Like Pools and Liminalcore before it, Dreamcore is an unsettling exploration of liminal spaces.
I know it’s a bit of a cop-out in reviewing terms, but I’m going to go ahead and drop the cliché. If you like other liminal space exploration games, you’ll like Dreamcore. It hits all the usual hallmarks and does a solid job representing this odd subgenre. Whilst I have a reservation about one area of the game, fans won’t have much to complain about if they pick this up. There’s even a demo if you want to try before you buy. If you aren’t so familiar with the genre, or you’re wondering what my concern is, then read on intrepid explorer!
Much like other games of its ilk, Dreamcore has you lost in a bizarre liminal space with the sole objective of finding your way out. You see the world through your character’s body-cam, giving the game an eerie found-footage motif that also applies an 80s VHS style filter. It looks interesting, and whilst the head-bobbing was a bit off-putting at first, I got used to it quickly and found it added to the immersion, feeling as though I was being pursued in spite of there being no actual threats. I can be switched off in the menu of course, for those prone to motion sickness.
As I said, you’re lost in these places, and in real terms there isn’t an obvious path to take. Dreamcore is about the sensation of being lost in these off-feeling environments. Whilst there are some hints about where you should go, they aren’t explicit and you’ll need to work out what the game wants from you. No spoilers here, but the first stage, The Dreampools, is a little more obvious than Eternal Suburbia once you spot it.
You’ll really get that feeling of being lost too, as huge swathes of these levels feel and look very similar. Once you have your bearings, it becomes easier to navigate, and the fact the maps aren’t randomly generated helps with your explorations. But, one pool room may well look almost exactly like another, and it’s only by being lost for an extended period that you’ll realise when you’ve gone in a big circle. If you’re easily frustrated or hate mazes, this is not for you.
Eternal Suburbia is a little trickier here, as paths are broken up by houses that you need to pass through, you may be able to spot where you want to go, but if the next house you reach doesn’t have an exit going in that direction, then you’ll need to find another path entirely. I found this area more pleasant than The Dreampools, although the sun going down at one point threw me to the point I was worried something scary was about to happen.
Both areas have their charms and unsettling moments, and they have multiple ways out too, meaning your exploration can pay off if you’re diligent. The problem I have is that there are currently only two stages. In itself, this isn’t all bad, but there’s a promise of three more being added by 2026 whilst this is being sold as a full release. It’s not a demo or Early Access, so you’re purchasing a full product on the idea that you’ll get the full product further down the line without even the proviso of Early Access. I’m not for a moment implying that the devs won’t come through with the rest of the game, but some may object to not being given the full release when that’s what’s sold to them.
With that aside, this is a solid liminal space game that makes good use of its art style to give a faux realistic look. The echoey sounds and use of directional audio really sell the space when using headphones. If you’re after another offering in this niche area, then there are worse options than Dreamcore, just be aware that a large portion of the game isn’t there yet.
