Lucy Dreaming
- March 15, 2021
- Tall Story Games Ltd
- 15h median play time
"Lucy Dreaming" is a puzzle-filled metroidvania game where players control Lucy, a girl who can enter the world of books and manipulate their stories. Use Lucy's abilities to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and uncover the truth behind her power. With hand-drawn graphics and a quirky sense of humor, "Lucy Dreaming" offers a unique and engaging adventure.
Reviews
- Lucy Dreaming is a charming and witty point-and-click adventure that captures the spirit of classic LucasArts games, featuring clever puzzles and engaging storytelling.
- The game boasts excellent voice acting, a vibrant art style, and a plethora of humorous references that resonate with fans of 80s and 90s pop culture.
- Players appreciate the balance of challenge in the puzzles, the attention to detail in the game world, and the nostalgic feel that makes it a must-play for adventure game enthusiasts.
- Some players found the ending abrupt and unsatisfying, feeling that it detracted from the overall experience and left loose threads unresolved.
- A few puzzles were criticized for relying on outdated 'moon logic' or pixel hunting, which could frustrate players unfamiliar with classic adventure game mechanics.
- There are concerns about certain themes in the game, such as animal cruelty played for laughs, which may not sit well with all players.
- story150 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The game's story is widely praised for its superb writing, engaging characters, and captivating plot twists, often blending humor with darker themes. Players appreciate the clever integration of puzzles within the narrative, which keeps them invested and entertained throughout the experience. Overall, the storytelling is described as inventive and immersive, with a charming British flair that enhances the classic point-and-click adventure feel.
“Superb writing and talented voice acting combine to build a storyline and characters that will soon pique your interests and keep you captivated.”
“The story twists and turns as you uncover more information from entertaining sassy characters.”
“The unfolding story is interesting and fun to view and the length of gameplay time is good value for money.”
“Think of a better story next time.”
“[spoiler] The twist reveal at the end was cool, but then the game ended very abruptly just when I wanted to develop that story a bit further [/spoiler]”
“I was wondering where the story would go, as Lucy is being sent to figure out this seemingly random murder in town, and I wasn’t sure what to expect how it would end, but damn, not that!”
- humor120 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Lucy Dreaming" is widely praised for its cleverness and charm, featuring a mix of cheeky British wit, pop-culture references, and dark comedic undertones reminiscent of classic point-and-click games. Players appreciate the well-written dialogue, engaging voice acting, and the game's ability to balance lightheartedness with moments of darker humor. Overall, the humor is described as imaginative, funny, and integral to the game's appeal, making it a delightful experience for fans of the genre.
“A very funny and clever point and click game with an art style reminiscent of early Lucasfilm games.”
“The humor is great and there are lots of references to other adventure games as well as assorted pop-culture movies, books, and songs.”
“Lucy dreaming is a clever, vibrant, funny, and relaxing point & click adventure game that doesn't take itself too seriously.”
- graphics52 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Lucy Dreaming" are widely praised for their charming pixel art style, reminiscent of classic point-and-click games, with a strong attention to detail and expressive visuals that enhance the game's atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the combination of beautiful graphics, engaging character designs, and a cohesive aesthetic that complements the humor and puzzle design, making it a standout in the genre. Overall, the game's retro-inspired visuals contribute significantly to its appeal, alongside its clever writing and voice acting.
“Beautiful graphics, well written dialogue and genuinely funny jokes throughout, with some very thoughtful puzzles which never strayed into the dreaded moon logic territory.”
“Great pixel-art graphics and believable/superb voice acting.”
“Brilliant retro point and click adventure with lovely graphics, great humour and challenging puzzles.”
“The graphics complement the bleak.”
“If you yearn for these old pixel graphic point and click games, Lucy Dreaming will definitely not disappoint.”
“The pixel graphics are charming and the characters are super funny.”
