Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow

After being one of the main forms of video games in the late 1980s and early to mid 1990s, puzzle platformers have been in and out of fashion a few times. All it takes is one title to come along and make people excited again, though, and the entire genre flares back up in terms of interest. A good example of this would be Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow.

Tis title by Frozen Line has gained a lot of interest very quickly for its cutesy nature and its intriguing approach to platforming. Does this live up to the hype, or is it a visually impressive title that lacks substance?

Adorable puzzle platforming with the right blend of challenge

If you are someone who enjoys stories that take a very cute tone very quickly, then Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow is for you. The game puts you in the control of a small child who is accompanied by none other than a sentient teddy bear. Together, you solve a range of puzzles and face off against challenging enemies. Your reward? Inner, lasting peace.

The first thing to note about Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow, then, is that it is adorable. If you have played like the Ori series and even games like Astro’s Playroom on the PS5, you will know exactly what to expect with Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow. It is a beautiful 3D platformer that brings some very interesting ideas together into a visually stunning world.

Really, it can feel like playing an excellent animated film at times. The platforming is swift and smooth, the combat is enjoyable, and the puzzles are fun enough without being obscure or needlessly challenging. Overall, there is a very interesting world waiting for you within Daydream. It is an exciting platformer that offers a great blend between impressive visuals and enjoyable gameplay.

The next in-line for exciting platforming puzzlers (8.5/10)

Really, our only primary critiques of Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow stem from the length. Like many platforms made by smaller companies, there is a limit to how long the game can last. The only reason we are unhappy with the length, though, is because what is present is so excellent!

What awaits is an engrossing and enjoyable platformer that really has a deeper story than a child-teddy bear combination ought to. The game also enjoys some interesting themes about finding inner resilience and, when needed, being able to let go. These are strong, important messages to come across in such a title.

Combined with the excellent platforming, stunning visuals, and enjoyable combat, there is something to be said for Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow being one of the better 3D platformers of the last few years. Given the quality and scale of competition, that is high praise indeed.

Pros

• Exciting gameplay and platforming combination that always feels involving
• Characters and story are excellent with a genuine point behind what happens
• Combat and puzzling are enjoyable compared to what platformers often provide

Cons

• A little bit on the short side, which can limit the games impact on you personally