Bad Dream: Fever
- November 15, 2018
- Desert Fox
- 4h median play time
Get on Steam"Bad Dream: Fever" is a dark, atmospheric adventure game with point-and-click mechanics. The player must navigate a series of unsettling environments and solve puzzles to uncover the mystery behind their bad dreams. With hand-drawn art and a haunting soundtrack, the game delivers a unique and immersive horror experience.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features beautiful artwork and a unique narrative that keeps players engaged.
- The puzzles are clever and require creative thinking, providing a satisfying challenge.
- The story explores personal themes and resonates with players, making it a memorable experience.
- The gameplay is overly linear, lacking the choices and consequences that made the previous game enjoyable.
- Many puzzles rely on trial-and-error and pixel hunting, which can be frustrating and tedious.
- The constant commentary from the companion character can be annoying and detracts from the overall atmosphere.
- story302 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its originality, emotional depth, and engaging twists, particularly in its exploration of meta-narratives. However, some players found the plot predictable and criticized the linearity and forced gameplay mechanics that hindered their experience. Overall, while the narrative is seen as a significant improvement over its predecessor, it may not resonate with everyone, especially those seeking more interactive storytelling elements.
“Bad Dream Fever is a fantastic follow-up that expands upon the Bad Dream world in a distinctly unique story and beautiful art style.”
“The story was incredible and I loved all the references to the older games.”
“The story is oddly touching (and relatable to me as a creative myself), and you can really tell it came from the writers' hearts.”
“Playing it without the knowledge or any nostalgia, love, or even familiarity for the previous game - a vast majority of the game's narrative fell incredibly flat, amounting to a story that shifted from a curious horror narrative of a town being slowly eradicated through uncertain means, to a narrative about a whiny perfectionist man who essentially threw all his toys out of his pram and destroyed his (according to this game), beloved previous game in the search of perfection.”
“The story has legs, but sadly the partner in this journey is not likeable.”
“The story is very personal to the developers and it shows, but it's not something that goes well in this type of game.”
- graphics126 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their significant improvement, showcasing a unique and beautiful art style that enhances the overall atmosphere. Many reviewers noted the detailed and creative visuals, which contribute to a creepy and engaging experience, although some expressed disappointment that the gameplay did not match the quality of the graphics. Overall, while the visuals are a highlight, opinions vary on whether they compensate for perceived shortcomings in gameplay and story.
“A story to contemplate, engaging gameplay, and beautiful graphics.”
“Bad Dream Fever is a fantastic follow-up that expands upon the bad dream world in a distinctly unique story and beautiful art style.”
“The graphics are amazingly detailed and are stylistically beautiful.”
“I think it's supposed to be a sequel of some sort to Coma, but it feels like only the graphics were improved and the gameplay was downgraded.”
“The graphics have improved, but that's not all a game is supposed to be.”
“The graphics are really improved since the last game, but I wish you'd rather spent half of the time you invested on the graphic part on the gameplay design.”
- gameplay124 mentions
- 15 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players noting a significant downgrade from its predecessor, "Bad Dream: Coma." Critics highlight its linearity, tedious mechanics, and vague puzzle design, which often leads to frustration and a lack of engagement. While some appreciate the improved graphics and innovative elements, the overall consensus is that the gameplay feels restrictive and less impactful, making it less enjoyable for players seeking a more dynamic experience.
“A story to contemplate, engaging gameplay, and beautiful graphics.”
“Love the concept, style, and innovative gameplay!”
“Not only is the story driven from personal drives (for the developer and for myself) but the soundtrack/ambiance was amazing, the artstyle was improved and utilized to be creative with its source material and the puzzles and gameplay themselves were really creative, smile-provoking (without killing the mood and atmosphere of the game) and sometimes just straight up genius.”
“I think it's supposed to be a sequel of some sort to Coma, but it feels like only the graphics were improved and the gameplay was downgraded.”
“The gameplay is a pain, as in all pieces of the Bad Dream series: pixel-hunt and click around, re-visit all places, rinse, repeat.”
“I'll start with the obvious one, gameplay is very linear, feels empty, and is pretty tedious with having vague goals where you have to remember every detail in the world, and devolve into complete guessing that tries to claim to be puzzles.”
- atmosphere48 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Bad Dream: Fever" is described as dark, creepy, and stylized, effectively creating a sense of loneliness and despair in its apocalyptic setting. While many players appreciate the improved graphics and unique narrative, some feel that the atmosphere lacks the tension and depth found in its predecessor, "Bad Dream: Coma." Overall, the game offers an intriguing ambiance, though opinions vary on its effectiveness in immersing players fully.
“Bad Dream: Fever delivered on my high expectations with its unique style of simple yet beautiful graphics, a downright creepy atmosphere, and surprises around every corner.”
“Excellent fourth wall breaking narrative and a highly atmospheric experience to boot.”
“[/spoiler] I personally really like this game, the moody atmosphere does a great job of instilling a sense of loneliness and despair.”
“Essentially, all of these elements combined manage to siphon the previously pervasive tense and dreadful atmosphere out of this release.”
“I tried playing this multiple times, started it again and then left again, and I just don't get it. There is no atmosphere, the story is weak and rather pointless.”
“The atmosphere is underwhelming compared to the genuinely creepy bad dream: coma.”
