomes tricky however, with the randomly generated objects and large levels leading to many an unfortunate end. Still, for the first few levels at least, it is remarkably rewarding; reaching collectible fireflies and watching as Sofi reaches the end, discovering the postcards which tell the story of the game.
It's a minimalistic yet symbolism-laden plot, based entirely on the journey of a child as she accepts the loss of her loved Grandmother. It's never intrusive, and is more of a singular theme than fully fledged storyline; but it remains engaging in it's own right. Levels are introduced by watercolour drawings and lines of text from Sofi's diary; telling of memories she had with her Grandmother on the farm where she lived. These memories form the basis of the levels; the imaginings of a child at play transformed into backdrops for our game to take place in. At the end of each level, a small postbox is stood, and with it a singular postcard; written with text from the perspective of her Grandmother. The narrative is unessential; not needed to enjoy the core of the game; but it's also an entity which is rife with interpretation; touched with moments of genuine poignancy. Ultimately, it's an original take on the theme of loss; and Sofi's quest to make her grief more 'easy to understand' is something which is hard not to be interested in.
Regrettably, the hypnotic allure of the opening levels is quickly lost as the learning curve increases. As levels become larger and harder, the randomly generated objects are often not what you need to succeed. There is an option to 'hold' the current object, placing it in reserve and allowing others to come to the front; but it doesn't always offer help. However, using the items with a degree of tact can successfully avoid most of these flaws, such as using fans to keep Sofi afloat, or positioning planks as to make your own steps. For the most part, the rewards of finishing a difficult level outweigh the annoyance of trail-and-error; though the lack of mid-level checkpoints is an unnecessary discomfort. Still, Lucidity is a game of hidden challenges; it's initially simple mechanics are quickly intensified so that your job of keeping Sofi 'free from obstruction' is as formidable as it is fulfilling.
Thankfully, the range of levels to puzzle through are a varied and colourful selection of landscapes. The art style is a wonderful achievement; pastel backdrops of story-book visions with the lighting and surreality you'd expect from a child's dream. It's one of game's main allures; guiding Sofi, who herself looks like Little Red Riding Hood, through the symbolism drenched murals of her emerging grief and sorrow. It's smooth and almost poetic looking; and importantly reminiscent of the Indie games movement from which Lucidity takes obvious inspiration.
This is non truer than in the sound department; a realisation which will hit you as soon as you start-up the game. On the title screen, a haunting rendition of the Swedish lullaby 'Byssan Lull' is your first greeting, a song which more than sums up the game with it's eerie, somniferous wording. In-game, the music is just as fetching, and whilst less memorable than the title screen, gives the same feeling of Indie-flavour and wistful fairytale. Everything goes together with ease; from the background ambience from trees and animals, to the chimes and sparkles which sound as you lay the objects. It's nothing stand-out or even high quality, but it compliments the world and gameplay with it's dreamy melodies and jingling effects.
Ultimately, Lucidity is an original, aesthetically charming game who's unfortunate flaws prevent it from being something more. It's clearly an experiment; though one which is memorable and rewarding in it's own way. It's well worth taking the journey, if only to see that with a bit more 'clarity', Lucidity could easily have sat beside Braid.
7/10
Excellent work, I really enjoy reading your reviews. Lucidity wasn't quite 'there' for me, at least in demo form, and your review has convinced me I was right to not take the plunge.
A quick flick through the dictionary will define Lucidity simply as “clarity; free from obstruction and easy to understand”. Such a definition, when taken to describe LucasArt's puzzle/platformer of the same name, is far more accurate than you may first imagine. A downloadable game, released on both Windows and XBOX Live Arcade; Lucidity is as lovable as it is imperfect. Still, it's artistic world and inspiring themes make an experience which; whilst not for everyone; is difficult not to admire.
Protagonist Sofi is a little girl who is lost in the mourning of her late Grandmother. She drifts to sleep, and enters a string of lucid and memory-filled dreams. Sofi herself is not controllable; she automatically walks in an endless passage to the right-hand end of the screen. Instead, you control a selection of Tetris-like objects which are dropped onto the environment to guide her along. It starts out simple enough; positioning steps or planks of wood as to climb up surfaces and avoid enemies. It soon becomes tricky however, with the randomly generated objects and large levels leading to many an unfortunate end. Still, for the first few levels at least, it is remarkably rewarding; reaching collectible fireflies and watching as Sofi reaches the end, discovering the postcards which tell the story of the game.
It's a minimalistic yet symbolism-laden plot, based entirely on the journey of a child as she accepts the loss of her loved Grandmother. It's never intrusive, and is more of a singular theme than fully fledged storyline; but it remains engaging in it's own right. Levels are introduced by watercolour drawings and lines of text from Sofi's diary; telling of memories she had with her Grandmother on the farm where she lived. These memories form the basis of the levels; the imaginings of a child at play transformed into backdrops for our game to take place in. At the end of each level, a small postbox is stood, and with it a singular postcard; written with text from the perspective of her Grandmother. The narrative is unessential; not needed to enjoy the core of the game; but it's also an entity which is rife with interpretation; touched with moments of genuine poignancy. Ultimately, it's an original take on the theme of loss; and Sofi's quest to make her grief more 'easy to understand' is something which is hard not to be interested in.
