WithLittleBigPlanetand its sequel, Media Molecule gave gamers the tools to create their own side-scrolling adventures, but the community ended up doing a lot more with the creation suite than anyone could have anticipated. With the PS4 exclusiveDreams, Media Molecule is giving players the opportunity to really let their imaginations run wild in ways that were impossible inLittleBigPlanet, with significantly more advanced creation tools that give those talented enough the freedom to build their very own video games from scratch.
Dreamsis an ambitious project, but it’s one that lives up to the hype. While many will be intimidated by the game’s creation tools,Dreamsis stuffed with tutorials that make everything easy to understand for everyone. If someone is willing to invest the time into learning howDreamsworks, they could theoretically create just about any kind of game that they want. Already we’ve seen horror games, stealth games, platformers, first-person shooters, and much more.
Some of the more interestingDreamscreations have been based on existing IP, though due to copyright issues, these aren’t all readily available to play. For example,Dreamsplayers won’t find thePS1Last of Usdemakein the game, though perhaps they will be inspired to create their own version of it. In fact, attempting to replicate one’s favorite games may be one of the better ways players can learnDreams' tools, whether it be remaking theSuper Mario 64opening, theResident Evilmansion, or whatever else.
For the most part,Dreamsgives creators everything they need to make full-fledged video games or otherwise impressive experiences. However, there are a couple of drawbacks when it comes to using the game’s creation tools, though they aren’t huge deal-breakers. The first is that a lot of creations inDreamslook the same in terms of visual aesthetics. This is inevitable as many players will rely on the pre-made characters and assets when putting together their creations, though it can still make playing user-made experiences a little repetitive. Some of the more ambitiousDreamscreators manage to do things like createultra-realistic breakfast foodthat doesn’t look like theDreamsart style, but creations like that are in short supply in the game’s early days.
The other issue has to do with some ofDreams' tutorials - the Imp Quests. Imp Quests are bite-sized tutorials inDreamsthat teach players how to do specific things in the game and rewards them with prize bubbles. Like in Media Molecule’sLittleBigPlanetgames, prize bubbles get players new pre-made assets that they can use in their own creations. At any rate, we found that some of the Imp Quests didn’t work properly, meaning that players could do everything asked and not get their reward. However, this is the only technical blemish in what is otherwise an incredibly polished and well-made game.
Creators who put the time in will find that there isn’t really anything comparative toDreams' creation tools out there. There is a limit to what can be done inDreamsversus creating an actual video game the old-fashioned way, but it’s safe to say that the vast majority of users will never reach that limit. It seems the many timesDreamswas delayedwas worth it for Media Molecule to refine the user creation tools and make the entire process of creating content in the game as user-friendly and expansive as possible.
The creation tools inDreamsare going to be a big draw for those who like making things, but those only interested in playing creations will find plenty to love about the game as well. Thanks toDreams' extensive early access period, there’s already a slew of content for players to check out, including some extremely impressive creations. Players are free to search for games based on keywords, genre, and more, or they can just play one random game after another. New content is being uploaded toDreamsregularly, so there’s always something new to see in the game.
There’s really something for every kind of taste inDreams. People who like first-person shooters will find a number of games that fit the bill, but those who prefer hack-and-slash couch co-op experiences will find plenty to do as well. There’s even some rhythm games that play exactly likeGuitar HeroorRock Band, and they are some of the best, hardest to put downDreamscreationsto date.
And there’s no signs that theDreamscontent will be slowing down any time soon. Now that the game has had its proper launch, there should be a virtually endless stream of new creations inDreamsfor fans to check out. Media Molecule itself will be adding new content to the game in the future as well, with aDreamsPlayStation VR updatewaiting in the wings along with some other content.
Media Molecule has some of its own creations made using theDreamscreation tools that players can check out if they want professionally-made experiences. These are headlined by Art’s Dream, which functions as theDreamsstory mode. Art’s Dream shows off exactly whatDreamsis capable of, and is definitely worth checking out.
Art’s Dream is an emotional story about a jazz musician named Art who is longing to reconnect with his estranged bandmates. The voice acting and writing are top-notch, with everything complimented by a fantastic jazz soundtrack. The gameplay is varied and engaging, with some point-and-click sections, platforming levels, and more. Art’s Dream only lasts a couple of hours, but it shows that some truly engrossing experiences can be built usingDreams, and if the community creates anything even half as impressive, then the game is well worth the investment.
Even at launch,Dreamswill provide dozens of hours of quality entertainment for players and creators alike. TheDreamscommunityhas only scratched the surface of the game’s potential, and it’s going to be exciting to see what the community comes up with in the future as they develop a better grasp on its expansive creation tools.
Dreams
WHERE TO PLAY
Dreams is a video game creation tool that allows players to hop into the engine and craft their own unique games that they can share with other players.
