#dream:scape

[receptorconsuming]

dream:scape (2011), George Norman Lippert

“Promise me there will always be a safe place. Promise me we’ll always be together.”

[trinityreviews-blog]

Dream:Scape Review

Dream:Scape is the newest iOS game to utilize the Unreal 3 Engine. There isn't much combat to speak of or any other typical gaming features but the graphics and story make this a purchase that you won't regret making.

Graphics

Graphics are the second strongest aspect of D:S. If you've played Infinity Blade you probably have a pretty strong idea of what to expect from this game. The graphics are console quality and the lighting effects are amazing. On my iPhone 4 I experienced very little slowdown and a little bit of texture pop in, but that only happened once or twice after switching from another app. 

Gameplay

D:S' gameplay is extremely basic. You have two virtual control sticks that you use to move around and look around. The other thing you have is your diary. On the first two pages there is a map of the Dreamscape and after you go to each place a part of the diary is filled in and the story progresses. It's a fairly simple formula but it pushes the story forward and it keeps the game moving.

Story

The story of D:S is the best aspect of the game. Basically you play as a comatose patient named Wilson who was left at the altar by his one true love and has lived alone ever since. The voice acting is great and each character is full of emotion. Each area of the Dreamscape represents a different memory in the timeline of Wilson and Amelia. I really enjoyed the story and was legitimately surprised with the ending, it's a creepy narrative and it's ultimately enjoyable.

Sound

Sound is the third strongest point of D:S. The soundtrack is composed very well and it adds an eerie feel to the game. The parts where a memory is relived have great sound effects as the dialogue echoes through the Dreamscape. I recommend playing this game with the lights out and with headphones because the sound really helps immerse you into the game.

Graphics: 10

Gameplay: 7.0

Story: 10

Sound: 10

Average Score: 9.3

-Jimmy Champane

[smileybarry]

Not only does this game look mysterious and interesting, but it's also beautiful. It's an indie iPhone/iPod touch/iPad game using Epic Games' Unreal Engine.

[portablesoldier]

The Unreal Engine's Next iOS Release....Dream:scape

Ever since the introduction of the Unreal Engine on iOS, the graphical capabilities of games have exceeded anything I would have previously thought possible on the platform, as most notoriously evidenced by Epic and Chair Entertainment’s Infinity Blade [$5.99]. A new video for the upcoming game Dream:scape has similarly grabbed my attention with its gorgeous visuals and promise of expansive game world.

Not much is really known about Dream:scape, other than it’s built using the Unreal Engine and is said to contain more than 30 acres of in-game explorable landscape and building interiors. It’s described as an “interactive storytelling experience”, and it looks to be more along the lines of an adventure game rendered in 3D rather than a more traditional role-playing game. The developer offers a bit more information in a comment on his YouTube channel:

The player takes on the persona of a coma patient unlocking his past by exploring the dreamscape of his memories. As the player explores the huge open world, memories are unlocked. These are represented by cut-scenes, featuring audible dialog, and diary entries, which the player reads in-game via a 3-D representation of a leather-bound book. The player must determine which areas to explore so as to find and unlock the story.

This title looks great and has me very intrigued for more details. I find it has a very Allan Wake or Heavy Rain feel to it, which is definitely not a bad thing. Expect more details coming soon as the app has already been submitted to Apple for approval.