Dreamcore
| Dreamcore | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Montraluz |
| Publisher | Tlön Industries |
| Designer | Valentín Iribarren |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Platforms | |
| Release | January 23, 2025[1] |
| Mode | |
Dreamcore is a 2025 first-person horror video game developed by Argentinian studio Montraluz and published by Tlön Industries.[2] In the game, players are tasked with exploring non-linear liminal spaces and discovering hidden secrets.[3]
Gameplay
In Dreamcore, the player navigates 3 areas: the underground dream pools, an endless suburb, and the playrooms, looking for clues to solve puzzles. Many of the puzzles are based on trial-and-error wayfinding, using visual and audio cues. The game uses a VHS-style filter and was developed in Unreal Engine 5.[4]
Development
Dreamcore takes inspiration from liminal space horror, such as the Backrooms, which was popularized from a 2019 4chan thread. Montraluz announced the game on their YouTube channel in 2023. A trailer later debuted as part of the 2024 Latin American Game Showcase. In 2024, a short demo was made playable on Steam.[5]
In June 2025, the "Playrooms" expansion was released, adding a new explorable area. In addition to "Playrooms", Montraluz is planning on releasing 2 more expansions in 2026.[6]
Release and reception
Dreamcore was released on January 23, 2025, for Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and Steam. It received "mixed or average" reviews according to Metacritic.[7] The game launched with 2 explorable areas.
In a more positive review, XboxEra called it the "best liminal space video game", and complimented the game's atmosphere and artistic direction.[8]
The liminal space subgenre of walking simulators has been given attention for its reinvention of the genre and for leaning into the strengths of low-budget game development.[9][10]
References
- ^ "The Most-Anticipated Horror Games Of 2025 And Beyond". Gamespot. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
- ^ "Dreamcore Was My First Terrifying Experience Of The Year". The Gamer. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "Dreamcore". IGN. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "'Dreamcore' Frustrates in Its Attempts at Riding 'The Backrooms' Phenomenon". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
- ^ "Dreamcore is the interactive analog horror game of my nightmares". Destructoid. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "Liminal Horror Game 'Dreamcore' Expansion "Playrooms" Arrives June 17th [Teaser]". Bloody disgusting. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "Dreamcore". Metacritic. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "Dreamcore review". Xbox Era. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "Liminal Horror Games Like Dreamcore Are Reinventing The Walking Sim". Gamespot. Retrieved 7 October 2025.
- ^ "Dreamcore: A Surreal Descent into the Haunting Beauty of Liminal Spaces". Xbox Hub. Retrieved 7 October 2025.