LIFTED – An 80s-Style Time-Traveling Buddy Adventure

LIFTED is gearing up to launch on Steam, and it wears its 80s-movie inspiration proudly on its sleeve. Created by former Disney Imagineer Jeffrey Ashbrook, this cinematic puzzle-platformer follows slacker student Ari as he gets dragged into his professor’s reckless time-travel scheme — part treasure hunt, part love story, all played for laughs.

At a Glance:

  • Release Date: Jul 22, 2026
  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Indie
  • Platform: PC (Steam)
  • Cost: USD 19.99
  • Developer/Publisher: Adventure Works L.L.C.
  • Store Link: Get LIFTED on Steam →

The Story / Concept

Ari just wanted some extra credit. Instead, he’s now the reluctant sidekick in Professor Raventhorpe’s plan to win back his history-teacher crush — using a homemade elevator that also happens to be a time machine. Punch in a floor number, and you’re transported to that year in history; the professor nails the timing, but landing in the right place is still a work in progress. Expect ancient Egypt, pirate-infested Tortuga, and a rival tomb raider always one step behind.

Core Gameplay Features

Swing, climb, and puzzle — Classic adventure-game platforming with a modern feel.

  • Traverse historical eras with fluid movement and environmental puzzles
  • Steam Deck and controller support built in from the ground up

    Cinematic pacing — The game shifts gears when things get dangerous.

    • Slow, exploratory puzzle sections punctuated by high-speed chase sequences
    • Rival tomb raiders and the occasional avalanche keep the pressure on

      A fully voiced buddy comedy — Heart and humor over combat.

      • Voice acting from Joe Gaudet (Ari), Ray O’Hare (Professor Raventhorpe), and Evan Widjaja (Julius the chinchilla)
      • Family-friendly storytelling with zero violence, built for players of any age

        Who Is This For?

        LIFTED is aimed squarely at players who grew up on 80s adventure films and want to share that feeling with a new generation — or just enjoy it themselves. Its non-violent, puzzle-first design also makes it a strong pick for parents looking for something to play alongside younger kids.

        Pro Tip

        Try the free demo before launch — it covers the opening stretch of Ari’s adventure and gives a good sense of the platforming feel and puzzle pacing before you commit to the full game.

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