- gameplay40 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a smooth and engaging point-and-click experience, enhanced by a unique dream mechanic that allows players to manipulate dreamscapes for puzzle-solving. The game features clever design, humorous dialogue, and well-executed voice acting, making it accessible and enjoyable, even for casual gamers. While some puzzles may stretch logic, the overall experience is polished and satisfying, with a charming British humor that adds to its appeal.
“Classic point and click adventure with a great story and a unique and clever mechanic.”
“The game mechanics with dreaming and traveling around are smooth and so fun!”
“Gameplay-wise, once you hit on what you can do with the dream mechanic in the game, it leads to some quite clever moments of puzzle solving that are deeply satisfying.”
“But like many games of the type, the logic puzzles are stretched sometimes... I hate being stuck, but walkthroughs feel like cheating, so... yeah, I think the key is to utilize that dream mechanic if stuck.”
“Neat adventure game with very inspired puzzle design and a unique mechanic concerning the dreamscape where you need to follow a specific process in order to alter the scenery.”
“All in all, it's a very well-made modern point & click game, with all the usual gameplay perks; there are no bugs, I had one random crash but didn't lose any progress. Everything is polished, difficulty is okay (on the easy side), and puzzles are fun enough.”
- music30 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The game's music has received high praise for its catchy and memorable soundtracks, featuring both MT32 and FM options that can be toggled dynamically. While some players find the music soothing and fitting for the atmosphere, others note that it can occasionally verge on grating. Overall, the music, alongside excellent voice acting, significantly enhances the game's charm and experience.
“I highly appreciate that the game has MT32 and FM soundtracks that can be toggled between dynamically via keystroke.”
“Wonderful atmosphere, classic pixel art, memorable music, and very funny, especially for a Brit.”
“Excellent music and voice acting!”
“But yeah, mostly puzzles, loads of puzzles, which are usually fair, with some exceptions (the ones related to the shelves are pixel hunting), good voice acting on the verge of being irritating, and catchy music on the verge of being grating.”
“I only wished the game played its music on General MIDI in real time to an actual real-life Roland device like the SC-55 module; that would be cool!”
“Although I would like the game music OST as well.”
- atmosphere12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is a blend of playful charm and dark humor, reminiscent of titles like Thimbleweed Park and Bugsnax. It features classic pixel art, memorable music, and a mix of lighthearted and sinister elements, creating a unique and engaging experience. Overall, the atmosphere is described as both fun and peaceful, making it an enjoyable pastime despite its darker undertones.
“Wonderful atmosphere, classic pixel art, memorable music, and very funny, especially for a Brit.”
“The atmosphere is fun and charming, which is contrasted by the sometimes really dark humor and dark storyline.”
“Similar to Thimbleweed Park in its dry, dark humor, but with an atmosphere of a playful adventure turned sinister like Bugsnax.”
“The atmosphere of the game is peaceful and sweet, making the game a great pastime.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features vibrant settings and gorgeous pixel art, complemented by decent and humorous voice-over performances from a talented cast, including notable guest star Dominic Armato. The writing excels in both plot and puzzle elements, enhancing the overall experience.
“And vibrant setting with gorgeous pixel art, the excellent voice cast (guest starring none other than Dominic Armato!) delivers great performances across the board, and the writing shines both in the plot and the puzzle departments.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Users generally feel that the game lacks the elements necessary to elevate it to a replayable classic, suggesting limited incentives for returning to play after the initial experience.
“I do think it keeps it away from becoming a replayable classic.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to games like Thimbleweed Park, Return to Monkey Island, and Lucy Dreaming, as they evoke nostalgic feelings reminiscent of their childhood gaming experiences. This emotional resonance highlights the power of these titles to rekindle fond memories and feelings associated with earlier gaming moments.
“Since then, I have played three games that made me feel like I did when I was a kid playing those games: Thimbleweed Park, Return to Monkey Island, and Lucy Dreaming.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game, particularly the [spoiler]rubick's cube[/spoiler] puzzle, to be tedious and unfulfilling, even when tied to achievements.
“I found the Rubick's Cube puzzle tedious, even for an achievement.”
“I found the Rubick's Cube puzzle tedious, even for an achievement.”