Shape of Dreams: Prologue
- November 12, 2024
- Lizard Smoothie
- 46h median play time
Get on Steam"Shape of Dreams: Prologue" is a free trial version of the full game, which combines MOBA-style combat with action roguelike elements. This version features one new character, new items, an endless mode, and experimental beta features. Players explore the world of dreams and create their own unique character, with the ultimate goal of reaching the end of the dream world to have any wish granted.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and engaging blend of roguelike and MOBA elements, with smooth gameplay and a variety of character abilities that allow for unique builds.
- Visually stunning with great character design, the game provides a solid co-op experience that enhances the overall enjoyment.
- Despite being in early access, the game feels polished and has a lot of depth, with frequent updates from the developers that keep players engaged.
- Some balancing issues exist, particularly with melee classes feeling underpowered compared to ranged options, especially when certain mechanics prevent healing.
- Performance can be problematic, with frame drops and lag occurring in multiplayer sessions, particularly with more players in the game.
- Certain mechanics, like the 'healing prevented' feature and environmental hazards, can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences, especially for new players.
- gameplay35 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of *Shape of Dreams: Prologue* is praised for its polished and engaging blend of roguelike and MOBA elements, featuring smooth mechanics and a satisfying core loop. Players appreciate the innovative mechanics, build variety, and the challenge presented by unique gameplay features, although some express concerns about specific mechanics like the "healing prevented" feature. Overall, the game is considered a refreshing take on the genre, with great visuals and addictive gameplay that appeals to fans of both roguelikes and MOBAs.
“Shape of Dreams: Prologue is an impressive mix of roguelike and MOBA gameplay that delivers a polished and engaging experience.”
“The gameplay is incredibly smooth and satisfying with great build variety and gorgeous visuals.”
“Overall, I cannot recommend this game enough if you're a fan of the roguelike genre, or you enjoy the MOBA-esque gameplay.”
“I think the hunter mechanic is lacking for right now.”
“Although I really like this game and will give it a positive review as it's free for starters, it's ruined by an absolutely stupid mechanic of 'healing prevented'.”
“I don't understand who came up with such idiotic mechanics when meteorites fall on your head 99% of the time and kill you with one hit on the easiest difficulty of the game.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals, beautiful artwork, and smooth animations, contributing to an engaging and immersive experience. While some players noted minor issues or felt that graphics updates improved the overall look, the general consensus highlights the game's epic graphics and appealing character designs. The combination of a dreamlike aesthetic and modern-day graphics enhances the fast-paced gameplay, making it visually captivating.
“Based on my co-op experience, it’s a blast to play, already offering depth, variety, and a cool dreamlike aesthetic.”
“Visuals are amazing and the potential for so many builds makes each run fun.”
“The gameplay is incredibly smooth and satisfying with great build variety and gorgeous visuals.”
“The only thing I don't like so much are the graphics.”
“The game could have terrible graphics and I'd still play it because everything just feels so smooth.”
“Fast game with modern-day graphics and easy controls that moves from location A to B to C and so on.”
- optimization6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is criticized for significant performance issues, including frame drops during intense moments and long loading times. While some users note that settings adjustments can help, the experience deteriorates with more players, making the game nearly unplayable in larger lobbies. Despite being a preview, many feel that substantial improvements are needed to enhance overall performance.
“Super polished and optimized for being a preview and features anthro characters!”
“FPS kinda tanks when there's at least a full lobby and depending on your PC, can look like a slideshow with too many effects, but easily tweaked in settings for now until better optimization options and fixes are added.”
“Need optimization.”
“Performance issues: frame drops when too much is going on, long loading time on game launch.”
“And of course, classic 2024 gaming moment - trash optimization, frame drops, etc.”
“Optimization sucks past 2 people and the game is unplayable at 4.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as enjoyable and fitting, enhancing the engaging and addictive gameplay experience. While some reviews note that the soundtrack is acceptable but not outstanding, others highlight it as mesmerizing and a great complement to the visually stunning graphics. Overall, the music contributes positively to the game's atmosphere.
“The music is mesmerizing, the gameplay is fun, engaging, and addictive.”
“+game is visually stunning, and makes no sacrifices in gameplay while looking gorgeous, bonus with a great music vibe as well.”
“Similar to Risk of Rain (basically a top-down version of it) and very fitting music.”
“The music feels repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“While the game has a decent soundtrack, it often feels out of place and doesn't match the game's atmosphere.”
“The background music is forgettable and doesn't enhance the overall experience.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players highlight the strong replayability of the game, noting that co-op gameplay and the ability to share spells enhance the experience. Even in early access, the game demonstrates significant depth and potential for varied playthroughs, contributing to its overall replay value.
“Co-op adds another layer of fun, and the possibility to share spells you find in the world ensures plenty of replayability.”
“Even in incredibly early access, there is tremendous depth and replayability.”
“This game has a lot of potential and replay value.”
- character development3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its great design and unique lore, with players appreciating the detailed backstories and interesting artifacts that enhance the overall experience. The visuals and smooth gameplay further complement the engaging character designs.
“Character designs and lore are interesting and unique; even the artifacts you find later have a good bit of detailed lore about the game.”
“Great character design, smooth gameplay.”
“Very good visuals and cool character designs.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be significant, particularly for unlocking meta-progression upgrades and desirable passives, which can be essential for success. The skill trees are perceived as grindy due to the high cost of upgrades in stardust, which is primarily earned through defeating bosses, leading to a frustrating experience when trying to access crucial traits.
“Meta-progression upgrades are kind of grindy to unlock and necessary to win runs at times.”
“It's very grindy if you want to get certain passives, like the dash cooldown improvement.”
“Currently, the skill trees feel a bit grindy to get some upgrades, as the actual currency used, stardust, is hard to obtain aside from defeating bosses. It doesn't help that some crucial and more desirable traits are further up in the trees, making it feel more like an inconvenience.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the emotional depth of the game, highlighting that it avoids a boring narrative and instead delivers a compelling and engaging storyline that resonates with them.
- story1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story is engaging and avoids dullness, keeping players interested throughout the experience.
“The story is captivating and keeps you engaged from start to finish.”
“Every character has depth, making the narrative feel rich and immersive.”
“The plot twists are unexpected and add layers to the overall experience.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report occasional issues with hitbox accuracy, indicating that stability can be inconsistent during gameplay.
“Sometimes the hitboxes are a little buggy.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the humor in the game, particularly highlighting the amusing builds they can create, which adds a fun and entertaining element to the gameplay experience.
“The builds you can create in this game are incredibly funny and add a lot of charm to the experience.”
“The humor in the dialogue and character interactions keeps me laughing throughout the game.”
“I love how the game incorporates silly elements that make even the most serious moments feel lighthearted.”
