In recent years, Nintendo fans have been delighted by a growing number of unique role-playing games inspired by classic classics like Earthbound and Spirited Away. The latest entry in this genre is Dreamed Away, a game that takes its inspiration from both titles and combines it with an emotional story and artistic style. With Dreamed Away set for release in the near future, let’s take a look at what makes it stand out.
Story
Dreamed Away follows the story of two siblings, Leigh and Cole. After the death of their parents, their dreams begin to become intertwined. Players must explore these dreamscapes as they unravel the mystery of why they are having these shared experiences. Along their journey, they will meet various characters and gain insight into their own pasts while facing emotional traumas.
Unlike some RPGs which focus on battle mechanics or exploration, Dreamed Away puts its emphasis on storytelling. Developers Libra Heart Games describe the game as “a heartfelt story full of symbolism, drama, tragedy and laughter”. With thoughtful dialogues that reflect on life’s difficult decisions, players will gain an appreciation for life’s fragility while journeying through this world.
Gameplay & Style
Dreamed Away is heavily inspired by both Earthbound and Spirited Away in terms of gameplay and musical style. In battles players use a mix of physical attacks alongside special abilities unique to each character. Similar to Earthbound’s timed hit system, each attack must be done at the right time during battle for maximum effectiveness.
The visual design also takes cues from these two classic RPG’s. Sprites are reminiscent of those found in Earthbound while lush environments give off an atmosphere akin to Spirited Away’s surrealism and magical beauty. This