Slumber

oh this was REALLY creative and fun, i love the concept and the characters so much!!

(SPOILERS)

a world that's all about dreams is an idea that's begging to be explored in creative ways, and the way dreams work here is really unique! i like how they're kind of the natural state of haetaes, and when they aren't doing tasks or going on with their day, they're in this dreamworld where only good things can happen; that's a really interesting concept. and when you die you turn into a statue that sleeps forever? that's... honestly a bit scary, but like in a good way? i honestly can't decide whether i'd prefer to just disappear or dream happy things for all eternity haha. oh, i also love how the designs and colors all revolve around dreams! the ground being made of clouds, the temple's architecture, the pastel color palette... it all evokes a sense of comfort and safety, which works amazingly well with how the dreams in this world are supposed to be... well, comfortable and safe. and it provides a GREAT contrast with how intense everything gets when things go wrong. and i think the sprites have improved! (they were always great but this really feels like an evolution of that style) i love the haetaes' designs and statues they turn into? sooo pretty. and the music!! usually music isn't something i focus on, but WOW the tracks here are really good, perfectly soothing or creepy when they need to be (and there's a very clever use of silence when the plot demands it). the aesthetic in your games is always top notch and makes everything feel truly otherwordly, and this was no exception! :D (also the world being called snooza? 11/10 no notes)

the characters are great too! i really liked wispers and stew; it's easy to tell they're friends but the little moments that set their personalities apart are really well done. wispers is a great protagonist, their curiosity and kindness were really endearing and i really wanted them to figure out what was happening and solve everything! elder yume is great too, i love old mentor characters they're so cool haha. and akumu!! god i loved him so much; his mischievousness, the way he talks, how he distorts everything in fun ways, the way he toys with people by trapping or mocking them... he was a blast, and i loved every single conversation with him haha. he's such a fun character, but he's intimidating when he needs to be! love how everything (even the screen margins in the dream sequence) gets red and messed up when he's around, love the mad laughter painted on the edges of the screen, love how he can seemingly do and manipulate anything in reality... and the way he's defeated? i love poetic justice haha. honestly i think he's probably my favorite character in all your games! the characters and writing overall are great :>

if i had to mention any problems i had... AKUMU DID NOTHING WRONG! he just didn't like dreams as much as everyone else and he got ostracized and ignored for it, and the only reason he hurt other elders was because the power of the immortal peach was too overwhelming, and after years and years of being trapped alone with his thoughts of course he'd go insane!! and instead of finally achieving relief with death, he's forced to dream forever, something he's made very clear he dislikes! #AkumuDeservedBetter

(ok seriously though this whole point is kind of a joke, cuz yea akumu did do bad stuff- XD on a more serious note, it kind of feels like the game is blaming akumu's evil simply on the fact that he doesn't like dreams as much as everyone else? but on the other hand, the reason he doesn't like dreams is because he wants to have unlimited power and get everything he wants, so honestly it evens out haha. but i think he could've been a bit more malicious, or done more evil things, so his role as an antagonist feels more deserved. that's just my opinion tho)

overall this was an amazing game!! one of my favorites from you for sure. i love playing through the stories of these otherwordly places and universes, and i can't wait to see what comes next! :D