Lucid Dream is the story of little Lucy, who goes on an adventure into the world of dreams with the mission to save her mother.
Players praise the game's puzzles as both creative and challenging. Many reviewers highlight unique mechanics they've never seen in other adventure games, such as incorporating psychological elements or tackling metaphorical, dream-like logic. While some puzzles may require "suspension of disbelief," the game provides difficulty options to suit different skill levels. On the lower settings, generous hints make the puzzles more accessible, while the higher difficulties present complex, head-scratching challenges that reward logical thinking. Regardless of the setting, players consistently describe the puzzles as fair and satisfying to solve.
Alongside the puzzle-focused gameplay, the review highlight a strong sense of exploration and interactivity within the game's surreal, hand-drawn environments. Players can discover a vast array of nearly 200 collectible items and engage with a diverse cast of characters. This freedom to freely investigate the dreamlike worlds is praised as a key part of the overall experience.
Reviewers frequently comment on the tight integration between the gameplay and the game's underlying narrative and thematic elements. The puzzles are often described as metaphorical or symbolic, reflecting the surreal nature of the environments and the protagonist's psychological journey. Solving these challenges becomes not just a gameplay task, but a means of progressing the story and uncovering deeper meaning.