Cavern of Dreams

About

"Cavern of Dreams" is a 2D puzzle-platformer game that takes you on a journey through a magical cavern. Control a mystical creature, solving puzzles and overcoming challenges to awaken the cavern's ancient spirit. With its hand-drawn art and enchanting music, this game offers a charming and immersive experience.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

95%

Audience ScoreBased on 896 reviews

graphics72 positive mentions

stability6 negative mentions

Charming and nostalgic visuals that perfectly capture the N64 aesthetic.
Engaging platforming mechanics with a variety of movement options that encourage exploration.
Fun puzzles and collectibles that provide a satisfying sense of discovery.

Controls can feel clunky and imprecise at times, especially with the jumping mechanics.
Some puzzles may be too cryptic or frustrating, leading to confusion on how to progress.
The final boss battle can be overly challenging and lacks checkpoints, which may frustrate players.

graphics
174 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
41%
57%
2%
The graphics of "Cavern of Dreams" are widely praised for their nostalgic recreation of the Nintendo 64 aesthetic, featuring charming, low-poly visuals that evoke a sense of childhood wonder. Reviewers appreciate the game's atmospheric art style, which combines whimsical character designs with vibrant, dreamlike environments, effectively capturing the essence of classic 3D platformers. While some players note a lack of modern graphical options, the overall presentation is celebrated for its authenticity and ability to transport players back to the beloved era of retro gaming.
- “I love the direction the team went with the graphics; they just feel so atmospheric!”
- “This game perfectly recreates the aesthetics of the N64 era unlike any other I've played, a truly complete experience that does not feel like a demo.”
- “The graphics excellently capture the blocky models and over-stretched textures the N64 was so well known for while keeping the world vibrant, decorative, colorful, and even not!”
- “Movement feels bad, and even with the attempt at recreating the more rudimentary graphics of the time, it just looks and sounds amateur and unfinished.”
- “Unless you just absolutely must have one more platformer with n64-clone graphics, this game is just mediocre at best.”
- “But unfortunately, it has many polish issues that add up, such as inconsistent menu controls, no clear button icons, lack of any real low-res graphics options, and not fully committing to the n64 aesthetic.”
gameplay
145 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
57%
5%
The gameplay of "Cavern of Dreams" is characterized by its engaging exploration and unique movement mechanics, reminiscent of classic N64 platformers. While the controls are generally smooth and the mechanics allow for creative traversal and puzzle-solving, some players found certain aspects, like the jump height and specific mechanics, to be less polished or underutilized. Overall, the game offers a charming and enjoyable experience, though it may not appeal to everyone due to its occasional clunkiness and simplicity.
- “The gameplay revolves around exploring the various, colorful areas and worlds within the Cavern of Dreams, trying to find all eggs and other collectibles spread throughout.”
- “The levels are nicely and originally themed, and the core platforming mechanics have a good amount of depth, which allows for some fun tricks, especially as new movements are added.”
- “Cavern of Dreams replicates and perfects the N64 platformer experience thanks to its reduced but tight movement mechanics.”
- “Gameplay-wise, it felt a bit clunky, so I can't say I 100% recommend it for everyone.”
- “Some mechanics aren't well explained, like the heart level to open that one type of door.”
- “Honestly, the movement mechanics in this game as a whole appear to be aiming at making the game a high skill floor and high skill ceiling kind of game, but it ends up just making the platforming imprecise and annoying.”
music
132 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
55%
2%
The music in the game is widely praised for its whimsical and nostalgic qualities, effectively enhancing the atmosphere and evoking memories of classic platformers from the N64 era. While many players find the soundtrack soothing and fitting for the game's environments, some note that it can be forgettable or too subtle at times, with a few expressing a desire for catchier tunes. Overall, the combination of music and visuals creates a charming and immersive experience, though there are mixed opinions on the volume balance between music and sound effects.
- “The soundtrack really lives up to the 'dreams' part of the title, really helping to relax and ease you into it.”
- “The whimsical music does a fantastic job at building the atmosphere along with the detailed environments, and there are so many standout areas and secrets throughout the game where you can tell they were made with love.”
