Bad Dream: Stories
- September 30, 2021
- Desert Fox
Get on Steam"Bad Dream: Stories" is a compilation of remastered point-and-click games, originally released from 2013-2014. Each game takes you through a unique, atmospheric dream world filled with fear, madness, and sadness. With alternative paths, secrets, and an immersive sound design, this collection explores the shared universe of the Bad Dream series, including Bad Dream: Coma and Bad Dream: Fever.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The remastered graphics and improved UI enhance the nostalgic experience of the classic Bad Dream series.
- The game features a unique and eerie atmosphere, with engaging stories that offer multiple endings and replayability.
- It's a fun and simple point-and-click adventure that is easy to understand, making it accessible for both new players and long-time fans.
- The game is very short, typically completed in 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 for players.
- While the stories are interesting, they often lack depth and coherent narratives, which may disappoint those seeking a more complex experience.
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
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 elements. While not overtly scary, the visuals contribute to a weird and bittersweet experience, complemented by smooth gameplay and cleaner, sharper graphics. Overall, the aesthetic is appreciated for its effectiveness in conveying the game's themes, despite some frustrations with gameplay progression.
“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 some 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.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is consistently described as nostalgic and eerie, with a dense and claustrophobic feel that effectively evokes unease. Despite its basic art style, it contributes to a twisted ambiance that enhances the overall experience, making it a recommended choice for fans of point-and-click games.
“It's still nostalgic to play these with an eerie atmosphere.”
“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.”
- gameplay3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized as extremely simple and largely unchanged from previous iterations, with only minor visual enhancements. Overall, it maintains a straightforward presentation that may not offer much innovation.
“My full review of this game, where I go into detail about gameplay, narrative, and styling, is available on [url=https://indie-hive.com/bad-dream-stories/]Indie Hive[/url].”
“Just a little retouched with the drawings and visual looks, and the rest is the same gameplay.”
“Extremely simple presentation and gameplay.”
- story3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the games is characterized by multiple paths and endings that lack significant differentiation, resulting in a fairly simplistic narrative. Reviewers express a desire for more substantial storytelling and clearer sign-posting to enhance player understanding and engagement, rather than relying on vague or confusing elements.
“The game features multiple paths and endings, providing players with a variety of choices that enhance replayability.”
“While the story may not be complex, it offers a unique experience that can be engaging in its own right.”
“The narrative could benefit from more sign-posting and clearer story presentation, allowing players to better understand their motivations and objectives.”
“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.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the replayability of the game, noting that while a single playthrough is brief—taking under two hours—there are multiple endings and engaging Steam achievements that encourage players to return for additional runs. The variety in gameplay elements also contributes to its lasting appeal.
“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 there is some variety and replayability, you'll stay for a little longer.”
“The game lacks significant replayability, making it hard to stay engaged after the first playthrough.”
“Once you complete the game, there’s little incentive to return, as the replayability is quite low.”
“While there are some different paths, the overall replayability feels limited and doesn't offer much new.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of dark comedy and absurdity, featuring comically grotesque enemies and scenarios that juxtapose a scary atmosphere with humorous elements, creating a unique and entertaining experience.
“The game masterfully blends a scary ambiance with hilariously absurd creatures trying to take you down, making every escape feel like a wild ride.”
“I love how the humor is woven into the gameplay, with ridiculous scenarios that keep you laughing even when you're on the edge of your seat.”
“The combination of eerie settings and comically bizarre enemies creates a unique experience that is both thrilling and entertaining.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the game features simple graphics and minimal dialogue, it effectively conveys emotional depth through its melancholy and heartfelt memories, which stand out in the narrative. Despite some frustrations with gameplay, players still find enjoyment in the emotional experience it offers.
“The game may be graphically simple and lack extensive dialogue, but the memories woven into the narrative are truly melancholic and heartfelt, creating an emotional experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.”
“Despite its simplicity, the emotional depth of the memories stands out, leaving a lasting impression that resonates long after playing.”
“The heartfelt moments in the game, particularly those tied to memories, evoke a unique sense of melancholy that enhances the overall experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise, with users rating the soundtrack as exceptional.
“The soundtrack is absolutely top-notch.”
“The music perfectly complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“I love how the soundtrack evolves with the game, creating an immersive atmosphere.”
