I Had A Dream

That simple line kicks off one of the most enjoyable, magical games you're likely to play any time soon. No, it's not a game based on Martin Luther King Jr. (although that would be awesome) but an enchanting tale titled Dream Chronicles.

In Dream Chronicles, you fill the shoes of Faye, a wonderful wife and mother who awakens one day to find her daughter under a sleeping spell and her husband kidnapped by the Fairy Queen of Dreams, Lilith. The tale starts with Faye dreaming about Lilith casting a spell that puts her entire kingdom to sleep, then she soon awakens to discover that her awful nightmare was an unfortunate premonition.

She feels as if her husband Fidget has awakened her, and even though he's been taken, it's more or less true. Her husband seems to be with her in some form or another and he helps guide her along her quest.

More Than Just Hidden Objects

If I had to shoehorn Dream Chronicles into a specific genre, it was would probably be most appropriate to classify it as a hidden objects game. However, there's a lot more to this experience than just finding objects. You'll also be searching for clues, reading notes, and solving imaginative and sometimes challenging puzzles. Some items that you'll find will help you find or create other items. For example, in one of the many stages, you'll need a saw, some rope, and some wooden boards to construct a bridge; these sort of puzzles help lift this fantastic game beyond this genre and into a genre all its own. The term "hidden objects" does not do this product justice.

You'll be carrying around a diary at any time that you can open up to check out your progress, as well as certain items you've collected. It's a great way to keep track of everything. It also tracks your collection of dream pieces, which are special gems that you can collect throughout your journey. Will you be able to find them all?

If you find yourself stuck looking for an object, it will begin to sparkle after a while. While some people may not like the automatic help, it works well to keep the game going and to keep the pace up.

A Wondrous Package

The story is very engaging and told in a wonderful way, through a combination of cut scenes and in-game dialogue. Fidget will constantly explain things to you as the tale unfolds, so there's never a dull moment. The story features some wonderfully done characters that you can't help but sympathize for. Even if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you'll no doubt find yourself absorbed rather quickly.

The game looks great. It features beautiful backgrounds and music and sounds that create a wonderful atmosphere. The art direction paints a vivid image of world that's nothing short of magical. If you have any love for the fantasy genre, you'll definitely get lost in the world of Dream Chronicles. Aside from a few minor gripes, like the aforementioned sparkle help system, there isn't a lot to complain about here. It's a great overall experience that I highly recommend.