- “The music is fantastic and the game looks visually great.”
- “My only complaint is the lack of music on the levels.”
- “The music and VFX in this game is ear-piercing, wondering if there's been any mixing, and if the dev made all the noises in the game with their mouth and increased the pitch tenfold.”
- “I can't actually remember if there was even any music in the game or just ambient noises... the fact that they're asking $12.99 for it at full price feels like way too much for the quality of what you're getting.”
story
107 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
26%
71%
3%
The story centers around Fynn, a dragon on a quest to rescue his kidnapped siblings from a bat witch named Luna, with the help of a mage named Sage. While the narrative is simple and straightforward, it is complemented by charming characters, environmental storytelling, and a nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with players. Although some reviewers found the story minimal or lacking depth, many appreciated its sweetness and the subtle themes woven throughout the gameplay.
- “The basic story is that you're a dragon named Fynn whose siblings have been kidnapped by a bat witch named Luna, and with the help of an abstract mage named Sage, you have to go and get them back.”
- “The story is a simple but charming plot with a thread of mystery to uncover as you go along.”
- “I was expecting a fun little platformer, and I certainly got that, but I was surprised by the subtle storytelling and worldbuilding that underlie the whole thing.”
- “The story is non-existent.”
- “The story isn't really well told either.”
- “The story was pretty meh... you have to piece together a bunch of it, which is complimented by some secrets in-game and the encyclopedia.”
atmosphere
79 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
39%
4%
The atmosphere of "Cavern of Dreams" is widely praised for its enchanting blend of nostalgic, dreamlike visuals and sound design reminiscent of classic Nintendo 64 platformers, particularly "Banjo-Kazooie." Reviewers highlight its ability to oscillate between cozy and eerie, creating a captivating environment that encourages exploration while evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia. Overall, the game's charming aesthetics and immersive atmosphere contribute significantly to its appeal, making it a delightful experience for fans of the genre.
- “The whimsical dreamlike atmosphere to both the visuals and music makes it a treat to explore the world, and you get to be a cute tiny dragon, which is also a huge plus.”
- “Despite it being a quite short game, it was packed full of charm and an immaculate atmosphere that bathes in that dreamlike and ominous vibe that old N64 games had; I highly recommend it if you want a mellow, fun time!”
- “At first the game is supposed to be cute and sweet, but something about the music, the atmosphere, and the graphics kept making me think it was going to turn into a horror situation real fast.”
- “The combination of music and visuals creates an atmosphere that constantly and meticulously tilts from dreamy and cozy to eerie and mysterious.”
- “Despite it being a quite short game, it was packed full of charm and an immaculate atmosphere that bathes in that dreamlike and ominous vibe that old N64 games had.”
emotional
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its nostalgic charm and heartwarming narrative, evoking feelings of childhood joy reminiscent of classic N64 platformers. Players appreciate the wholesome adventure featuring an adorable dragon and engaging side characters, which fosters a sense of wonder and emotional connection throughout the gameplay. Despite some technical issues, the overall experience is described as captivating and endearing, making it a delightful journey that resonates deeply with players.
- “If you want to feel like a kid again and enjoy a wholesome adventure with an adorable dragon and zany side characters, by all means snag a copy.”
- “It made me feel a sense of nostalgic wonder in a way that games haven't in a while, wondering what secrets or cute scenery was waiting for me as I delved deeper... and it also made my skin crawl in certain segments with outstanding tension building.”
- “It's cute, it's captivating, it's endearing, it's charming, it's atmospheric, it's emotional, and it's very visibly a labor of love on the part of its creators.”
character development
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
55%
15%
Character development in the game is highlighted by charming and quirky character designs that resonate with players, evoking nostalgia for classic N64 platformers. While the characters are visually appealing and contribute to a delightful atmosphere, some reviews note that their personalities and backstories feel underdeveloped and secondary to gameplay. Overall, the game successfully combines appealing aesthetics with a light moral message, though players express a desire for deeper character exploration and longer gameplay.
