Incandescent

Incandescent

Released Jun 2015

Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.

69% positive · 180 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

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Evaluation

Incandescent is a self-contained arcade action game that launched on June 30, 2015. The developer, Stephen Crabb, was transparent from early on that the original game's lessons would be carried forward into a sequel rather than patched into the original. As early as August 22, 2015, the developer stated he was focused on making a better follow-up game, and the August 30, 2017 patch notes for V1.2 reiterated that remaining issues would be addressed in Incandescent 2 rather than the original. Incandescent 2 launched on January 21, 2019, confirming the sequel was the intended vehicle for new ideas. The most recent update to this game was a minor bug fix patch (V1.3) on June 20, 2024, which cleaned up the main menu and improved Steam Deck compatibility — routine maintenance with no indication of new content. There are no unreleased DLC listings, no roadmap, and no announcements of future content. The game shipped as a complete, finished product and has been in maintenance-only mode for years.
Evidence
Incandescent 2 launched as a separate title, fulfilling the developer's stated plan to move new content and ideas to a sequel.
news post · Jan 21, 2019 source development ending
high
Developer states they cannot fix everything in the original game and will take feedback forward into Incandescent 2 instead.
news post · Aug 30, 2017 source development ending
high

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Stephen Crabb
Achievements
15
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Verified
Players
Single-player

About this game

Incandescent is a fast paced action arcade game that scales the difficulty to your skill level. The goal is simple, pilot your ship and defend yourself against waves of unique enemies and bosses. Different powerups will drop to help you with upgrades to your weapons and health.

Features:
- Each play through is different and tailored to your skill level.
- Addicting gameplay that you can't put down.
- Unique bosses to challenge you.
- You can use a controller or mouse and keyboard.
- Includes a scanline feature for a more authentic arcade experience.
- Supports 720p, 1080p and 1440p.
- Local leaderboard.
- Detailed stats screen at the end of the play through.

Are you ready to battle enemy ships and attain the highest score? Incandescent awaits!
Last evaluated Jun 27, 2026
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