Dreamy Planet
- September 15, 2022
- ebi-hime
Get on Steam"Dreamy Planet" is a narrative-driven game about Haruka and Shiina, two friends reunited after five years apart. They visit their old favorite theme park, Dreamy Planet, which has fallen into disrepair since its closure. As they explore, they reminisce about their past and work to mend their broken friendship. The game explores themes of friendship, depression, and healing.
Reviews
- The writing is evocative and captures deep emotions, particularly the feeling of nostalgia and lost love.
- The protagonist, Haruka, is relatable and her struggles resonate with many players, making for a compelling character study.
- The atmosphere is enhanced by the unique and memorable soundtrack, which, while initially jarring, ultimately contributes to the overall tension and mood of the story.
- The music can be unsettling and may not always fit the scenes, leading to a disjointed experience.
- The ending felt unsatisfying for some players, with a desire for more closure or an epilogue.
- The lack of character sprites and expressive visuals detracts from the emotional impact of the characters' interactions.
- story32 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 69 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The story is a deeply immersive exploration of lost love, nostalgia, and the complexities of happiness, often blending elements of melancholy and tension. While it presents a simple narrative structure, it delves into the emotional struggles of its characters, particularly through the lens of unresolved relationships and personal despair. Despite its lack of interactivity and some distracting elements, the story resonates with many players, evoking a sense of relatable sadness and reflection.
“This is a very tense, well-written story about lost love, nostalgia, and the importance of happiness.”
“While it can be tough to read at times because the protagonist is going through some difficult issues, the story it tells is an enriching one.”
“You have to know what you are getting yourself into here: it's not a sweet story, and it's not a horror story, but it's some distressing mix of the two.”
“The air of the story was so melancholic I thought I might suffocate, but Shiina kept attempting to give us hope without relenting.”
“From there on, the story explores Haruka’s utterly miserable mental state and the unresolved emotions lingering between her and Shiira – all among the somewhat decrepit scenery that echoes the main characters’ lost happiness.”
- music15 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it unsettling and discordant, which effectively enhances the atmosphere of discomfort. While some appreciate its ability to evoke feelings of anxiety and melancholy, others feel it often clashes with the scenes, becoming distracting rather than complementary. Overall, the soundtrack is seen as memorable but may not suit everyone's taste, leading some players to prefer their own music while playing.
“The art style is beautiful and the soundtrack did a great job at setting the melancholic vibes.”
“A melancholic yuri with a fantastic atmosphere and memorable soundtrack.”
“The music was unsettling at times and really tied together the feeling of discomfort the writer seemed to be trying to capture.”
“At first, I didn't like the music; it was so discordant, and it called so much attention to itself.”
“The music is a bit eccentric even considering Ebi’s tendency for experimentation – the hectic electronic tracks do a good job of underlining the protagonist’s anxiety, but are quite relentless and tend to feel out of place in more scenic, nostalgic, or intimate moments.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game evokes strong emotional responses through its exploration of nostalgia, both physical and emotional, creating a beautifully melancholic experience. While it features relatable characters and wholesome elements, some players may find it difficult to fully endorse due to its heavy themes.
“Ebi once again creates a depressing story, this time focused on both emotional and physical nostalgia, and thus we have this beautiful game.”
“Haruka was heartbreakingly relatable.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics received mixed reviews, with some praising the beautiful art style and its ability to evoke a nostalgic, melancholic atmosphere, while others found the visuals to be merely average. Overall, the combination of visuals and soundtrack contributes to the game's emotional impact.
“The art style is beautiful and the soundtrack did a great job at setting the melancholic vibes.”
“Visuals and audio are impressive.”
“The visuals were just okay.”
- gameplay2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Dreamy Planet" has been criticized for lacking interactivity, as it offers no choices for players, which was not clearly communicated on its Steam page. This has disappointed users seeking a story-driven experience similar to other narrative games.
“The gameplay is engaging and keeps you invested in the story.”
“I love how the mechanics are simple yet effective, allowing for a smooth experience.”
“The interactive elements really enhance the narrative and make you feel part of the story.”
“I bought this thinking it would be a nice, chill sapphic love story. Riding a Life is Strange high, I was on the prowl for story-driven games with simple mechanics, just interactive stories. But Dreamy Planet isn't interactive; there are literally no choices in it, and I felt that wasn't made clear on its Steam page.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a melancholic tone, enhanced by a fantastic setting and a memorable soundtrack that leaves a lasting impression.
“A melancholic journey with a fantastic atmosphere and a memorable soundtrack.”
“The game immerses you in a beautifully crafted world that feels alive and haunting.”
“Every scene is drenched in atmosphere, making you feel the weight of the story.”
