Dreams of Aether
Last updated: 2026-02-15
- Confident microgame design with WarioWare-like fun.
- Excellent audiovisuals and charming art style.
- Simple, addictive controls and innovative gameplay.
- Game is very short and lacks content.
- Difficulty and confusion in gameplay.
- Technical problems and control issues reported.
Emotions
Players experience joy due to the game's vibrant aesthetic, upbeat soundtrack, and charming story. The fun and engaging microgames, along with humorous interactions and enjoyable gameplay mechanics, contribute significantly to this positive emotion.
The enjoyment stems from the game's unique and fun gameplay experience, which is often compared to WarioWare. Players appreciate the charming and fun microgames, the fast-paced nature, and the overall engaging gameplay.
Excitement is generated by the game's engaging rhythm and unique gameplay mechanic of simultaneous microgames. The fast-paced, challenging, and novel gameplay twists keep players on the edge of their seats.
The game evokes nostalgia through its reminiscent gameplay and music, which throw players back to classic WarioWare games and old RPG games of the 90s. The arcade game vibes and familiarity with the game's worldview enhance this feeling.
Frustration arises from the game's difficulty in certain segments, such as the final boss stage and the late-game multitasking challenges. Quick-Time Events and the RNG in the dancing minigame also contribute to this emotion.
Verdict
Mostly positive
Summary
Positive 94% · Negative 6%. Score: 6 / 100
Verdict
Good with Minor Adjustments
Summary
The game generally receives positive feedback for its compatibility and performance on the Steam Deck. Users report that it runs well and is enjoyable on the platform. However, there are some minor issues related to resolution and Proton compatibility that could affect the user experience. Overall, the game seems to be a good fit for the Steam Deck with some minor adjustments needed. Score: 30 / 100
Top points
- Compatibility and Performance - Positive
- Resolution Issues - Low
- Proton Issues - Medium
- User Experience - Positive
Positives:
- The game offers a solid collection of microgames that are fun, intuitive, and fast. It introduces new elements to the microgame concept, making it a standout feature.
- The game captures the essence and enjoyment of WarioWare, with many players noting its similarity and even superiority in some aspects like soundtrack and characters.
- The game features great graphics, charming visuals, and an amazing soundtrack. The original music and art style contribute significantly to the game's unique and engaging tone.
- Players find the gameplay fun, innovative, and challenging. The game offers quick and enjoyable mechanics that keep players engaged.
- The game's art style is described as cute, beautiful, and charming, adding to the overall appeal and enjoyment of the game.
Negatives:
- Many players have noted that the game is quite short, with some completing it in under an hour. This brevity is a common point of criticism.
- The game has been described as confusing at times, with some mini-games being particularly challenging. This can make the game difficult to understand and play.
- The late-game stages require multitasking, which some players find challenging and difficult to manage.
- The game has some technical issues, including bugs and problems with saving progress.
- There are a limited number of mini-games, leading to frequent repetition. This repetitiveness can make the gameplay feel stale.
Gameplay:
- The game is frequently compared to WarioWare, featuring similar microgame mechanics and structure. Players note the resemblance in gameplay style, including rapid-fire microgames and a similar progression system.
- The game is noted for its short length, with many players reporting that it can be completed in about an hour or less. This makes it easy to finish quickly and achieve 100% completion.
- The game features microgames that test the player's dexterity, speed, and reaction time. These microgames are short and require quick operations to succeed.
- A standout feature of the game is the requirement to play two microgames simultaneously, particularly in the final level. This adds a layer of complexity and challenge.
- As players progress through the game, the speed and difficulty of the microgames increase. This includes multiple difficulty levels and a ramp-up in tempo and complexity.
Performance:
- The game is frequently noted for its compatibility and smooth performance on the Steam Deck, with players highlighting consistent 60 fps even at lower TDP settings.
- The game is noted for running well on low-end laptops and not straining computers, making it accessible to a wide range of hardware.
- Some players have encountered occasional small bugs, but there are no widespread reports of major issues affecting gameplay.
- A few reports indicate that the game can cause high CPU usage, which might be a concern for some players.
- Some players have noted that a few animations could be smoother, indicating room for improvement in this area.
Recommendations:
- Many players find the game to be worth its price, especially when bought on sale or at a lower price point.
- The game is highly recommended for fans of mini-games, particularly those who enjoy fast-paced and reaction-based games.
- Many players strongly recommend the game, encouraging others to give it a try and enjoy the positive experience it offers.
- The game is recommended for fans of specific genres such as WarioWare-style games, fast-paced arcade games, and the Aether setting.
- Players consistently describe the game as fun and enjoyable, with many highlighting its ability to provide a joyful experience.
Miscellaneous:
- There is a desire among players for the addition of a cooperative mode to enhance gameplay.
- Players noted that the game does not fit the rhythm game genre.
- The game was offered for free on the release day of Switch2, which could have attracted a lot of players.
- Some players expressed that they would be willing to pay $3 or more for the game, indicating perceived value.
- The game is perceived as being very mentally taxing or complex.
