Embrace the Strange
The week I’m writing this review, the acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch passed away. For those unfamiliar with his work, ranging from The Elephant Man to the groundbreaking series Twin Peaks, Lynch was a filmmaker who fearlessly embraced the strange and unsettling. His films often evoked a sense of unease and disorientation, leaving viewers captivated yet perplexed.
I believe he would have appreciated Dreamcore and its ability to transform mundane settings into unsettling, dreamlike experiences, doing so without relying on jump scares or monstrous creatures.

Trapped in a Dreamscape
What exactly is Dreamcore? Some might describe it as an audiovisual experience where you’re trapped in a surreal dreamscape, striving to escape. This first-person adventure takes you to two distinct locations: Dreampools and Eternal Suburbia, with additional areas planned for future release. While there’s a semblance of a narrative, it’s fragmented and non-linear, leaving you to decipher its meaning and your role within it. But the game’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of the uncanny, rewarding those who embrace its peculiar atmosphere and unsettling imagery.
Starting with Dreampools, you wander through a labyrinthine complex of oddly designed swimming pools. The environments shift between familiar and disorienting, with rooms featuring impossible slides and distorted perspectives. There’s a basement area, but finding the torch required to navigate its darkness is a puzzle in itself.
A Game of Exploration and Atmosphere
Dreamcore is a game that rewards patience and exploration. There are no enemies to combat, no complex platforming challenges, and no sense of urgency. The focus is on immersing yourself in the unsettling atmosphere and uncovering the secrets hidden within these dreamlike environments. You might encounter unexpected and unsettling details, such as a large yellow ball with a disturbingly cheerful smiley face lurking in a corner, or the eerie strains of old-school jazz emanating from a deserted children’s play area. These moments contribute to the game’s unsettling atmosphere and dreamlike quality.

Content, Visuals, and Sound Design
If you find aimless exploration and a lack of traditional gameplay objectives frustrating, Dreamcore might not be for you. It’s a game that prioritises and focuses on atmosphere and exploration over action and challenge. It’s worth noting that the game currently feels very much like a demo, with additional levels planned for release over the next year. While the current content offers around three hours of gameplay at a leisurely pace, those seeking a more complete experience might want to wait.
Visually, the game effectively captures the unsettling atmosphere it aims to create. The graphics are intentionally degraded, reminiscent of VHS tapes, with a slightly fuzzy and out-of-focus aesthetic. The dreamlike environments, particularly the distorted swimming pools, are visually striking, whilst occasional glimpses of unsettling objects further enhance the game’s dreamlike and disorienting atmosphere.
The sound design is equally impressive, with subtle environmental cues and unsettling sound effects that create a sense of unease. The occasional bursts of orchestral or jazzy music add to the unpredictable nature of the experience.

A Unique and Unsettling Experience for Fans of the Uncanny
Dreamcore is the type of game I find particularly compelling. I appreciate its unconventional approach, the focus on atmosphere and exploration, and its willingness to embrace the strange and unsettling. However, the lack of clear objectives and traditional gameplay mechanics might not appeal to all players. And it’s currently lacking content, and so you might prefer to wait before diving into the dreamlike world of Dreamcore.
Important Links
Dreamcore: A Surreal Descent into the Haunting Beauty of Liminal Spaces – https://www.thexboxhub.com/dreamcore-a-surreal-descent-into-the-haunting-beauty-of-liminal-spaces/
Buy Dreamcore on Xbox – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/dreamcore/9pcw3dr9glfb