D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die

64%
Game Brain Score Based on 23 reviews
  • story
  • music
  • gameplay
D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die Game Cover
Swery's trippy, time-traveling tale of love and murder is one of the best point-and-click adventure games on PC. If you like strong stories, humor, and memorable characters, get this game.
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D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die is a single-player action game with wonderful music, featuring private detective David Young. Due to his supernatural ability to "dive" into the past, Young seeks answers about his wife's unsolved murder and the mysterious message she left behind: "Look for D." Along the way, he'll uncover clues and face the surreal in this gripping, time-traveling adventure.

  • PC
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

64%
Audience ScoreBased on 23 reviews
story4 positive mentions
gameplay3 negative mentions
  • The soundtrack is a beautifully composed collection that enhances the game's quirky and intriguing atmosphere.
  • D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die features a unique and offbeat story with memorable characters and a good sense of humor.
  • The game offers a surreal experience with innovative gameplay mechanics, including intuitive motion controls.
  • The episodic nature of the game leaves players feeling unsatisfied, with many plot threads unresolved and an abrupt cliffhanger.
  • Some gameplay elements and character portrayals can be annoying or stereotypical, detracting from the overall experience.
  • The game may not appeal to those seeking traditional story and gameplay, as it leans heavily into its bizarre and unconventional style.
  • story12 mentions

    The story of D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die is characterized by its unique and quirky narrative, featuring charming characters and a blend of humor and absurdity. However, many players express disappointment over the unresolved plot threads and abrupt cliffhanger, leaving the story feeling incomplete and frustrating. While the game offers an entertaining experience for those open to its unconventional style, it may not satisfy players looking for a traditional narrative structure.

    • “I'm really disappointed that the game is so underrated; the story is unique, the characters are very charming, and this soundtrack wraps it all together in a nice bundle that is definitely Swery's idea.”
    • “D4 is a wacky and weird adventure game that takes a familiar core premise and spices it up with quirky characters, trippy plot developments, and time travel.”
    • “D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die might make you want to smash stamina mechanics, but its strange aura is packed with character, unorthodox plot, and is very much made from love from its director and team.”
    • “Sadly, all of these flourishes are painfully undermined because of the story's abrupt cliff-hanger that is not built up to.”
    • “The way D4 leaves so many plot threads unresolved and with no proper climax is guaranteed to frustrate anybody who plays this.”
    • “The future of D4 is very unclear if it will ever get resolution, and while there has been an announcement of a second season, there is no indication that it will conclude the story of David Young.”
  • music10 mentions

    The music in the game is praised as an eclectic and beautifully composed collection that enhances the narrative's zaniness, mystery, and drama. Reviewers highlight its ability to capture the essence of Brooklyn life through a unique lens, featuring a mix of pleasant melodies and tension-building tracks, including an Irish rock song. Overall, the soundtrack is regarded as a masterpiece that complements the game's charm and storytelling, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future releases.

    • “An eclectic collection of wonderfully composed musical pieces that helps highlight the zaniness, the mystery, the intrigue, the humor, the drama, and the essence of David Young's tale of pursuit to find the one named 'D.' I await with bated breath the release of the second episode of D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die, as well as the release of the other albums in what I presume will be a tetralogy of music collections.”
    • “A beautiful collection of music that captures, for the most part, Brooklyn life through the eyes of a Japanese eccentric.”
    • “This soundtrack is a true masterpiece.”
    • “The music in this game is repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
    • “I found the soundtrack to be underwhelming and not fitting for the game's atmosphere.”
    • “The audio quality of the music is poor, which detracts from the overall experience.”
  • gameplay5 mentions

    The gameplay of D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die is characterized by its unique charm and unconventional storytelling, though it suffers from pacing issues and some frustrating mechanics. While it offers a distinct experience that may appeal to open-minded players, those looking for a polished and traditional gameplay experience may find it lacking. Overall, it presents a mixed bag of engaging elements and notable flaws.

    • “D4: Dark Dreams Don't Die might make you want to smash stamina mechanics, but its strange aura is packed with character, an unorthodox plot, and is very much made from love from its director and team. While it’s not the best game ever, it’s one that should be given the chance to live on and continue bringing something different to video games, because you can never have enough variety in one medium.”
    • “Some overly annoying and stereotypical characters, a couple of dialogue bits, and gameplay sequences are plainly broken. Several slow stretches bog down the pace.”
    • “There are gameplay elements that miss their mark, and the pacing isn't perfect, but it's not enough to kill these dark dreams dead.”
    • “Open-minded gamers will enjoy the experience, but those seeking traditional story and gameplay should avoid.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The game is praised for its unique blend of humor and storytelling, featuring memorable characters and bizarre scenarios reminiscent of David Lynch's style. Players appreciate the offbeat humor and engaging gameplay, making it a solid choice for fans of quirky narratives and fun combat mechanics.

    • “If you like strong stories, humor, and memorable characters, get this game.”
    • “Either way you play, D4 is a solid start to the series, and it offers up enough offbeat humor and intrigue to satisfy the Deadly Premonition fans.”
    • “Gorgeous cel-shaded graphics, bizarre David Lynch-like scenarios and characters, good sense of humor, fun QTE-based fighting.”
  • graphics1 mentions

    The graphics are praised for their gorgeous cel-shaded style, which complements the bizarre, David Lynch-inspired scenarios and characters. This unique visual approach enhances the game's fun and humorous elements, particularly during the quick-time event-based fighting sequences.

    • “The gorgeous cel-shaded graphics create a stunning visual experience.”
    • “The bizarre David Lynch-like scenarios and characters are beautifully rendered.”
    • “The vibrant art style enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is characterized by a wonderfully absurd story and hysterical scenes that elevate quick-time events from mere tolerability to enjoyable experiences. Its self-aware humor and cleverness about its own silliness contribute to a uniquely engaging environment, while Kinect integration enhances the excitement of action sequences.

    • “The wonderfully ridiculous story and atmosphere create a unique experience.”
    • “Hysterical scenes make quick-time events not just tolerable, but fun.”
    • “The game is very smart about its own absurdity, enhancing the overall atmosphere.”
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Critic Reviews

68% average critic score

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