8.3 hours played
Written 26 days ago
It is difficult for me to fully describe how much this game has impacted me, or even to begin this review, as I have so much to say about it. This game is something that I feel is best experienced, but I will try my best to explain to my fullest ability how much I recommend it.
[h1] Gameplay: [/h1]
At it's core, Hypnagogia is a puzzle platformer. I found it was best to toggle the run button at the start of the game, just to make everything smoother, as a lot of jumps in the game need to have a running start in order to make it.
I feel it is best to enter this game blind, then look up a walkthrough on your second to see which things you have missed. I have just started my second playthrough, and I have experienced things I have completely glossed over the first time I played.
This game rewards patience, precision, and exploration. The platforming and puzzles were well thought out and rewarding. I did find myself stuck a few times, but it was nothing too frustrating.
[h1] Sound Design: [/h1]
The OST for Hypangogia is incredibly immersive. This game is best played with headphones to experience how beautiful, and at times, terrifying, the audio can be. The sound design evokes a feeling of nostalgia, with some stages reminding me of songs I used to listen to as a child, playing my favorite Nintendo game. Some are incredibly soothing, and have found their way on to my "Sleepy time" playlist. The sound effects are crisp and satisfying, scratching an itch in my brain.
[h1] Level Design: [/h1]
There are a wide variety of levels to see here, some hidden deep in the main levels, inviting you to look beyond the surface, to see what is beyond. I would get lost in immersion exploring the different landscapes put out before me. The level design ranges from forests filled with little mushroom inhabitants, to a vaporwave inspired water levels, and even an abandoned shopping mall.
The game starts by lulling you in to a false sense of security, until it slowly, yet surely, takes a darker tone. Some of the levels in the game are serene, while some are absolutely bone chilling.
Multiple playthroughs I feel are necessary to find all the hidden goodies. The game makes this easier on you by giving access to a "Dream Hub" after you complete the game. In the Dream Hub, you can access the individual dream levels, see excerpts on the dream journal that inspired said levels, and even has another secret level hidden in it for you to find and explore.
[h1] Story: [/h1]
While the story is relatively simple, it did have it's own twists and turns that I feel need to be experienced instead of talked about. Your goal in this game is to find the Dream Shards hidden in each of the levels. Why?
You'll have to find out for yourself.
The end of the game left me with tears in my eyes, and made me feel like I really did make a difference for the inhabitants in the dream level. It was heartfelt and unforgettable.
[h1] Conclusion: [/h1]
Overall, Hypnagogia: Boundless Dreams is a masterpiece. It has implanted a piece of itself on my heart. I highly recommend this game to anyone looking for a unique, memorable experience. Even if you aren't a platformer lover, I feel this game rewards you in spades with it's environmental story telling and heartfelt ending. Hypnagogia: Boundless Dreams is an unforgettable experience, and one I will continue to recommend.
