
Dreamcore
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Adventure, FPP, horror, indie games, exploration games, singleplayer
Steam
A first-person adventure game with clear focus on exploration, using the "found footage" filter and meant as a psychological horror. Dreamcore has us exploring various disturbing locations featured as liminal spaces. Our main goal is always the same - to find the exit and escape in one piece. The game runs on Unreal Engine 5.
Dreamcore is an exploratory adventure game, set in the atmosphere of psychological horror. The game is the debut project of the independent studio Montraluz from Argentina.
Gameplay
In Dreamcore the action was shown from a first-person perspective (FPP). We traverse so-called liminal spaces, which are unsettling, empty locations that should be teeming with life. The adventure leads us through locations such as Dreampools or a residential area of single-family houses called Eternal Suburbia. The studio responsible for this game declared before its debut that new levels would be gradually added after the premiere.
Individual maps have an open structure, which allows us to explore them in our own way and at our own pace. They constitute a kind of ingeniously designed labyrinths, each of which is governed by its own logic. Our primary goal in each of them is to find a way out.
Graphics
Dreamcore uses Unreal Engine 5. A grainy filter was applied to the game's graphics, making it resemble VHS movies and the "found footage" aesthetic. We are talking about a film technique that uses materials stylized as amateur recordings showing disturbing events or mysterious phenomena.
Videos and Screens
[0:57] Dreamcore - Trailer #1
The main pros of the game
- Atmosphere and Visuals: The game excels in creating a surreal and unsettling atmosphere, with impressive graphics that enhance the dreamlike quality of the liminal spaces. The environments are often described as beautiful and immersive, contributing to a strong sense of unease and nostalgia.
- Exploration and Level Design: Players appreciate the vast, maze-like levels that encourage exploration. The non-linear design allows for a feeling of being lost, which many find engaging and reflective of the liminal space theme. The two levels currently available (Dreampools and Eternal Suburbia) are noted for their size and complexity.
- Unique Experience: Unlike many horror games, Dreamcore does not rely on jump scares or monsters, which appeals to players looking for a psychological experience rather than traditional horror. The game focuses on exploration and the feelings evoked by the environment.
The main cons of the game
- Repetitiveness: Some players find the environments to be monotonous, particularly in the Eternal Suburbia level, which features many identical houses and lacks engaging details. This can lead to feelings of boredom during exploration.
- Lack of Gameplay Variety: Many reviews mention the absence of puzzles, threats, or objectives beyond wandering, which can make the experience feel aimless and tedious over time. This lack of interactive elements is a common criticism.
- Current Content Limitations: With only two levels available at launch, some players feel the game is not worth the current price until more content is added. The game is perceived as being in an incomplete state, leading to concerns about its value.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Interactive Elements: Players desire more gameplay mechanics, such as puzzles, tasks, or lore to discover, which would enhance engagement and provide a sense of purpose during exploration.
- Dynamic Elements: There is a call for the inclusion of ambient sounds, subtle threats, or hints of lurking dangers to increase tension and maintain player interest.
- More Levels and Content: Many reviewers express a strong desire for additional levels and content to be released, as the current offering feels limited. They hope future updates will expand the gameplay experience significantly.
Summary
- Overall, while Dreamcore has received praise for its atmosphere and unique take on the liminal space genre, it faces criticism for its repetitive gameplay and lack of engaging content, leading to mixed feelings among players.
Summary generated on:
Dreamcore Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X/S
Developer: Montraluz
Publisher: Tlön Industries
Age restrictions: 16+
Dreamcore System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: (30-40 fps, 1080p) Intel Core i5-4460 2.7 GHz / AMD FX-6300 3.5 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 760, 7 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: (60-70 fps, 1080p) Intel Core i7 3770 3.4 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 3 GB GeForce GTX 1060, 7 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit