We’re showcasing the top demos available this week during Steam Next Fest, which takes place from February 24 to March 3. We refer to this as Wishlisted.
Autoshooters and twig-picking survival games have replaced 2D puzzle-platformers as the genre de jour at Steam Next Fest, but I like to think that they can return to being popular and clever. As I Began To Dream is a wonderfully hand-drawn side-scroller that delivers its puzzles with a tactile clickiness straight out of your childhood toolbox, and I have really loved it. The demo is currently available.
You are Lily, a little girl who faintly resembles Princess Kaguya and who has the ability to rotate, flip, and switch square pieces of scenery. You’ll soon be mulling over which tile goes where, in which orientation, and whether you should teleport yourself along with it. Initially, this is more of a build-your-own-platforms exercise than a foundation for real puzzles. In particular, when laser emitters and shadowy adversaries begin to appear, your panel flips become weaponized and less about traversal.
However, you are never required to juggle more than two or three tiles at once in these problems. I’m not sure if the full game will make them more expansive, but I did enjoy how manageable each task felt: I never spent much time stuck on a challenging arrangement, and even after I had ham-handedly twisted the components into an unwinnable situation, I hardly lost any time or progress when I reset, which I could do at any time.
I have a suspicion that this won’t sit well with players who prefer puzzle-platformers that more closely combine the thinking and hopping elements because Lily remains still throughout, and all of the flipping and reversing is done by her unknowably Gen Alpha intellect. But in a way, I was quite happy with this. The slowness of these games is one problem I always have with them; even when I see the answer to a puzzle, I have to put up with the tiresome tasks of crate-shoving and rope-pulling in order to implement it.
While As I Began To Dream just doesn’t bother with it, letting you change the tiles with fast taps, Planet Of Lana adds some fun to this procedure by providing you with a charming but capable monkeycat partner to share the task with. The outcome? There is almost never a lag between the final “Eureka” moment of solving a puzzle and its implementation, with the exception of a few later puzzles where you’ll have to watch some tiny monster nasties enter the doom you’ve created for them.
Maintaining this immediacy and snappiness throughout what should theoretically be a sequence of increasingly challenging and complex riddles will be the difficulty of the entire game. However, I’ll gladly give it a shot because of how well the demo does at making its tile swap games seem excellent.
As I Began To Dream’s Quickfire Tile-Flipping Gives Its Puzzles a Satisfying Snap
In the world of puzzle games, where creativity and mechanics often collide, As I Began To Dream stands out with its unique approach to tile-flipping puzzles. The game’s quickfire mechanics and satisfying snap of tiles create an experience that is both meditative and exhilarating. It’s a game that doesn’t just challenge your mind but also delights your senses, making every move feel purposeful and rewarding.
The Allure of Tile-Flipping Mechanics
At its core, As I Began To Dream revolves around flipping tiles to solve intricate puzzles. But this isn’t your average tile-flipping game. The mechanics are designed to be fast-paced and responsive, giving players a sense of immediate gratification with every flip. The snap sound that accompanies each move is oddly satisfying, creating a rhythmic flow that keeps you engaged. It’s a small detail, but one that elevates the entire experience, making the act of solving puzzles feel tactile and immersive.
The game’s puzzles are cleverly designed, requiring players to think ahead while also reacting quickly. Each level introduces new challenges, from shifting patterns to time-sensitive objectives, ensuring that the gameplay never feels repetitive. The combination of strategy and speed keeps you on your toes, making every solved puzzle feel like a triumph.
A Dreamlike Aesthetic
The game’s title, As I Began To Dream, perfectly encapsulates its ethereal atmosphere. The visuals are soft and dreamlike, with a palette that shifts subtly as you progress through the levels. The tiles themselves are beautifully designed, with intricate patterns that come to life as you flip them. The art style complements the gameplay, creating a cohesive experience that feels both calming and stimulating.
The soundtrack, too, plays a crucial role in setting the tone. It’s ambient and soothing, yet it subtly shifts to match the intensity of the puzzles. The combination of visuals and sound creates a dreamlike state, pulling you into the game’s world and making it hard to put down.
The Satisfaction of Solving Puzzles
What truly sets As I Began To Dream apart is the sense of satisfaction it delivers. The quickfire tile-flipping mechanics make every move feel impactful, and the puzzles are designed to reward both patience and quick thinking. There’s a moment of pure joy when the tiles align perfectly, and the puzzle snaps into place. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe but impossible to ignore.
The game also strikes a perfect balance between challenge and accessibility. While some puzzles will test your problem-solving skills, they never feel insurmountable. The difficulty curve is well-paced, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy the experience. And for those who crave an extra challenge, there are optional objectives and hidden layers to uncover.
A Game That Stays With You
As I Began To Dream is more than just a puzzle game; it’s an experience that lingers in your mind long after you’ve put it down. The combination of quickfire mechanics, satisfying sound design, and dreamlike aesthetics creates a unique blend of relaxation and excitement. It’s a game that invites you to lose yourself in its world, one tile flip at a time.
Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or someone looking for a game that offers both challenge and charm, As I Began To Dream is a title worth exploring. Its quickfire tile-flipping mechanics and satisfying snap make it a standout in the genre, offering a refreshing take on what puzzle games can be. So, dive in, flip those tiles, and let the dream unfold.