Dreamcore: The Review

*Note: Updated in June 2025 in an effort to remove AI-generated content from the blog.

Overview

Dreamcore is an atmospheric yet simple exploration of some of the internet's most recent horror tropes. Both levels we played in the review period, felt under-cooked and uninspired making us wanting to spend our time playing other recreations of these famous horror tales.

Score: 5.5 out of 10

The Experience 🎮

Level 1 (Dreampools) 🌊 - Dreampools is another take on the "backrooms" formula, one that unfortunately doesn't shine in this new iteration. The puzzle that takes place during the first half of the level is probably the highlight of the entire game, as it requires the player to be in a constant "focus" mode to solve it. It shows that the developers do know how to make these worlds shine with clever puzzles, so it ends up being a bit disappointing that this is really the only puzzle of its kind during these two initial levels. The rest of the level just feels overly basic, as it doesn't include more challenges like the one shown at the start of the level, and instead makes the player simply walk slowly to the end.

Level 2 (Eternal Suburbia) 🏘️ - Eternal Suburbia does feature a setting that had more potential to shine, however, the lack of puzzles in this level makes it feel like a long walk to the finish line. The first part of the level features a maze set in a massive suburban neighborhood where you have to find your way to a water tower that is visible from anywhere on the map. This part of the level is essentially a matter of luck, as you keep entering and leaving houses, hoping to be a tiny bit closer to the tower. The second part of the level introduces a cool little wrinkle, as players will face one of two challenges depending on where they headed after reaching the water tower. This creates replay value for this level, which is always a plus. However, the second part of the level is yet another maze with a randomness effect that could make you finish the level in a couple of minutes or in an hour; it simply lacks thoughtful design.

Our review for Level 3 (Playrooms) 🎲 is available now!