Dream Cycle

Nope, this Dream Cycle isn't a series of stories by a famed writer. This one is a sandbox video game immersing players in worlds of mystery with an almost comic-book vibe. Dream Cycle looks like an intriguing concept, but not much has been known about its lore and stature. Up until now - as it heads into early access.

Dream Cycle aims to offer an amalgamation of action, adventure, and exploration genres. The worlds are procedure generated to match the idea that you are entering dream worlds - so there could be endless potential with this intriguing offering. We're still left with the question, though - what is this ambitious game all about? We better see how its first incarnation plays.

A Lovecraftian Dive Into the Abyss

A game that's loosely based on stories by HP Lovecraft must have a robust narrative behind it. Despite Dream Cycle being initially shrouded in mystery - there is a bouncy board to spring some lore onto the game. Players will take on the role of Morgan Carter, destined to enter the dreamlands as an arcane apprentice and bring light to worlds at risk of descending into darkness.

How will you fight the evil that falls upon these thousands of dreamworlds? Well, that's pretty much up to you. A lot of the allure factor of Dream Cycle allows players to overcome their enemies with versatile approaches - hand-to-hand, sword combat, or even gunning your way to glory. However, it would feel more satisfying if there were more enemies to kill.

The dreamworlds are all bizarre and sparsely populated. Perhaps that's so you're allowed to marvel at the beautiful randomized landscapes before you. The exploration potential within the game is, well, a dream! Every world feels more intriguing than the next and feels there is a story to be told behind everything.

The issue with Dream Cycle at release is that it feels a bit aimless. Yes, the game is an excellent showcase in sandbox gaming. It shows what innovative mechanics the developers can introduce. But it still doesn't feel like everything seems together nicely - including storyline, combat, and general objectives. It's still early days yet, but Dream Cycle needs that extra bit of polish at present.

Put It On Rinse

If there's anything to say about Dream Cycle thus far - it's worth playing for the innovation factor. What does it play like? You can't help but get the feeling the game has the bizarreness of Jericho while honing in on the exploration mechanics of No Man's Sky. But with millions of worlds to explore, there's got to be something to tickle your fancy.

Pros:

• Procedurally generated sandbox world for endless exploration
• Allows players to approach the game in their style
• Visuals look spectacular for each dreamworld

Cons:

• Feels a bit objectives at the moment
• Could use a few more interactive characters to spice up each world
• The narrative doesn't quite resonate with the player yet