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Lucid9: Inciting Incident similar games & best alternatives

Lucid9: Inciting Incident

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

Lucid9 is a visual novel focused on a web of intricate mysteries set in the fictional 2018 metropolis of Isamu. Lucid9: Inciting Incident is the first part of the story, focused on a string of disappearances that occur at a prestigious, uppity boarding academy.

Global score

90/100

Genres

Casual, Simulator, Free To Play, Visual Novel, Indie

Similar games

    Pros

    • Deep and engaging story
    • Well-developed characters
    • High production quality for a free game
    • Emotional and psychological depth
    • Challenging puzzles and multiple endings

    Cons

    • Some slow pacing early on
    • Linear overall narrative
    • Lack of voice acting (planned for future)
    • Art style inconsistent in some cgs
    • No true happy ending in current content

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Expression, Fellowship, Cooperation, Competition. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Intimacy, Value, Continuation.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players make meaningful choices affecting story outcomes and character interactions, though the overall story is linear."

    • Competence
      2

      "Players solve puzzles, quizzes, and deduction challenges that require thought and skill."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focus is on personal story progression and exploration without player-vs-player elements or rankings."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Many players report long play sessions and strong attachment, often binge-reading the entire novel."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience focused on individual narrative without multiplayer or teamwork."

    • Creativity
      1

      "Players explore different narrative branches and endings, but do not create or modify content."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are narrative-driven and equal."

    • Escapism
      5

      "Strong psychological and emotional immersion providing escape from real life through story and atmosphere."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation or external pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players try different choices and endings, exploring multiple narrative paths."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Discovering story secrets, character backgrounds, and hidden plot elements through choices."

    • Expression
      -4

      "Limited character customization; players experience preset characters and visuals."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Fictional setting with psychological thriller and mystery elements, some supernatural undertones."

    • Fellowship
      -5

      "Primarily a solitary experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop understanding of complex characters and story, enhancing critical thinking."

    • Health
      -5

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      -4

      "Requires focused attention and active reading; not suited for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Emotional connections with characters and narrative, though no real social bonding."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management roles; player follows narrative without directing others."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players unlock achievements, multiple endings, and story progression through choices."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Some moments of calm and humor, but overall tension and emotional intensity dominate."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Engaging music, art, and narrative evoke strong emotional and sensory responses."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social status or recognition mechanics; achievements are personal and private."

    • Story
      5

      "Highly narrative-driven with deep plot, character development, and emotional engagement."

    • Strategy
      2

      "Players solve puzzles and make logical deductions, but no complex strategic planning."

    • Thrill
      4

      "Psychological suspense, mystery, and emotional highs create a thrilling experience."

    • Value
      5

      "Exceptional content and quality for a free game, providing great return on time invested."

    • Violence
      4

      "Contains graphic and psychological violence as part of the story and themes."

    • Survival
      3

      "Themes of avoiding danger and uncovering threats are central to the narrative."

    Where to buy

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    Last update: 29/04/2026