Projected Dreams Review

Projected Dreams, Projected Dreams Review

Growing up do you remember making shadow puppets on your wall when you couldn't fall asleep? Making adorable bunnies, or trying to mold your hands into something new? Bring back the nostalgia with this cozy puzzle game, Projected Dreams by Flawberry Studio.

Projected Dreams has been on my wishlist since February of 2024. I've been watching updates from Flawberry Studio and was thrilled when a release date was announced. Even more so I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play and review before its release.

Projected Dreams tells the story of Senka and her mother Lisa who share a bedtime ritual of telling stories with shadow silhouettes. Due to a job opportunity, the small family moves and while unpacking Senka finds her mother's old photo album. Pictures of her mother's childhood flood the pages. With the help of her shadow puppets and imagination, Senka unfolds her mother's past.

Senka and her mother Lisa making shadow silhouettes.

Gameplay

Inviting players into Senka's world, Projected Dreams follows Senka as she recreates her mother Lisa's childhood photos by using toys to make shadow silhouettes. Each puzzle within the level is represented by a blurry polaroid photo. Grab toys off the shelf and shift, rotate, and build to match the silhouette from the picture. An outline of the silhouette is projected onto the wall, and there are multiple solutions to each puzzle.

There isn’t one way to solve a puzzle, use different objects to fill the space.

Each puzzle has a three star rating of how well the shadow matches the outline. You need at least one star to move onto the next puzzle. Lack of stars doesn't reveal anyless storyline, it's more achievement hunting and/or accomplishment. After completing a puzzle, the original photo comes into view, and more of Lisa's story and family relationships are unveiled.

As you progress in Projected Dreams, Senka's room slowly transforms. We see new room themes, and different toys to add into our builds. We even add new mechanics into each level. The addition of resizing, layering, invisible objects and more adds challenge to puzzles, and keeps things fresh.

Little emblem signifying there’s a cassette to find in that scene.

You can use either a mouse and keyboard or controller to play Projected Dreams. I personally used a mouse and keyboard, but I would recommend whatever is most comfortable for you to use. There isn't quick movement, but more precise and methodological to rotate and tilt objects into the outline. Balancing and layers objects is pivotal to your success. Toppling can start you over from the beginning.

Storyline & Atmosphere

Senka and Lisa's storyline is told wordlessly through adorable animations, and polaroid photos. Storytelling without voice acting or even having to read conversations on screen can be so comforting. It leaves the story with a little bit of open interpretation, which can be more relatable to a player.

Uncover past relationships, of heartbreak and family.

Being set in the 90s and seeing nostalgic toys brought so much joy. The robotic hamster-owl and handheld electronic games were a blast from the past. Even if you couldn't relate to the toys, you could relate to the feeling of using your imagination.

Additional Hints

Take your time in each room to tinker around. There are lots of small easter eggs to enjoy. Some that move or make noise, that just add to the overall comfort of the game.

There are hidden cassette (yes cassette) tapes hidden in some puzzles. A tiny cassette emblem will reveal itself next to a polaroid if hidden within the scene. Once you find them, you can pop them into the adorable cassette player to listen. The comforting and relaxing music for the cassettes and overall game was written by Floris Demandt. It brings such an over-sense of peace and tranquility to the game.

Final Thoughts

Projected Dreams has such replayability. Although an entire playthrough only took me 4-5 hours, I definitely will be returning to try different solutions. There are so many different ways to solve the puzzles, and it was really made for those who like to achievement chase or challenge themselves. Plus it's a game you can come back to at any time.

If you're looking for a low stress, puzzle game that breathes a sense of nostalgia, Projected Dreams is for you. Set to release on Steam May 29th for both PC and Mac.