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The Sailor’s Dream review: enchanting iOS adventure game

Go on a journey and discover the secrets of The Sailor’s Dream

Simogo is the company behind some of the best atmospheric games available on iOS. While we’ve previously praised Device 6 and Year Walk as two great examples of ethereal iPhone games, that balance narrative with gaming elements, The Sailor’s Dream moves even further away from these traditional game conventions.

Investigate the rocky outcrops and discover the story

Investigate the rocky outcrops and discover the story

The primary method of interaction is to swipe across the screen to reveal text – you’ll then keep swiping as the scene plays out. After a quick introduction, you’re out on the open seas until you come across your first landmark: Secret Lighthouse. When you reach landmarks like this, you can go inside where you’ll be able to swipe around to reveal rooms, corridors and stairways. This type of exploration sets the Sailor’s Dream apart from other puzzle games, in that this is the way to progress, rather than being frequently blocked by puzzles that need to be solved to move on.

The story starts out by scrolling across the screen

The story starts out by scrolling across the screen

It’s different from any other app and a playful way of pulling you through each section of the game. Within some rooms you’ll discover parts of the overarching story that show up as white text on black backgrounds. Each one is expertly crafted and reveals just enough information to keep you interested. Once you’ve investigated the key areas like the Lighthouse, more of the story is revealed before returning to the open seas to look for more landmarks to investigate.

Pay attention to the story pieces you'll find in each landmark

Pay attention to the story pieces that are found in each landmark

This free-for-all exploratory nature may sound like it could get a bit dull, but its supporting artwork and music that accompanies the story makes this feel more like a graphic novel, which makes this more passive style of participation just as engaging.. Each room is beautifully presented and small details add to the overall mystery of the piece. Some rooms also feature interactive elements that you can tap and pull at and are often linked to the background music.

Some rooms feature interactive elements

Some rooms feature interactive elements

There are only a few landmarks to investigate and it can be easy to breeze through them at relative speed – though that would fundamentally miss the point of this game – you’ll want to pay full attention to each story piece as it gives hints to unlocking hidden messages. One such example is a radio that seems to do nothing but if you return at a certain time of the day (you’ll have to work out when for yourself) it will spark to life.

The story is hauntingly beautiful and matches the artwork

The story is hauntingly beautiful and matches the artwork

The Sailor’s Dream is relatively short but it offers an experience unlike any other available on the iPhone. A form of interactive storytelling where you’re just along for the ride. It’s hard to describe too much without ruining the wonder you’ll experience discovering all of its secrets – give it a go for yourself.

Price: $3.99/£2.49
Version: 1.0
Size: 178 MB
Platform: Universal
Developer: Simogo

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