The Dream Machine is such an unusual game. The plasticine world is beautiful and the general aesthetic is unsettling. The puzzles are excellent and feel rewarding to figure out and as the story progresses, the game becomes conceptually interesting as it tries to give tangible forms to abstract ideas in each residents dreams. The ending is rather abrupt in my opinion as the game explores every character through their dreams other than you, the main character. There is very little to show the personality of Victor Neff in the first 4 episodes, even in his dream which was merely the tutorial. When we reach the last episode, which is arguably the most conceptually abstract, his personality feels like it shifts abruptly from loving and responsible husband to desperate to escape from his responsibilities. Although the ending is rather anti climactic, I can certainly appreciate the choices.
It's definitely worth a go.

Reviewed on Feb 11, 2021


Comments