Regrettably, the hypnotic allure of the opening levels is quickly lost as the learning curve increases. As levels become larger and harder, the randomly generated objects are often not what you need to succeed. There is an option to 'hold' the current object, placing it in reserve and allowing others to come to the front; but it doesn't always offer help. However, using the items with a degree of tact can successfully avoid most of these flaws, such as using fans to keep Sofi afloat, or positioning planks as to make your own steps. For the most part, the rewards of finishing a difficult level outweigh the annoyance of trail-and-error; though the lack of mid-level checkpoints is an unnecessary discomfort. Still, Lucidity is a game of hidden challenges; it's initially simple mechanics are quickly intensified so that your job of keeping Sofi 'free from obstruction' is as formidable as it is fulfilling.
Thankfully, the range of levels to puzzle through are a varied and colourful selection of landscapes. The art style is a wonderful achievement; pastel backdrops of story-book visions with the lighting and surreality you'd expect from a child's dream. It's one of game's main allures; guiding Sofi, who herself looks like Little Red Riding Hood, through the symbolism drenched murals of her emerging grief and sorrow. It's smooth and almost poetic looking; and importantly reminiscent of the Indie games movement from which Lucidity takes obvious inspiration.
This is non truer than in the sound department; a realisation which will hit you as soon as you start-up the game. On the title screen, a haunting rendition of the Swedish lullaby 'Byssan Lull' is your first greeting, a song which more than sums up the game with it's eerie, somniferous wording. In-game, the music is just as fetching, and whilst less memorable than the title screen, gives the same feeling of Indie-flavour and wistful fairytale. Everything goes together with ease; from the background ambience from trees and animals, to the chimes and sparkles which sound as you lay the objects. It's nothing stand-out or even high quality, but it compliments the world and gameplay with it's dreamy melodies and jingling effects.
Ultimately, Lucidity is an original, aesthetically charming game who's unfortunate flaws prevent it from being something more. It's clearly an experiment; though one which is memorable and rewarding in it's own way. It's well worth taking the journey, if only to see that with a bit more 'clarity', Lucidity could easily have sat beside Braid.
7/10
Protagonist Sofi is a little girl who is lost in the mourning of her late Grandmother. She drifts to sleep, and enters a string of lucid and memory-filled dreams. Sofi herself is not controllable; she automatically walks in an endless passage to the right-hand end of the screen. Instead, you control a selection of Tetris-like objects which are dropped onto the environment to guide her along. It starts out simple enough; positioning steps or planks of wood as to climb up surfaces and avoid enemies. It soon becomes tricky however, with the randomly generated objects and large levels leading to many an unfortunate end. Still, for the first few levels at least, it is remarkably rewarding; reaching collectible fireflies and watching as Sofi reaches the end, discovering the postcards which tell the story of the game.
It's a minimalistic yet symbolism-laden plot, based entirely on the journey of a child as she accepts the loss of her loved Grandmother. It's never intrusive, and is more of a singular theme than fully fledged storyline; but it remains engaging in it's own right. Levels are introduced by watercolour drawings and lines of text from Sofi's diary; telling of memories she had with her Grandmother on the farm where she lived. These memories form the basis of the levels; the imaginings of a child at play transformed into backdrops for our game to take place in. At the end of each level, a small postbox is stood, and with it a singular postcard; written with text from the perspective of her Grandmother. The narrative is unessential; not needed to enjoy the core of the game; but it's also an entity which is rife with interpretation; touched with moments of genuine poignancy. Ultimately, it's an original take on the theme of loss; and Sofi's quest to make her grief more 'easy to understand' is something which is hard not to be interested in.
Regrettably, the hypnotic allure of the opening levels is quickly lost as the learning curve increases. As levels become larger and harder, the randomly generated objects are often not what you need to succeed. There is an option to 'hold' the current object, placing it in reserve and allowing others to come to the front; but it doesn't always offer help. However, using the items with a degree of tact can successfully avoid most of these flaws, such as using fans to keep Sofi afloat, or positioning planks as to make your own steps. For the most part, the rewards of finishing a difficult level outweigh the annoyance of trail-and-error; though the lack of mid-level checkpoints is an unnecessary discomfort. Still, Lucidity is a game of hidden challenges; it's initially simple mechanics are quickly intensified so that your job of keeping Sofi 'free from obstruction' is as formidable as it is fulfilling.
Thankfully, the range of levels to puzzle through are a varied and colourful selection of landscapes. The art style is a wonderful achievement; pastel backdrops of story-book visions with the lighting and surreality you'd expect from a child's dream. It's one of game's main allures; guiding Sofi, who herself looks like Little Red Riding Hood, through the symbolism drenched murals of her emerging grief and sorrow. It's smooth and almost poetic looking; and importantly reminiscent of the Indie games movement from which Lucidity takes obvious inspiration.
This is non truer than in the sound department; a realisation which will hit you as soon as you start-up the game. On the title screen, a haunting rendition of the Swedish lullaby 'Byssan Lull' is your first greeting, a song which more than sums up the game with it's eerie, somniferous wording. In-game, the music is just as fetching, and whilst less memorable than the title screen, gives the same feeling of Indie-flavour and wistful fairytale. Everything goes together with ease; from the background ambience from trees and animals, to the chimes and sparkles which sound as you lay the objects. It's nothing stand-out or even high quality, but it compliments the world and gameplay with it's dreamy melodies and jingling effects.
Ultimately, Lucidity is an original, aesthetically charming game who's unfortunate flaws prevent it from being something more. It's clearly an experiment; though one which is memorable and rewarding in it's own way. It's well worth taking the journey, if only to see that with a bit more 'clarity', Lucidity could easily have sat beside Braid.
7/10