The newest addition to my ongoing exploration of intriguing indie games is a uniquely dark twist on beloved RPGs, boasting a rich atmosphere and an inventive combat system that sets it apart from the rest.
Dreamed Away, crafted by solo developer Nicolas Petton from France, is described as an “emotional action RPG” with “spooky” elements inspired by his son’s drawings.
Drawing from classic retro titles like Zelda: A Link to the Past, Earthbound, Mother 3, and Chrono Trigger, as well as more contemporary hits like Undertale and Everhood, Petton infuses his game with a blend of nostalgia and innovation. However, despite the playful connotations of the term “spooky,” Dreamed Away delves into weighty themes.
“At its core, my narrative delves into the complexities of sibling bonds, the fear of mortality, and the unsettling nature of questioning reality,” Petton explains.
Players assume the role of Théo, a young boy who awakens to find his home transformed and haunted by spirits. Venturing outside, Théo discovers himself in a distant and perilous realm, far removed from the safety of home. The Kickstarter description invites players to “explore a unique reality, confront the encroaching darkness, and strive to retain your sense of self along the journey.”
Having spent some time with the free demo, I was captivated by the game’s dense, brooding atmosphere, which borders on oppressive. The world is shrouded in darkness, both literal and metaphorical, casting a sense of foreboding over the narrative.
Even when outside the ghost-infested areas, the landscape is cloaked in shadows beneath rainy clouds. Combined with the melancholic soundtrack, Dreamed Away evokes a constant sense of impending doom as the narrative, steeped in existential dread, unfolds.
The standout feature of Dreamed Away is its combat system, which offers a refreshing twist on traditional turn-based battles. Each encounter introduces various mini-games seamlessly integrated into the combat.
For instance, in an early skirmish against a ghost, I found myself dodging projectiles and executing skill checks to unleash attacks. Another encounter involved hitting blocks with arrows in a Guitar Hero-like fashion, adding a layer of interactivity to the turn-based mechanics.
A later battle against a spectral child intensified the experience, with fireballs hurtling towards me at breakneck speed. The ensuing mini-game mirrored the frantic chaos, demanding split-second reactions akin to Guitar Hero, albeit at a more frenetic pace.
While I typically lean towards turn-based combat in RPGs for its tactical depth, Dreamed Away strikes a balance between real-time intensity and strategic gameplay. While this blend isn’t entirely novel in gaming, Petton’s execution feels fresh and engaging.
If Dreamed Away resonates with you as it does with me, you’re not alone. Petton reports that the Steam demo has garnered over 23,000 downloads, and the Kickstarter campaign achieved full funding within two weeks. Scheduled for release in February 2025 on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox, Dreamed Away is poised to make a significant impact in the indie gaming scene.
