[MiS]

What will you dream of?

Spoiler: Screenshots

What is it?

Yume Nikki (translated as "Dream Diary") is a single-player, freeware, surreal-exploration adventure game created by Japanese developer Kikiyama, created in RPGMaker 2003. It is unique in that once you start the game, you are given no clear path on where to go, and are free to explore the dreams of the main character and protagonist, Madotsuki. Exploration is the key factor to this game - travelling through doors that take you to other dreams, you'll encounter creatures and environments that range from unique and beautiful to bizarre, surreal, and even disturbing.

What do you do?

You play as Madotsuki, an introverted girl who refuses to leave her room and has only her video games and dreams to keep her entertained. When interacting with her bed and falling asleep, you are whisked away to the dream hub, where a multitude of doors leading to other dreams surround you, each leading to a different environment that interconnects with the other dreams, creating a vast, expansive area. The goal of the game is to collect 24 objects known as "effects", which can either causes a number of different things to happen once used, from cute ones that change Madotsuki's appearance, to extremely odd ones that can affect the environment and other characters. Collecting them all opens the game's ending. While there are enemies, the player/Madotsuki is in no real danger, as they can simply pinch their cheek and wake up back to the real world, ensuring a way out of the dream world at all times. Most NPCs mean no harm and just walk about Madotsuki's dreams, wandering.

Where can I download it?

You can get the game for free, translated in English, at:
http://archive.uboachan.net/media/src/Yume_Nikki.rar

Final notes

The game, in its expansive and indirect format, will no doubt be confusing after reaching certain parts. Don't be afraid to consult a walkthrough! You can either use the Yume Nikki wikia or this GameFAQs guide to help your journey along, but I can't stress to only use it in case you're stuck on an effect or progressing forward. The charm of the game, after all, is the exploration and discovery of these surreal dreamscapes.

[Losi]

Seems interesting, probably wont play it but thanks for the review. I'm not too into rpgs and stuff. But i noticed you put some effort into this one.

[Customer]

I remember this game from like a year ago.

Great game! Thanks for the review!

[MiS]

Seems interesting, probably wont play it but thanks for the review. I'm not too into rpgs and stuff. But i noticed you put some effort into this one.

It's an interesting game, and it's not really an RPG - I'd go so far as to say it's unlike most conventional games out there. There's no grinding, level ups, or equipment, it's just created using RPGMaker. I'd really suggest giving it a try if you have time.

I remember this game from like a year ago.

Great game! Thanks for the review!

No problem! I might just end up sharing a bunch of indie horror RPG games in the near future if I have the time.