Dreamcore – Review

Dreamcore is an ambitious and visually striking exploration game that attempts to capture the unsettling beauty and eerie atmosphere of “liminal spaces.” These are spaces that exist in the margins of our everyday lives – empty shopping malls, abandoned office buildings, forgotten playgrounds – places that feel both familiar and profoundly uncanny.

A Feast for the Eyes:

The game’s greatest strength undoubtedly lies in its visual presentation. Dreamcore is a feast for the eyes, a mesmerizing blend of photorealism and surrealism. The developers have masterfully captured the unsettling aesthetics of liminal spaces, with a focus on subtle details: the flickering fluorescent lights, the worn-out carpets, the echoing sounds of distant footsteps. The game’s visual style is further enhanced by a VHS-like filter, adding a layer of grainy nostalgia and contributing to the overall dreamlike atmosphere.

Two Sides of the Coin:

Dreamcore currently features two distinct levels: “Dreampools” and “Eternal Suburbia.”

• Dreampools: This level is a labyrinthine network of interconnected pools and underwater passages. The atmosphere is eerie and claustrophobic, with the player navigating a series of interconnected rooms that often feel identical. While the level design can be confusing at times, it effectively evokes a sense of disorientation and unease.

• Eternal Suburbia: This level takes place in a seemingly endless suburban landscape of identical houses and rolling green hills. The atmosphere here is more unsettling than claustrophobic, with a pervasive sense of emptiness and isolation. However, the level can feel repetitive and lack the same level of visual intrigue as Dreampools.

Gameplay and Pacing:

Dreamcore is primarily an exploration-focused game. Players navigate the environments at a leisurely pace, observing their surroundings and attempting to find their way through the labyrinthine structures. While the game offers a unique and atmospheric experience, the gameplay itself can feel somewhat repetitive and lack depth.

A Work in Progress:

It’s important to note that Dreamcore is still in its early stages of development. The developers have plans to add more levels in the future, which could significantly expand the game’s replayability and provide a more varied experience.

Overall:

Dreamcore is a visually stunning and atmospheric exploration game that successfully captures the unsettling beauty of liminal spaces. While the current build suffers from some pacing issues and a lack of gameplay variety, the game’s unique aesthetic and immersive atmosphere make it a promising and intriguing experience.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Key Takeaways:

• Visually Stunning: Dreamcore is a visual masterpiece, with a unique blend of photorealism and surrealism that perfectly captures the unsettling aesthetics of liminal spaces.
• Atmospheric and Eerie: The game effectively creates a sense of unease and disorientation, immersing players in a dreamlike and unsettling atmosphere.
• Gameplay Needs Depth: While the exploration is engaging, the current gameplay loop can feel repetitive and lack depth.
• High Potential: With the addition of more levels and potential gameplay enhancements, Dreamcore has the potential to become a truly unique and unforgettable experience.