TL;DR
Dreams is a powerful creation tool that lets you build entire games, unlike Mario Maker 2 which focuses on levels. You control an "imp" avatar with motion controls, which can be imprecise, but practice helps. While the extensive tutorial is thorough, it can feel a bit long. The platform boasts an impressive library of user-created content and official showcases like "Art's Dream." Dreams is a fantastic platform for aspiring game developers, offering robust features for animation, sound, and music. The main downsides are the motion control precision and occasional lengthy cutscenes. Dive in to see the incredible creative possibilities!
I previously reviewed Super Mario Maker 2 for Switch, a title that allows players to construct their own levels and reimagine the classic game. Upon initially encountering Dreams, I anticipated a similar premise. However, my initial assessment proved inaccurate.
Dreams distinguishes itself significantly from Super Mario Maker 2. Within Dreams, creative boundaries are virtually nonexistent, limited only by the user’s imagination. While Mario Maker 2 focuses on level design for an established franchise, Dreams empowers users to develop entire games. Whether the objective is to create an action game or an expansive adventure RPG with a personalized protagonist, the toolset within Dreams supports it. The game’s potential for realizing ambitious creative visions explains its aptly chosen title.
The game commences with the selection of an imp, a small, ethereal creature controlled by the player and serving as their avatar within the dream world. The primary control method relies on motion controls, which, in my experience, lacked the desired precision. While proficiency improves with practice, the option for analog stick control or, ideally, mouse input would have been preferable. Speculation suggests that the developers intentionally omitted mouse and keyboard support to emphasize a more “playful” creation experience.
The initial onboarding process features a substantial introduction. While the animations and voice acting are commendable, the extended duration can feel protracted, leaving the player eager to begin creating. Upon completion, users can choose between exploring games created by others or embarking on their own projects. The available games include those developed by the creators themselves, as well as a vast library of user-generated content. Some of these creations showcase remarkable technical artistry and demonstrate the engine’s capabilities impressively. I recommend experiencing Art’s Dream, Media Molecule’s flagship title, which was developed entirely within Dreams and exemplifies the platform’s extensive potential.
Discovering the various features felt like uncovering hidden gems. The ability to record and animate cutscenes, incorporate voice recordings, and integrate music and sound effects underscores the comprehensive nature of the toolset. Dreams is ideally suited for individuals aspiring to game development. Each step in the creation process is supported by detailed tutorials that cover every aspect thoroughly.
In conclusion, Dreams is a compelling offering for those with aspirations of creating their own games or animated short films. My exploration has only scratched the surface of the platform’s potential. The primary drawback lies in the reliance on motion controls for creation, which can lack the precision desired for intricate tasks. Additionally, certain cutscenes exhibit excessive length and superfluous content.