- “A wonderful example of how simple graphics and good gameplay and creative character design can truly make for a great experience.”
- “Imaginative scenery decorates each of the levels, and the character designs look charming as well.”
- “The level and world design becomes incredibly gated and linear very quickly, to the extent that there is basically no room for player expression.”
- “I do like the character designs, though like the story, much of the character's personality or backstory just ends up feeling unimportant.”
- “I felt like the characters stuck to actions and character development I rooted for, and in the end it presented a nice moral message you don't often see.”
optimization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with smooth performance on both Steam Deck and PC, though some users note clunky controls and potential lag in the first area, particularly on older hardware. While the game prioritizes exploration and puzzle-solving over graphics, it runs well in windowed mode and is mostly free of glitches, aside from a possible double jump issue.
- “The game does have its positives; it runs in windowed mode, it runs smoothly, and doesn't appear to be glitchy, unless that double jump issue is a glitch maybe?”
- “Both on Steam Deck and PC, the performance was fantastic.”
- “Cavern of Dreams is not much about graphics performance but lays heavily on exploration and puzzle solving, and is so much fun to play.”
- “This game feels a bit clunky control-wise, and even considering how I can see it being plausible to have speedrunning-type tech with optimized routes for some areas, most of it's just painfully slow.”
- “The only concern I have is the first area being the worst optimized - either that, or it's dense/big enough to cause lag on old computers, such as mine.”
- “Within the release of RTX 4090, many developers pursue graphics performance - of course graphics is important, but for me, graphics are an extra score for a game rather than a core item.”
humor
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's humor is a mixed bag; while it lacks the cheeky charm of its N64 predecessor, it still offers moments of cuteness and unexpected hilarity, such as amusing character sounds and clever sign gags. Players appreciate the quirky humor found in character interactions and glitches, which can lead to funny, game-breaking scenarios. Overall, while it may not fully capture the essence of Rare's humor, it still provides enjoyable comedic elements.
- “The little grunts and sounds your character makes performing certain actions are cute and somehow hilarious at the same time.”
- “The characters are all cute, humor is all over the place like the first sign I encounter reads 'there's nothing to read, since this is the back of the sign.'”
- “Somehow I find it hilarious.”
stability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, the game's stability is characterized by a mix of minor bugs and visual glitches, which are often overshadowed by its solid performance and enjoyable gameplay. While some users noted issues with camera control and buggy achievements, many appreciated the quick fixes for glitches and found the game to run smoothly despite its imperfections. However, certain gameplay elements, like the final boss fight, were criticized for their lack of polish.
- “It's a bit buggy and the camera's weird at times, but for a game that's largely made by one person, it's pretty solid.”
- “Tldr, fun game, great (and short) 3D platformer, plays well but check your settings anyway, buggy achievements so beware if you care.”
- “I would say it's worth it, but the boss fight at the end is not fun at all and made me quit the game; there are no checkpoints and the bombs are a bit buggy.”
grinding
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some segments, particularly the final boss, can feel tedious and frustrating, the overall level design strikes a balance that prevents excessive bloating. The game features appropriately sized levels with a manageable number of collectibles, making the pursuit of 100% completion less tedious than in other titles, though some puzzles and lack of guidance can still lead to moments of annoyance.
- “Honestly, the most tedious part would be segments that serve no purpose, forcing you to replay sections of a level again for another shot, and unfortunately, the final boss.”
- “It is also much more difficult than the rest of the game, which led to some tedious, frustrating moments and cheap deaths.”
- “The game doesn't tell you how to open the heart doors; the portals could have a button to explain how to use them, and some puzzles are a bit tedious.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
Players highlight the game’s high replayability, noting it as both fun and rich in content, which encourages multiple playthroughs.
- “This is a very fun and replayable game.”
- “There is a lot of replayability.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game is viewed as acceptable, but players suggest considering alternatives like "Corn Kidz 64" for a better experience.