Dreamscaper

 Switch
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 3 out of 13

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  1. Terrax
    Aug 14, 2021
    8
    Don't get me wrong, this game isn't bad, but it pales compared to something like Hades. Also as a queer woman with clinical depression I'd expect to resonate more with the plot, but the story is relatively shallow and if you play on a hard difficulty you'll probably max out your social bonds relatively quick leaving you nothing else to do with these NPCs for the rest of the duration of theDon't get me wrong, this game isn't bad, but it pales compared to something like Hades. Also as a queer woman with clinical depression I'd expect to resonate more with the plot, but the story is relatively shallow and if you play on a hard difficulty you'll probably max out your social bonds relatively quick leaving you nothing else to do with these NPCs for the rest of the duration of the game. It is a really gamified social system that isn't really immersive.

    The saving grace here is that the gameplay is actually rather good, and it has really refined the rouge-lite experience with quality of life features and secret room hints that make your runs feel much more like you're in control.

    The only downside I have with gameplay is that for certain enemies there are sound cues to hint when to parry or dodge, but they feel too little too late. Half the time I feel like I'm being led by a false cue and just getting pounded into the dirt by the same nonunique enemy's normal attacks. It can be very irritating.

    If you come in expecting just a rouge-lite however and eschew any hope for a revelatory narrative about actually living with a serious chemical mental health condition you might sate yourself on the well balanced gameplay and bevy of options that all feel conditionally viable.    … Expand
  2. Ekon
    Feb 26, 2022
    9
    Both Dreamscaper and Hades are available on Game Pass and both critics and users seem to believe there are similarities. However, Dreamscaper has a completely different feel to it that puts it in a class by itself. The game has great beauty and each level is divided into cubes, some of which are friendly and helpful and others which contain nitemarish enemies. You will die many times,Both Dreamscaper and Hades are available on Game Pass and both critics and users seem to believe there are similarities. However, Dreamscaper has a completely different feel to it that puts it in a class by itself. The game has great beauty and each level is divided into cubes, some of which are friendly and helpful and others which contain nitemarish enemies. You will die many times, especially in the early going when Cassidy's powers are just emerging. When she's awake, Cassidy will develop relationships with about seven people, each of which will bolster various powers at her disposal. These relationships are amazingly deep that involve complex discussions on many things. Alison, Eve and Fernando bolster Lucid, Ranged and Defensive abilities, so I concentrated on them first, but everyone is important. It took me awhile to grasp the deeply layered elements of this game and I never understood everything. There is immense satisfaction every time you defeat a boss for the first time and there are six levels altogether. Be advised that gifts must be given to the right person, so I suggest you look up the chart that will help you with this. Keepsakes are a huge help and one, the 'Firebird' gives you an extra life. I had good success with Telekinesis (a ranged weapon in which you hurl huge rocks at enemies) especially late in the game. Enhance it at the Hammer and Anvil cube as well as your armor, which should be over a hundred to fight the last boss. I hope you enjoy this game as much as I did.… Expand
  3. NindieSpotlight
    Dec 17, 2021
    7
    As a bit of a roguelike action/shooter junkie I’m always fascinated to see new titles come into the fold that are determined to do things their own unique way. As you may have guessed, Dreamscaper does just that, and it does so on numerous levels which include its dreamy and ethereal look, and its surprising attempts to build more of a world than the norm with some rich characterAs a bit of a roguelike action/shooter junkie I’m always fascinated to see new titles come into the fold that are determined to do things their own unique way. As you may have guessed, Dreamscaper does just that, and it does so on numerous levels which include its dreamy and ethereal look, and its surprising attempts to build more of a world than the norm with some rich character development. This all helps to set it apart, for sure, but unfortunately I’d say not always in positive ways. The visual style of the stages is really cool, no doubt, but too often I found that the sparkly nature of things was confusing. Is that something I’m supposed to pick up, a visual cue for something I should be concerned about, or just random sparkles? Far too often, and even after playing the game for a bit, I found myself wondering that and, wasting time on nothing, being sure to try to check anything sparkling out. While the character interactions provide flavor, and I’d think games like Hades would inspire this approach, getting around feels slower and more cumbersome, the conversations not as engaging, and the fruits for your time spent less rewarding. There are glimpses of greatness here, and if you’re a sucker for a cool visual style you’ll likely have fun with it, but it’s not as easy to recommend as some of its peers, though with some tightening up and patching it could get closer to the mark.

    https://www.nindiespotlight.com/2021/08/mini-reviews-august-5th-edition.html    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best Switch Game of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Nintendo Life
    Jan 6, 2022
    80
    Dreamscaper really is rather good; this is a game that certainly deserves more attention than it’s received. What it lacks in originality, it makes up for in heart. A surprisingly emotional story, rewarding progression system, snappy combat, and painterly visuals make for an experience that we’d suggest you give a serious look.
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  2. Gaming Age
    Nov 18, 2021
    75
    Dreamscaper is absolutely gorgeous. As befits a game that takes place in dreams — where you go to battle the monsters of sadness and loss — the whole thing has a dreamlike quality, with the edges of each room barely sketched in. In fact, even when the heroine is awake, the game still retains a half-awake, otherworldly feeling thanks to its graphics. Yet, despite all these good qualities, I still can’t get into Dreamscaper. But, because of all these good qualities, I totally get why others might be able to. It’s not my cup of tea, but if you like a well-made roguelike, it’s very likely that it will be yours.
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  3. Digital Chumps
    Sep 28, 2021
    90
    Dreamscaper is an exceptionally heartfelt, engaging roguelike. By offering up a gameplay loop that hopes to fuel a deeper narrative, players may find that the game is one of the rare instances of synergy in the genre. Using a smart upgrade system to fuel its weighty, acrobatic combat, Dreamscaper so frequently punches above its weight. For those who get lost in ever-engaging loops, this one is for you.
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