Dreamcore

Dreamcore exists in an awkward spot. As an artistic interpretation of abstract liminal spaces, it succeeds without question. The environments are huge and detailed and contain some genuinely emotive design elements that pair well with the visual filters. However, as a game, it leaves a lot to be desired, and there just isn't a terribly high amount of content right now. Dreamcore is a fine title to pick up for those happy to treat it as a walking simulator and enjoy the artistry of its design, but those looking for more satisfying puzzles or specific direction will likely want to look elsewhere.

Dreamcore is a game that should be appreciated for its premise and is primarily intended for those specifically interested in this type of experience. Action game enthusiasts will likely find themselves bored navigating the seemingly endless labyrinths from one liminal space to the next. The effort involved in capturing the concept of the liminal and bringing the Backrooms to 'life' through this game clearly shows dedication and love from a creator who understands their product and cares deeply about the outcome. The level design is remarkable, and the task of programming it must have been nothing short of titanic for a single person.

With only two of five planned Backrooms-inspired liminal spaces to explore, Dreamcore tries so hard to avoid stimulating the player that playing it feels less like an experience and more like a chore to navigate its endlessly maze-like environments.

This is a game that embraces a zeitgeist aesthetic without adding any depth or tension to its world to keep you engaged. For it to work, surrealism needs to explore the unexpected and irrational as well as offering a dreamlike state, Dreamcore does one of the three, and so feels like style over substance.