Dream Quest
- December 8, 2016
- Peter Whalen
- 6h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Apple StoreDream Quest is a roguelike deckbuilding game where you play as one of 14 classes, each with unique abilities, in short, randomly generated levels. Combat is turn-based and played using a deck of cards that you build and improve as you progress. As you level up, your characters earn achievements that make future runs easier, encouraging replayability and strategic deck-building.
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PC
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Reviews
- Deep and engaging gameplay with a variety of classes and strategies to explore.
- Despite its poor graphics, the game offers a rewarding and addictive experience.
- The game has a strong balance of challenge and strategy, making each run feel unique.
- The graphics are extremely simplistic and may deter potential players.
- The game can feel unbalanced at times, with RNG heavily influencing outcomes.
- Lack of tutorials and documentation can make it difficult for new players to understand the mechanics.
- graphics140 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have been widely criticized as simplistic and poorly executed, often described as resembling early 90s art or even MS Paint creations. Despite this, many reviewers emphasize that the gameplay is engaging and rewarding, suggesting that the graphics should not deter potential players. Overall, while the visuals are substandard, they do not significantly impact the game's depth and enjoyment, making it a worthwhile experience for those who prioritize gameplay over aesthetics.
“Proof that you don't need AAA level graphics for a game to be good.”
“Don't be fooled by the rather simple graphics: this game has great gameplay and flavor.”
“This game is a perfect example of how bad graphics don't hinder gameplay.”
“I'm sorry, but the graphics just made this game unbearable for me.”
“The graphics are awful, and I let that scare me off this game for too long.”
“Yes, the graphics and animations are terrible, but you'll end up loving them after the first few hours you play.”
- gameplay90 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Dream Quest is widely praised for its depth, addictive mechanics, and engaging deckbuilding elements, despite its simplistic graphics and user interface. Players appreciate the variety of classes and the strategic layers that emerge from seemingly simple mechanics, making each playthrough unique. While some find the gameplay can become repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that the mechanics are solid and enjoyable, often overshadowing the game's visual shortcomings.
“The gameplay is very addicting, and had me hooked almost immediately.”
“Dream Quest has extremely satisfying gameplay.”
“Behind the incredibly simplistic user interface and art style, you'll find immensely engaging gameplay.”
“There are many classes that make the journey different each time, but the gameplay is a bit redundant after a while.”
“I've been playing a lot of deckbuilders (online and offline) and I think the gameplay of this one has some serious flaws that make me dislike the playthrough.”
“Monster cards are overpowered in several ways, and no other deckbuilder I've played has a mechanic like that.”
- story68 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story of "Dream Quest" is often overshadowed by its more polished successors, yet it is credited with pioneering the deckbuilding roguelike genre. Players appreciate its complex mechanics and satisfying gameplay, despite its lackluster graphics and interface. The developer's journey to Blizzard Entertainment adds an intriguing layer to its narrative, highlighting the game's impact on the indie gaming scene.
“On the 10th anniversary of this game, I want to share the story about how it changed my life.”
“The side story of Peter Whalen, the developer, ending up in Blizzard Entertainment on the Hearthstone branch in 2015 because of this game alone is just a really cool bonus story.”
“I think Dream Quest deserves a lot more credit than it probably gets!”
“The interface, art, and story were clearly not prioritized, but the decision to focus on gameplay pays off handsomely with a well-tuned and satisfying combat and progression system.”
“Whereas a game like Slay the Spire gives you tactical choices to make from the very first enemies, Dream Quest just forces you to play as much as you can each turn because you have a very small hand size and you have no idea what the opponent will do.”
“Dream Quest is pure RNG nonsense.”
- music22 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as repetitive and generic, with some players finding certain tunes catchy despite the overall low quality. Many reviewers noted that the music is forgettable and annoying, leading some to mute their devices entirely. Overall, while it may evoke nostalgia for older games, it fails to leave a lasting impression.
“I personally liked the generic music; some of the tunes are catchy.”
“For me, the graphics and catchy music are reminiscent of Mordor II: Darkness Awakening or other older games; but it's completely its own thing.”
“This game looks like it was illustrated by a 6-year-old, it's got no sound effects, repetitive music and yet... it's great.”
“It is a super low budget game however, so graphics are bad and music is very repetitive.”
“The music is utterly forgettable.”
“My only downside is there's no way to turn off the music so I end up muting the whole computer, no big deal.”
- grinding16 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players consistently find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unnecessary, often feeling like they are aimlessly searching for specific cards or buildings without any meaningful progress. The excessive grinding required to unlock content and achievements detracts from the overall enjoyment, making the experience feel more like a chore than engaging gameplay. While some metaprogression unlocks may offer replay value, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding is excessive and frustrating.
“Putting aside the absurd amount of grinding to unlock everything, it really feels like you are just walking around hoping for certain cards or certain buildings, and if you never hit that monastery or card draw or mitigation before you need it, there's nothing to be done.”
“Many unlocks for metaprogression can provide replay value or just seem grindy.”
“You get more points for descending levels than for killing enemies, so the hour total for grinding is higher than what I just listed.”
- replayability14 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 21 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game offers exceptional replayability, driven by a diverse array of classes, monsters, talents, and cards that enhance the experience. While some players find the metaprogression unlocks potentially grindy, the overall mechanics, particularly deckbuilding, contribute to a fun and nuanced gameplay that encourages repeated playthroughs. Many users highlight the infinite replayability due to the random elements involved.
“The variety of classes, monsters, talents, and cards combine to provide incredible replay value.”
“Many unlocks for metaprogression can provide replay value or just seem grindy.”
“There's a ton of nuance and replay value.”
“Deckbuilding works incredibly well as a primary mechanic in a short, replayable game.”
