Software:Dreamcore
Dreamcore is a 2025 first-person horror video game developed by Argentinian studio Montraluz and published by Tlön Industries.[1] In the game, players are tasked with exploring non-linear liminal spaces and discovering hidden secrets.[2]
Gameplay
In Dreamcore, the player solves puzzles in four areas: Dreampools, an indoor pool environment, Eternal Suburbia, Playrooms, an area of children’s play spaces, and Liminal Hotel. A fifth area, Deadmall, is currently in development. 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.[3]
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.[4]
In June 2025, the "Playrooms" expansion was released, adding a new explorable area, and in 2026, the "Liminal Hotel" expansion was released. Montraluz will release one more expansion in 2026 which will be called "DeadMall".[5]
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.[6] The game launched with two areas that the player can explore.
In a more positive review, XboxEra called it the "best liminal space video game", and complimented the game's atmosphere and artistic direction.[7]
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.[8][9]
References
- ↑ "Dreamcore Was My First Terrifying Experience Of The Year". https://www.thegamer.com/dreamcore-liminal-spaces-dreampools-scary-moments/.
- ↑ "Dreamcore". https://www.ign.com/videos/dreamcore-official-version-10-new-content-trailer-the-mix-fall-showcase-2024.
- ↑ "'Dreamcore' Frustrates in Its Attempts at Riding 'The Backrooms' Phenomenon". https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3851054/dreamcore-frustrates-in-its-attempts-at-riding-the-backrooms-phenomenon-review/.
- ↑ "Dreamcore is the interactive analog horror game of my nightmares". https://www.destructoid.com/dreamcore-is-the-interactive-analog-horror-game-of-my-nightmares/.
- ↑ "Liminal Horror Game 'Dreamcore' Expansion “Playrooms” Arrives June 17th [Teaser"]. https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3869213/liminal-horror-game-dreamcore-expansion-playrooms-arrives-june-17th-teaser/.
- ↑ "Dreamcore". https://www.metacritic.com/game/dreamcore/.
- ↑ "Dreamcore review". https://xboxera.com/2025/01/28/dreamcore-review/.
- ↑ "Liminal Horror Games Like Dreamcore Are Reinventing The Walking Sim". https://www.gamespot.com/articles/liminal-horror-games-like-dreamcore-are-reinventing-the-walking-sim/1100-6528959/.
- ↑ "Dreamcore: A Surreal Descent into the Haunting Beauty of Liminal Spaces". https://www.thexboxhub.com/dreamcore-a-surreal-descent-into-the-haunting-beauty-of-liminal-spaces/.
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