The Dream Machine: Chapter 1 & 2

by Cockroach Inc., The Sleeping Machine

The Developer Says...

The Dream Machine is an award-winning point & click adventure game about exploring other people's dreams. It's built by hand using materials such as clay, cardboard and broccoli.

Players Like...

❤ Gameplay Overview

You take on the role of Victor Neff, a man who discovers a mysterious "dream machine" in his new apartment building. The gameplay revolves around exploring the apartment complex, interacting with the eccentric residents, and solving puzzles to uncover the secrets behind the dream machine.

❤ Puzzle Solving

The game's puzzle design is a key strength. Puzzles range from straightforward object combinations to more complex, lateral thinking challenges. For example, some puzzles require you to enter the subconscious worlds of the apartment's residents and rearrange elements within their dreams. Reviewers praise these dream-based puzzles for their creativity and how they tie into the game's surreal, psychological themes. While the early chapters feature more approachable puzzles, later sections increase in difficulty. Some reviewers found these more complex challenges frustrating, but most agree the sense of accomplishment from solving them is very rewarding.

❤ Exploration and Interactivity

The apartment building is filled with highly detailed and immersive environments, created with a unique, tactile visual style using handcrafted clay and cardboard. Reviewers highlight the abundance of interactive elements that add to the sense of discovery, from examining a variety of objects to uncovering hidden secrets through thorough investigation. This exploratory aspect complements the game's mystery-driven narrative, as you piece together the building's history and the backstories of its residents through your interactions.

❤ Pacing and Player Agency

While the overall gameplay loop is well received, some reviewers note occasional pacing issues, particularly in the later chapters. The increasing complexity of puzzles and larger environments can lead to moments of tedium or frustration when players get stuck. However, the ability to adjust text and movement speeds helps mitigate these concerns. In terms of player agency, the game has a relatively linear story, with limited opportunities for branching choices or multiple endings. But the strong writing and thematic depth of the narrative are often cited as making up for this lack of overt player impact.

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