Stepping into Dreams of Another is like walking into a kaleidoscope of imagination, where destruction and creation are two sides of the same coin. Q-Games’ latest for the PlayStation 5, with full PSVR2 support, takes players on a surreal journey through dream-like landscapes brought to life with striking point cloud rendering. The game encourages you to rethink the typical third-person action-exploration formula: here, blasting at the environment doesn’t obliterate it – it builds, morphs, and reshapes the world around you, making every interaction feel meaningful and visually rewarding.
The narrative centers on the Man in Pajamas and the Wandering Soldier, whose intertwined stories are revealed as you explore and experiment within the world. It’s a poetic, sometimes humorous tale, enriched by quirky dialogues with sentient objects that offer both levity and thoughtful reflection on human society. While the story is unconventional and often abstract and philosophical, this is very much part of the game’s charm, though some players may find the lack of a traditional narrative structure slightly disorienting at first.
Gameplay shines in its originality. The mechanics reward experimentation: shooting to create rather than destroy encourages a playful, almost meditative rhythm. Each level presents opportunities to manipulate the environment in unexpected ways, and the controls feel precise, especially when experienced in VR, allowing for a tangible sense of presence as you guide your characters through intricate spaces. However, the novelty in gameplay can lead to occasional confusion regarding objectives, and players may need to adjust to the game’s unique flow before fully enjoying its depth.
Visually, Dreams of Another is stunning. The point cloud technology gives the world a soft, ethereal quality that makes every environment feel alive and ever-changing. Colors, lighting, and particle effects combine to create landscapes that are simultaneously abstract and organic, perfectly complementing the game’s thematic focus on creation and destruction. VR enhances this even further, amplifying immersion and making exploration an absolute joy. On the flip side, some of the finer details can blur slightly in complex scenes, but these minor issues rarely detract from the overall visual spectacle.
The audio design deserves equal praise. Director Baiyon’s experimental soundtrack fits seamlessly with the whimsical and contemplative tone of the game, and the voice lines from characters and objects add charm and personality. The soundscape subtly guides you, giving cues for progression while reinforcing the dreamlike atmosphere, though players expecting more traditional combat or action feedback might find it too understated at times.
Ultimately, Dreams of Another is a bold, imaginative experience that asks players to embrace creativity as a gameplay mechanic. Its unconventional approach to storytelling, playful yet precise mechanics, and breathtaking VR-enhanced visuals make it a standout title on the PS5. While its abstract nature and unique pacing may not appeal to everyone, those willing to dive into its world will find a rich, thought-provoking journey unlike anything else currently on the platform.
Score: 7.4/10
Press Play Media 