There’s something poetic about the indie developer who looks at a void and decides to fill it themselves. That’s exactly what Carlcadium did with LIQUID LUNGS, a first-person parkour action game that arrives like a love letter to everyone still waiting for EA to remember Mirror’s Edge exists.
The story writes itself, really. Faith Connors hasn’t had a proper adventure since 2016’s Mirror’s Edge Catalyst, and despite the cult following and passionate fanbase, EA seems content to let the franchise gather dust. So Carlcadium stepped up to the plate, crafting what might be the Mirror’s Edge spiritual successor fans deserve.
The gaming community is clearly hungry for this kind of experience. When word spread about LIQUID LUNGS, the response was immediate and enthusiastic.
“This is what happens when indie devs get fed up waiting for EA to make another Mirror’s Edge game! First person parkour action in LIQUID LUNGS!” — @gameralphabeta
With over 2,500 likes and hundreds of retweets, that sentiment clearly struck a chord. The tweet captures something bigger than just excitement for a new game — it’s the satisfaction of seeing someone take action when the big players won’t.
Of course, stepping into Mirror’s Edge’s shadow comes with risks. The original games weren’t just about parkour mechanics; they were about Faith’s journey, the sterile dystopian world, and that distinctive visual style that made every rooftop feel like poetry in motion. Can an indie developer capture that same magic?
There’s also the question of expectations. When you position yourself as the alternative to a beloved franchise, you inherit all the passionate opinions that come with it. Mirror’s Edge fans are protective of what they love, and they’ll notice if the flow doesn’t feel right or if the movement lacks that weightless grace that made Faith’s runs so special.
Some might worry about whether LIQUID LUNGS can deliver the same emotional connection. After all, Mirror’s Edge wasn’t just about jumping between buildings — it was about freedom, rebellion, and finding your own path in a world that wanted to control every step you took.
The bigger picture here tells a story that’s becoming more common in gaming. It’s the tale of indie developers who grew up loving certain games and got tired of waiting for sequels that might never come. We’ve seen it with spiritual successors to classics like Banjo-Kazooie, Silent Hill, and countless others.
Carlcadium represents a new generation of developers who understand that sometimes you have to create the games you want to play. There’s something beautifully rebellious about that — much like Faith herself, actually. Instead of waiting for permission from corporate gatekeepers, they’re charting their own course.
This trend speaks to a shift in gaming culture too. Players are increasingly looking beyond the big publishers for fresh experiences. They’re willing to support indie developers who show passion and vision, especially when those developers are filling gaps that AAA studios have abandoned.
LIQUID LUNGS also arrives at a time when parkour games feel fresh again. The movement mechanics that once seemed niche have influenced everything from Titanfall to Dying Light. There’s a whole generation of players who understand the joy of fluid movement, and they’re hungry for games that make it the star of the show.
The cultural moment feels right too. In a world where we’re all feeling a bit constrained, there’s something appealing about games that let us run free across rooftops, finding our own path through urban landscapes. It’s digital escapism at its most literal.
So what’s next for LIQUID LUNGS and its ambitious developer? The Steam launch is just the beginning of the story. If Carlcadium can capture even a fraction of Mirror’s Edge’s magic while adding their own unique voice, they might have something special on their hands.
The real test will be in how the game feels to play. Parkour games live or die by their movement systems, and players will know within minutes whether LIQUID LUNGS has that essential flow that makes you want to run forever.
If it succeeds, LIQUID LUNGS could inspire other developers to tackle neglected franchises and forgotten genres. Sometimes the best way to get the sequel you want is to make it yourself — or at least, make something that captures the same spirit.
For now, Mirror’s Edge fans have something new to run toward, and that alone feels like a victory worth celebrating.
