Dreams of Another on PSVR2: A Surreal Journey Through Creation and Destruction

Dreams of Another on PSVR2 is not your typical virtual reality shooter, it’s more of a philosophical journey wrapped in surreal visuals and experimental mechanics. From the moment you put on the headset, it becomes clear that this is a game designed to challenge expectations. Rather than relying on adrenaline-fueled combat or conventional VR thrills, it positions itself as an art piece, asking players to reflect on the paradox of creation and destruction. The introduction sets the tone immediately: you begin as a soldier who cannot bring himself to fire his weapon, and this hesitation spirals into a dreamlike exploration of identity, morality, and existence itself. It’s a bold premise that signals the game’s intent to be more than entertainment, it wants to be a meditation.

The story unfolds in fragmented, dreamlike sequences that feel closer to experimental cinema than traditional gaming. Narrative threads drift in and out, often leaving the player to interpret meaning rather than presenting a clear plot. This ambiguity can be frustrating for those who prefer straightforward storytelling, but for players open to abstraction, it creates a sense of mystery and depth. The environments themselves act as narrative devices, shifting and morphing in ways that blur the line between reality and imagination, reinforcing the theme that destruction and creation are inseparable forces.

Gameplay is deliberately unconventional. While marketed as a shooter, it rarely feels like one. Combat is sparse, and when it does occur, it is more symbolic than mechanical. The real focus is on exploration, wandering through surreal landscapes, interacting with strange dreamlike constructs, and piecing together fragments of meaning. This slower pace can feel meditative, but it also risks alienating players who expect more action or polished mechanics.

Playing Dreams of Another in VR adds a layer of intimacy that a flat-screen experience simply couldn’t replicate. The sense of presence amplifies the surreal visuals, making abstract environments feel tangible and enveloping. The headset’s haptic feedback and eye-tracking features enhance the immersion, allowing moments of hesitation or choice to feel deeply personal. Yet, this same immersion can magnify frustrations when gameplay mechanics falter, as the player feels more directly pulled out of the experience. However, technical hiccups, such as uneven tracking and occasional performance dips, remind you that the execution doesn’t always match the ambition.

Pros:

• Bold, imaginative concept with philosophical depth

• Surreal visuals that feel like stepping into a living art installation

• VR immersion enhances the dreamlike atmosphere

• Unique storytelling approach that encourages interpretation

Cons:

• Gameplay mechanics feel uneven and sometimes frustrating

• Pacing may be too slow for players expecting action

• Technical issues with VR integration detract from immersion

• Narrative ambiguity risks alienating those who prefer clarity

Dreams of Another on PSVR2 is a daring experiment that refuses to play by conventional rules. It’s less a game and more an interactive art piece, one that asks players to reflect rather than react. For those who appreciate surrealism, philosophy, and games that push the boundaries of what interactive media can be, it offers a fascinating, if flawed, experience. For others, especially those seeking polished mechanics or traditional VR thrills, it may feel like a missed opportunity. Ultimately, Dreams of Another is a reminder that VR can be more than spectacle, it can be a canvas for ideas. Whether those ideas resonate depends entirely on the player’s willingness to embrace ambiguity and imperfection.

XPN Rating: 4 out of 5 (GOLD)

Dreams of Another is Available Now!