[version v1.0.0.4]
Picayune Dreams is a bullet hell rougelike created late last year by Andyland, Milkypossum, and Stepford. Initially going into this game I didn't expect too much from it story wise, believing it may simply be another flashy graphical game that leaves much to be desired, and although I don't believe the narrative of this game to be anywhere near to a masterpiece I do believe that it is fairly well done for what it is.
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The gameplay is fairly simple and fun while also introducing a nice scaling system that keeps you engaged in its mechanics and need to continue on. This scaling system is introduced in two major ways outside of the runs themselves; A flowchart of skills that are unlockable through leveling up within the runs, and a page to upgrade the items themselves through getting kills within the runs. These previously mentioned implementations are very fun and entertaining adding to the rougelite/like feel of always needing just one more run, just like a crackhead on a street corner. Adding upon the gameplay elements itself I very much enjoyed the boss fights in this game, they're nothing insane or standout but very enjoyable and didn't get stale after fighting them over and over!
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Graphically this game is fantastic, the art style is unique and captivating alongside it's very fitting atmosphere which when put together only enhance each other very well.
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I'm not the greatest at descriptions and reviews upon sound design so to keep it short and not sound like an absolute idiot I'll simply say this: The sound design never got stale or felt as if it was getting annoying and I found myself enjoying it quite a bit, writing this with its menu music open is very nice. Not only is the sound itself well done but as previously mentioned alongside its graphics and atmosphere it all adds into a very well done experience.
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Spoilers for the story in paragraph below
As mentioned near the start of this review I do not believe this story to be anything insane or mind blowing to experience, It is a simple yet effective story that fits within the overall feel of the game. A narrative of responsibility and the weight of expectations that throughout the gameplay and actualization of the responsibilities showcases the trauma and mental weight that is derived from it. Unlocking the recollections in order to piece together the story was very interesting and every time I got one I was excited to see the next chunk of the story be revealed to me, I proactively wanted to get more of it. Within these story elements I also very much enjoyed the psychological horror elements done through visual effects, especially used later within its story. Although the story is short only lasting around 3-4 hours, the reason I'm reviewing a rougelike game this early on as I've finished its story, it is simple yet effective and to this I give props.
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Spoilers over
Overall a well done experience that I may come back to for its gameplay and future updates although there is a little left to be desired especially when it comes to its story. The possibilities are endless though, and if the dev team chooses to keep expanding upon its narrative and story then I will be there to witness it.
Picayune Dreams is a bullet hell rougelike created late last year by Andyland, Milkypossum, and Stepford. Initially going into this game I didn't expect too much from it story wise, believing it may simply be another flashy graphical game that leaves much to be desired, and although I don't believe the narrative of this game to be anywhere near to a masterpiece I do believe that it is fairly well done for what it is.
]]
The gameplay is fairly simple and fun while also introducing a nice scaling system that keeps you engaged in its mechanics and need to continue on. This scaling system is introduced in two major ways outside of the runs themselves; A flowchart of skills that are unlockable through leveling up within the runs, and a page to upgrade the items themselves through getting kills within the runs. These previously mentioned implementations are very fun and entertaining adding to the rougelite/like feel of always needing just one more run, just like a crackhead on a street corner. Adding upon the gameplay elements itself I very much enjoyed the boss fights in this game, they're nothing insane or standout but very enjoyable and didn't get stale after fighting them over and over!
]]
Graphically this game is fantastic, the art style is unique and captivating alongside it's very fitting atmosphere which when put together only enhance each other very well.
]]
I'm not the greatest at descriptions and reviews upon sound design so to keep it short and not sound like an absolute idiot I'll simply say this: The sound design never got stale or felt as if it was getting annoying and I found myself enjoying it quite a bit, writing this with its menu music open is very nice. Not only is the sound itself well done but as previously mentioned alongside its graphics and atmosphere it all adds into a very well done experience.
]]
Spoilers for the story in paragraph below
As mentioned near the start of this review I do not believe this story to be anything insane or mind blowing to experience, It is a simple yet effective story that fits within the overall feel of the game. A narrative of responsibility and the weight of expectations that throughout the gameplay and actualization of the responsibilities showcases the trauma and mental weight that is derived from it. Unlocking the recollections in order to piece together the story was very interesting and every time I got one I was excited to see the next chunk of the story be revealed to me, I proactively wanted to get more of it. Within these story elements I also very much enjoyed the psychological horror elements done through visual effects, especially used later within its story. Although the story is short only lasting around 3-4 hours, the reason I'm reviewing a rougelike game this early on as I've finished its story, it is simple yet effective and to this I give props.
]]
Spoilers over
Overall a well done experience that I may come back to for its gameplay and future updates although there is a little left to be desired especially when it comes to its story. The possibilities are endless though, and if the dev team chooses to keep expanding upon its narrative and story then I will be there to witness it.