Shape of Dreams: Crafting Nightmares and Trading Dreams

A roguelite adventure where teamwork makes the dream work

Launch Day Larry

In the ever-expanding universe of roguelite games, “Shape of Dreams” emerges as a vibrant contender, offering a kaleidoscope of mechanics that will have you trading dreams and dodging nightmares. This game is a delightful concoction of cooperative play, strategic planning, and a sprinkle of chaos, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package. But does it live up to its dreamlike potential, or does it leave you in a cold sweat? Let’s dive in.

Gameplay: A Dream Team of Mechanics

“Shape of Dreams” excels in crafting a robust roguelite experience that keeps players coming back for more. The game offers a dynamic and responsive combat system that feels as satisfying as landing a perfect parry in Dark Souls. The variety in character builds is a standout feature, with each character offering a unique playstyle that adds depth and replayability. Boss fights are a particular highlight, moving beyond the typical “don’t stand in the AoE” mechanics to offer genuinely engaging challenges.

The ability to trade key in-run currencies between players is a rare gem in the genre, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. This feature, combined with the option to change skills and move skill upgrades at any time, encourages experimentation and strategic planning. The multiplayer experience is particularly enjoyable, with smooth netcode ensuring a stable and seamless experience. Whether you’re consolidating skills or trading essences, the cooperative gameplay adds a layer of depth that is both refreshing and engaging.

However, the game isn’t without its quirks. Menu navigation can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, and the verbose tooltips might have you reaching for a dictionary. The plot-heavy tutorial, while ambitious, doesn’t quite hit the mark in terms of gameplay understanding. And for those playing on the Steamdeck, performance issues during intense combat can be a bit of a nightmare.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Optimization

Visually, “Shape of Dreams” is a feast for the eyes. The game’s graphics are nothing short of stunning, with a sharp and moody atmosphere that draws you into its dream world. The animations, particularly for skills, are beautifully crafted, showcasing a high level of detail and artistry. The diverse and engaging environments keep the experience fresh, with each new level offering something unique to explore.

Yet, the game’s beauty is somewhat marred by performance challenges. Players with high-end systems report framerate drops even on the lowest settings, suggesting that optimization could use a bit of polish. The Steamdeck, in particular, struggles to maintain consistent performance, which might leave handheld gamers feeling a bit groggy. However, there’s hope on the horizon, as the developers, Lizard Smoothie, are known for their responsiveness to feedback, promising potential improvements in future updates.

Story: A Dream World with Room to Grow

While “Shape of Dreams” captivates with its strong aesthetic and thematic elements, the story itself seems to take a backseat. The game world is compelling, with intriguing lore surrounding Memories and The Rapids, adding a layer of narrative intrigue. However, the reviews suggest that the story might not be the central focus, with more emphasis placed on gameplay mechanics and replayability.

Character progression is a notable aspect, with players leveling up characters like Lacerta, suggesting a character-driven progression system. This adds a narrative layer, allowing players to explore different builds and playstyles. However, the plot-heavy tutorial might leave some players feeling more confused than enlightened, indicating room for improvement in integrating story elements with gameplay.

Final Verdict

“Shape of Dreams” is a refreshing take on the roguelite genre, offering a rich tapestry of mechanics that will keep players engaged for hours. Its robust gameplay, stunning visuals, and cooperative elements make it a must-play for fans of isometric RPGs. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in optimization and story integration, the game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. So gather your friends, trade some dreams, and dive into the chaotic, colorful world of “Shape of Dreams.”

Score: 8.2/10