Afterdream
- September 28, 2023
- Jesse Makkonen
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Afterdream is a single-player action game with an intriguing story and outstanding game mechanics, set in a vividly designed 2D world. Using a unique camera, interact with objects and solve puzzles to uncover the purpose of your nocturnal visit in this psychological horror adventure. With atmospheric music, minimalist interface, and no asset flips, Afterdream promises a wholesome and immersive gaming experience."
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Playstation 5
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Afterdream offers a beautifully crafted atmosphere with stunning pixel art and an engaging soundtrack that enhances the emotional experience.
- The game features a heartfelt story that explores themes of grief and loss, resonating deeply with players and evoking strong emotional responses.
- Puzzles are generally straightforward and well-designed, allowing players to progress without excessive frustration, while the unique camera mechanic adds an interesting layer to gameplay.
- The game is quite short, with a playtime of around 3 hours, leaving some players wanting more content and depth.
- Some puzzles can feel overly simplistic or disconnected from the narrative, leading to moments where players may feel like they are just going through the motions.
- The lack of voice acting and some narrative elements may leave players feeling less immersed in the story, as certain character interactions and plot points could benefit from more development.
- story73 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the search for closure, presented through a dreamlike and atmospheric narrative that captivates players despite its brevity. While some reviewers noted a desire for deeper context and a more cohesive flow, many found the emotional journey and minimalist horror elements compelling, with the storytelling often resonating on a personal level. Overall, the game is praised for its touching themes, engaging characters, and beautiful art style, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of story-driven games.
“It's very atmospheric and the story is compelling enough to draw you in and make you want (much like the protagonist) to see it through to the end.”
“An absolutely beautiful and touching story about loss and regret.”
“Afterdream definitely has some eerie-looking imagery and sounds, but before long it becomes obvious that this game isn’t simply a scary story but also one of grief, loss, saying goodbye, getting closure, and accepting the finality of death.”
“The plot feels a bit thin here, and while there's a lot of heart to it, I didn't quite get as emotionally invested as I'd hoped.”
“The story is given away from the start, so you're never really driving toward anything or trying to solve any mysteries.”
“The way the story is told makes sense (abrupt with atmospheric changes) but unfortunately it doesn't flow as well as it could have, which ultimately puts a damper on the emotional punch that the game wants to give to the player.”
- atmosphere33 mentions
- 61 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its emotional depth and unsettling quality, blending minimalist horror with compelling storytelling. Reviewers highlight the effective use of sound design, pixel art, and world-building that create a uniquely immersive experience, often drawing comparisons to classic horror titles. While some note that the pacing could be improved for a more cohesive emotional impact, the overall consensus is that the game's atmosphere is a standout feature that enhances both the horror and narrative elements.
“It’s both an emotional journey and a grim, surreal experience, with subtle storytelling and oozing with atmosphere – a masterclass in minimalist horror.”
“Where it truly excelled was its atmosphere—the sound and visuals blending together to create something special.”
“The atmosphere was amazing, and kept me on my toes, yet it doesn't use cheap jumpscares to make me feel the horror aspect of the game.”
“There are a few jumpscares, but the true horror rises from the agonizing atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere was very unnerving and it really added to the effect of the jump scares, which were very effective!”
“If one thing is needed for horror games it's atmosphere and Jesse always creates these games where you can really never know what's real and what's not.”
- gameplay29 mentions
- 52 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and accessibility, particularly for fans of old-school point-and-click adventures, featuring straightforward puzzles and a unique camera mechanic that alters the environment. While some players found the puzzles to be easy and occasionally lacking in depth, the overall experience is enhanced by a compelling story, engaging atmosphere, and a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic games. Despite some criticisms regarding the limited use of certain mechanics, the gameplay remains enjoyable and entertaining, making it a worthwhile experience for those seeking a fun narrative-driven adventure.
“The gameplay couldn’t be simpler, especially if you’re familiar with old-school point-and-click adventures.”
“The puzzles were straightforward, but still felt satisfying, and the camera mechanic was simple but impactful.”
“The gameplay is fun, tense, and exciting all at the same time.”
“The gameplay felt very 'obvious' and it didn't feel very satisfactory to solve the puzzles.”
“The only other mechanic is a camera that can reveal hidden objects, which sounds cool in theory, but in practice you have no idea when to use the camera, so inevitably you will just spam it in every room lest you miss an object you need to proceed.”
“If you are looking for complex gameplay, this may not be the fit for you, but if you are looking for a fun story and a great experience.”
- graphics27 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of Afterdream are characterized by a striking pixel-art style that effectively enhances the game's psychological horror themes, creating an immersive and atmospheric experience. Reviewers praised the unique use of lighting and attention to detail, which evoke a nostalgic, unsettling vibe reminiscent of classic horror films. Overall, the visuals are described as beautiful and well-crafted, complementing the heartfelt story and engaging gameplay.
“Afterdream had a dark and grungy art style that I couldn't help but fall in love with; it perfectly suited the psychological horror themes.”
“The pixel art is immersive and makes Afterdream one of those games that show how games may create a more intense atmosphere and feel more immersive if they don't go for realistic art styles.”
“Gorgeous pixel style graphics, a heartfelt story, well thought out characters, and perfect puzzles.”
“The pixel-art visuals are extremely unsettling, and the unique use of lighting, with all the dim, flickering sources, reminded me of my childhood when I was watching a horror flick on our old CRT TV (that’s right, I’m that old!).”
“These are all atmospheric 2D side-scrolling adventure games with pixel graphics and very depressing themes.”
“The art style is a matter of taste and not everybody likes it.”
- emotional21 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its heartfelt storytelling, which explores themes of love, loss, and grief, particularly through the protagonist's journey to connect with a deceased parent. While many players found the narrative touching and evocative, eliciting tears and introspection, some felt that the plot lacked depth and emotional investment. Overall, the game is praised for its atmospheric presentation and the ability to convey profound emotions, making it a memorable experience for those who resonate with its themes.
“It’s both an emotional journey and a grim, surreal experience, with subtle storytelling and oozing with atmosphere – a masterclass in minimalist horror.”
“But it’s the heart-tugging story of Jennifer trying so hard to make contact with her deceased father, and her encounters with the other ghosts stuck in their own purgatory, that make this quite the emotional journey as well.”
“An absolutely beautiful and touching story about loss and regret.”
- music20 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to enhance the atmosphere, creating a blend of tension and beauty that complements the visuals and storytelling. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack's effectiveness in setting the mood, transitioning from relaxing to suspenseful, and contributing to the overall immersive experience. The combination of exceptional art style and evocative music is noted as a standout feature, making it a memorable aspect of the game.
“The ambiance is what sets the tone - the music, sound cues, and general eeriness is enough to put you on edge but not prevent you from continuing.”
“As with his previous games, the visuals have a unique and appealing style, and the music is quite good, working together to create an excellent dreamlike moodiness.”
“So, I'd enter a room with some depressed goofus, and the soundtrack would slam on the piano keys to make it seem like a high tension moment.”
“The music helps set the tone and can have you feeling relaxed and free one moment, then go through a door and you’re wondering what the heck is going on and gets you right on edge.”
“The artwork, soundtrack, and controls are decent.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, as it often involves repetitive tasks and puzzles that detract from the overall experience, particularly in a horror-themed setting where immersion is key.
