Bad Dream: Series

About

Bad Dream: Series is a collection of four point & click games with minimalist graphics and disturbing themes. In Butcher, explore a haunted town and confront a madman. Graveyard takes you to a dark beehive populated by unusual creatures. In Hospital, navigate a psychiatric ward or hospital as the purpose of your stay remains unclear. Cyclops follows a lost protagonist in a forgotten part of the city. Each game features creative puzzles and unsettling ambiance.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

100%

Audience ScoreBased on 92 reviews

replayability2 positive mentions

atmosphere3 negative mentions

The game offers a nostalgic experience with its minimalist point-and-click horror style, effectively evoking eerie and unsettling atmospheres.
It features a collection of five short stories that provide replayability through multiple endings and achievements, making it enjoyable for both new and returning players.
The remastered graphics and improved user interface enhance the original experience, while the logical puzzles and unique art style contribute to its charm.

The game is very short, with a typical playtime of under two hours, which may leave some players wanting more content.
Some puzzles can feel trivial due to automatic item selection, reducing the challenge and agency typically found in point-and-click games.
While the game is entertaining, it lacks a complex narrative and can sometimes rely on obscure solutions, leading to moments of frustration.

graphics
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
57%
21%
The graphics are described as simple yet effective, creating an unsettling atmosphere reminiscent of Rusty Lake, with a unique and original art style that enhances the narrative's horror elements. While not overtly scary, the visuals contribute to a bittersweet and melancholic experience, complemented by smooth gameplay and cleaner, sharper graphics. Overall, the art style is praised for its effectiveness in supporting the game's logical puzzles and emotional depth.
- “Simple yet effective graphics that weren't scary as much as they were unsettling (think Rusty Lake-esque).”
- “The art style and narrative elements are original and brilliantly horrific, and the puzzles are logical and satisfying.”
- “Wonderful art style and smooth gameplay.”
- “It's graphically quite simple, there really isn't any writing/dialogue to speak of, and the plots aren't very well-developed, but I still enjoyed myself despite those frustrating moments of random clicking to try to progress the game.”
- “The art style is simplistic but effective; they are not outright scary, but unsettling and weird nonetheless, with the last one adding a bittersweet spin to the formula which was a nice way to end the collection.”
- “Simple yet effective graphics that weren't scary as much as they were unsettling.”
atmosphere
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
50%
30%
The atmosphere of the game is consistently described as nostalgic, eerie, and dense, creating a claustrophobic experience that enhances its twisted themes. While the art is basic, it effectively contributes to the overall unease, making it a compelling choice for fans of atmospheric point-and-click games. Overall, the remaster is well-received for its ability to evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and tension.
- “Atmosphere is dense and claustrophobic.”
- “And the art, though basic, is still decent and works to evoke an uneasy atmosphere.”
- “All in all a really nice remaster, and I can easily recommend this to anyone who likes a point and click game with a very twisted atmosphere.”
story
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
38%
38%
The story is generally considered to be simplistic and lacking depth, with multiple paths and endings that do not significantly differ from one another. Reviewers express a desire for more narrative clarity and structure, suggesting that the games would benefit from better story presentation to enhance player understanding and engagement. Overall, while there is interest in the story's direction, it is not seen as particularly satisfying or complex.
- “I'm interested to see where the story is going from here.”
- “Note that this is not a terribly satisfying way to proceed through a game, though, and I think that (narratively speaking) the games would have been better off with more sign-posting and/or actual story presentation, so you have a fuller idea about what and why you're trying to do things other than just sheer nightmare logic.”
- “They usually have multiple paths or endings per game, but they're not significantly different and the story is fairly barebones.”
- “Don't expect a complex story or anything, though.”
- “Note that this is not a terribly satisfying way to proceed through a game, and I think that (narratively speaking) the games would have been better off with more sign-posting and/or actual story presentation, so you have a fuller idea about what and why you're trying to do things other than just sheer nightmare logic.”
gameplay
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
38%
38%
The gameplay is described as nostalgic and straightforward, retaining the essence of classic games with minimal updates to visuals. Players appreciate its simplicity, which evokes fond memories of childhood gaming experiences.
- “This game is really nostalgic for me; I remember watching the gameplay of these games on YouTube and playing them when I was a little kid.”
- “Just a little retouched with the drawings and visual looks, and the rest is the same gameplay.”
- “Just a little retouched up with the drawings and visual looks and the rest is the same gameplay.”
- “Extremely simple presentation and gameplay.”
- “My full review of this game where I go into detail about gameplay, narrative, and styling is available on indie hive.”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
Players find "Bad Dream: Stories" offers significant replayability due to its multiple endings and engaging Steam achievements, encouraging them to return even after a short initial playthrough of under two hours. The variety in gameplay elements adds to the overall experience, making it more enjoyable over time.
- “A single playthrough of Bad Dream: Stories can be completed in under two hours; however, there is a heap of replayability in terms of multiple endings and fun Steam achievements.”
- “But since they have some variety and replayability, you'll stay for a little longer.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of scary ambiance and absurdity, featuring comically designed enemies that add a lighthearted twist to the otherwise tense scenarios. Players often find themselves navigating through chaotic situations that balance humor with horror, creating a unique and entertaining experience.
- “The game combines a scary ambiance with hilariously bizarre creatures trying to kill you, making for a uniquely entertaining experience.”
- “With its mix of terrifying settings and comically absurd enemies, the game keeps you on your toes while also making you laugh.”
- “The blend of horror and humor is masterfully done, as you navigate through scenarios filled with ridiculous threats that are both frightening and funny.”
emotional
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Despite its simplistic graphics and minimal dialogue, the game evokes a strong emotional response through its poignant memories, which are described as melancholy and heartfelt. Players find enjoyment in the experience, even amidst moments of frustration.
- “The memories are narratively the standout and are actually rather melancholy and heartfelt in a strange way.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The music in the game has received high praise, with multiple users rating the soundtrack as excellent.
- “The soundtrack is top-notch.”
- “The music really enhances the overall experience.”
- “The soundtrack is absolutely fantastic.”