- music34 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the atmospheric background that enhances the experience, while others find it ordinary or lacking in engagement. Many recommend using headphones to fully appreciate the sound design, though some feel the soundtrack does not effectively contribute to the game's tension or action. Overall, while the music has its moments, it often fails to leave a lasting impact on the gameplay.
“I would highly recommend wearing headphones while playing this game as the background music really does envelop you in the scenery.”
“Not only is the story driven from personal drives (for the developer and for myself) but the soundtrack/ambiance was amazing, the art style was improved and utilized to be creative with its source material and the puzzles and gameplay themselves were really creative, smile-provoking (without killing the mood and atmosphere of the game) and sometimes just straight up genius.”
“I honestly loved the art style, music, and dialogues.”
“Just filling noises/no music.”
“The soundtrack isn't all that captivating this time around, and it doesn't do much to push the atmosphere in a tense direction.”
“Sounds design and music are still very much forcing that scary vibe, and it's kind of annoying after a while.”
- grinding20 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for its tedious and repetitive gameplay, with players feeling that the linear structure and vague goals lead to frustrating guesswork rather than engaging puzzles. Many reviewers suggest that the experience is only worth it if obtained for free or at a significant discount, as the overall effort often feels pointless and unfulfilling. While some unique puzzles exist, they are overshadowed by the overwhelming sense of monotony and poor dialogue quality.
“I'll start with the obvious one: gameplay is very linear, feels empty, and is pretty tedious with vague goals where you have to remember every detail in the world, devolving into complete guessing that tries to claim to be puzzles.”
“No, I don't think it's the best game I've ever played. I didn't feel fulfilled or proud of myself for solving all these puzzles at all because they're, in my opinion, deliberately obtuse and tedious throughout the whole game.”
“Rinse and repeat; it becomes quite tedious.”
- replayability20 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is criticized for its lack of replayability, with many reviewers noting its linear structure and absence of meaningful choices or alternate endings. While some elements, like creative puzzles and memorable dialogues, provide a brief entertainment value, the consensus is that without additional features like achievements, players are unlikely to revisit the game.
“🔲 infinitely replayable (or almost)”
“The dialogues are excellent, some of the later puzzles are truly creative and while it may have less replayability, it more than makes up for being memorable.”
“I've played every Bad Dream game since Butcher and I always thought they had an incredibly unique charm, allowing for replayability even though they are pretty linear games.”
“It is completely linear, offers no replayability, and in the middle of a playthrough, the story turns into a completely unexpected direction, breaking the fourth wall in a way that will remind some of Pony Island.”
“I think the biggest con for Fever is that it is linear, lacking the multiple consequence-heavy choices that existed in previous Bad Dream games, and therefore also lacking alternate endings and replayability.”
“Unless achievements are added, then I'm definitely not replaying this. There is no replayability at all.”
- humor18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as clever and capable of eliciting genuine laughs, particularly through characters like mission control. However, opinions vary, with some finding the humor more suited for younger audiences and others feeling that the meta humor can become tedious and misaligned with the game's overall tone. Overall, while there are moments of humor that shine, it may not resonate with all players.
“The mission control character is funny and interesting and clearly the author's best character.”
“Oh, haven't I mentioned yet that the game is funny and clever?”
“The jokes were incredibly funny!”
- emotional8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its touching and relatable story, which resonates deeply with players, particularly those in creative fields. Reviewers appreciate the heartfelt writing and the personal growth reflected in the game's development, fostering a strong emotional engagement throughout the experience. Despite some community criticism, many feel the game successfully captures a unique style that deserves recognition and appreciation.
“The story is oddly touching (and relatable to me as a creative myself), and you can really tell it came from the writers' hearts.”
“I don't care how many people moaned about how it's not just like Coma, this was a fantastic game that kept me engaged emotionally the entire ride.”
“I recommend this game because it shows the growth of the developer from the last game and has more of a personal feel to it that aids the player in getting mentally and emotionally invested.”
- character development6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highlighted by its impressive art style and character design, which many players find appealing. While some characters may come off as annoying at times, they are also described as enjoyable and silly, contributing to a well-thought-out overall experience. The attention to detail in character design is noted as a significant strength of the game.
“The level of thought that went into this game was absolutely incredible, and the character designs were amazing.”
“Great art style and character design, as needed for this type of game.”
“The woman was annoying at times, but she was still enjoyable and silly, and I love her character design; she's drawn really well.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report experiencing several glitches that negatively impact the gaming experience, although some believe these issues may be isolated incidents. The presence of recurring blue ink and computer errors suggests that stability could be a concern for some players.
“I've experienced quite a few glitches that have hurt the gaming experience.”
“Just lots and lots of blue ink and computer glitches.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Reviewers express concern that the game's monetization strategy includes excessive and unnecessary content, such as complex achievements, which seem designed more for marketing purposes than enhancing gameplay. This approach may detract from the overall experience, making it feel inflated beyond the developers' original vision.
“The game has more unnecessary content and features (cough* random complex achievements *cough*) that feel out of place and seem designed to advertise the game as something much bigger than the developers ever intended.”
“The monetization strategy feels exploitative, with too many paywalls and features locked behind a paywall that detract from the overall experience.”
“It's frustrating to see that the game prioritizes monetization over gameplay, making it feel more like a cash grab than a genuine gaming experience.”
