GameTech: entering the world of Dreams on PS4

"Sweet dreams are made of this – who am I to disagree?" We certainly don’t disagree in the case of Dreams, a PS4 game that hits the sweet spot.

"Sweet dreams are made of this – who am I to disagree?" We certainly don’t disagree in the case of Dreams, a game that hits the sweet spot for players looking to build their own creations and share them with the world.

When Sony first announced Dreams, we didn’t have much faith that the end product would deliver.

But the truth is, we slept on it. Ever since the beta mode launched last year, we have seen a stream of entertaining and polished games coming from the Dreams community, with everything from first-person shooters to racers shared by the community. People have even paid tribute to Fallout and PT in the engine.

So how does Dreams work? In short, it’s a 3D creation kit that gives players all the tools they need to build simple but effective games of their own. Once the games are shared publically, people can play them, vote on them — and the cream rises to the top.

A bit like Mario Maker or even Minecraft, the experience certainly relies on the energy and creativity of the community, but that’s what makes Dreams so interesting.

While it does come with a basic single-player mode, you’ll spend all your time exploring the content shared online instead. It’s a bit like visiting an art gallery for gamers.

If you want to build fully-featured games, then you’ll need to use something like the Unreal engine on a PC, especially if you want to sell your work.

But for gamers who want to add some creativity to their console, this is the stuff Dreams are made of.

SONIC LIFT-OFF

Jeff Fowler’s dreams have also come true. If you don’t know Jeff, then you may have seen his film recently.

He directed Sonic the Hedgehog, which has seen the highest grossing opening weekend of any video game film.

Not even Jeff could have expected such impressive results, but Sonic is a great example of listening to the fanbase and making the necessary adjustments.

Last year, when Sonic’s initial design was released, most people agreed that he looked like something from Black Mirror. The internet exploded with negative feedback.

So Jeff and the team went back to the drawing board, redesigning Sonic to look more like his true self.

Thankfully, they also had a solid script that does the blue blur justice, and a trademark turn by Jim Carrey as Dr Robotnik. The only thing faster than Sonic? The studio greenlighting a sequel.

DEAD CELLS

Meanwhile, if Sonic has planted the seed for a sequel, Dead Cells is starting to multiply. The outstanding rogue-lite has just received its first playable expansion, called The Bad Seed.

The Bad Seed adds two new areas to the game, The Dilapidated Arboretum and TheMorass of Banished. (Yes, Dead Cells has a flair for the dramatic). It also adds a new boss.

For a game that prides itself on balance, two levels is a significant addition, especially as the arboretum also introduces mushroom boi, a new sidekick who changes how you play, plus additional weapons like a dart gun.

As always, the appeal of Dead Cells doesn’t lie in completing the game, but the manner in which you do it.

The Bad Seed plants itself right in the middle of the run, growing into new directions for the player as a result. Just add water. (And plenty of salt).

HOUSE FLIPPER

Some of you might have things growing on your walls. Houses in Ireland tend to be pretty damp at this time of year. If you’re still waiting on the house of your dreams — or even your mildest nightmares will do at this stage — then House Flipper is just the catharsis you need.

As the title implies, House Flipper is about taking a run-down house and renovating it for sale, trying to turn a profit. A solid foundation for a game, you’ll agree.

A cosy, charming title with plenty of potential with some TLC.

First released on Steam in 2018, House Flipper has now found its way to Xbox and PS4, meaning console gamers can finally move out of their bedrooms and into — well, no, you’ll still be in your bedrooms. But at least you’ll be happier. House Flipper is flipping good fun.