Dream Ending

About

In Dream Ending, humanity is facing extinction as the sun begins to devour Earth. While arks have been sent to continue mankind's legacy, the protagonist, who is unqualified to board one, decides to continue taking exams in their old classroom. As the story unfolds, they are confronted with a request to face the inevitable with a mysterious "she."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 71 reviews

story19 positive mentions

gameplay1 negative mentions

The game features beautiful artwork and high-quality character designs that enhance the overall experience.
The story is thought-provoking and emotionally impactful, leaving players with a sense of bittersweet reflection.
Despite its short length, the game offers a unique and engaging narrative that resonates with players.

The voice acting is often criticized for being detached and lacking emotion, which detracts from the storytelling.
The plot can feel average and predictable at times, with some players finding it difficult to stay engaged throughout.
The game includes a significant amount of Chinese text, which may be off-putting for players who are not familiar with the language.

story
60 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
63%
5%
The story of the game is described as a bittersweet love tale set against an impending apocalypse, with a focus on emotional depth and character connection. While some reviewers found the initial chapters slow and the plot somewhat lacking, many praised the narrative's ability to evoke strong feelings and transport players into its world. Overall, it is seen as a touching and thought-provoking experience, particularly for fans of romance and visual novels, despite some criticisms regarding pacing and character development.
- “Short game with a beautiful storyline and voice lines, very heart-wrenching and very wholesome.”
- “However, persevere through the first 3-4 chapters, and don't let it discourage you from reading further on, as the story really picks up and makes for a beautiful tale.”
- “A love story about hope and despair at the end of the world.”
- “Now that I have had a chance to complete the story, I have to say the plot is the weakest aspect of this visual novel.”
- “The characters were 'meh', the plot was 'meh', the ending was 'meh'.”
- “There are also a number of spelling and grammar errors that might make this visual novel more difficult to read through although the story is still understandable.”
emotional
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is profoundly impactful, with many players reporting that it brought them to tears due to its heart-wrenching yet wholesome storyline. The narrative, while short, effectively transports players into a deeply felt experience, blending bittersweet moments with a sense of hope, making it a worthwhile journey for those who appreciate emotional storytelling. However, it may not be suitable for those who are easily affected by sad themes.
- “Short game with a beautiful storyline and voice lines, very heart-wrenching and very wholesome.”
- “In other words, the dream ending truly transported me into the story, and this state of mind made the story in its entirety all the more emotional and enjoyable.”
- “Just a love story, bittersweet, yet heartwarming.”
graphics
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their cool and attractive visuals, featuring cute artwork in character sprites and cover design. Reviewers appreciate the quality of the artwork, which enhances the overall experience, although some note that the visual elements can be easily bypassed for achievements. Overall, the game's visuals contribute positively to its storytelling and appeal.
- “Conversely, the game has cute and attractive artwork for the game cover, character sprites, CGs, Steam achievements, badges, and profile backgrounds that can be used to showcase on Steam profiles.”
- “Very nice artwork, and a pretty sweet, yet kind of depressing story.”
- “Cool game, like the visuals.”
music
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The music in the game is generally praised for its quality and emotional resonance, with one standout track on the title screen receiving a 9/10 for its thematic coherence. However, some players noted that the background music can feel repetitive at times, though this did not significantly detract from their overall enjoyment of the visual novel. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the experience, making it a highlight for many players.
- “Music is great, just like the rest of the game, and the art is also beautiful.”
- “Music: 9/10 (best OST here, heard directly on the title screen. I would advise playing the title screen while listening to the drama CD DLC as well. There are a few OSTs apart from this, but this one easily gets 9/10 for theme coherence and how simple yet touching it is, especially when you complete the whole visual novel.)”
- “My only negative remark was the background music, which felt repetitive at times, but it wasn't enough to change my positive thoughts on this visual novel.”
- “If you want to have a small existential crisis while still wanting the devs to release the OST for purchase, this is your game.”
humor
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game features a few standout funny moments, but overall, it is considered average and often lacks engagement.
gameplay
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players feel that the gameplay is engaging but criticize the ending for being rushed, suggesting that the overall plot would benefit from a longer duration of around 12 hours.
- “The ending feels a bit rushed, and I believe the entire plot should be extended to around 12 hours of gameplay.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Character development is highly praised, receiving a score of 9.5/10, with reviewers highlighting the depth and originality of the heroine. Her distinct personality and relatable traits make her feel like a real person, enhancing the emotional connection players have with her throughout the game.
- “Character development: 9.5/10. The focus on the heroine creates a deeply personal experience, akin to playing a single route in a visual novel. The heroine is not only amazing but also uniquely original, with a rich personality that makes her feel like a real person, from her irrational actions to the way she speaks.”
- “The character development is incredibly immersive, allowing players to connect with the heroine on a personal level. Her depth and complexity make every interaction feel meaningful and impactful.”
- “I was genuinely impressed by the character development. The heroine's journey is filled with growth and transformation, making her relatable and engaging throughout the game.”