VERSION: 1.0.3
Where to start when discussing a classic?
Dreams of Desire is arguably among the best adult-oriented Western "visual novel" types developed since the boom of Ren'Py and demonstrably proves as much within the first few minutes of its execution, introducing a cast of stunning women, the eldest of whom (your mother) is the stereotypical MILF-fantasy fetish icon from her mature yet elegant facial features, right down to her sculpted body and massive, gravity-and-age defying breasts... yet she bares up well, both to the ravages of critical review and the increasing advance of technology behind similar games.
Dreams of Desire manages this feat, its cast in particular, by dint of attention to detail and dedication to its presentation. The characters exhibit individual ticks, the storyline contains some genuine reactivity and branching paths, the art assets (with particular regard to the mother and aunt) are exquisitely rendered such that they remain crisp, clear and evocative at almost any reasonable resolution. The artist also demonstrated some nuance in posing the models, veering away from the mundane to present imaginative angles on the erotic content.
That imagination extends to the storyline as well, though not always to its benefit.
The story revolves around our protagonist awakening some, potentially genetic, power that allows them to manipulate (read: corrupt) those around them. That this entails coercion into more depraved, sexual acts goes without saying given the genre.
Hardly new for pornographic content, but inasmuch as it plays an increasingly pivotal role in the story, I firmly believe it is detrimental to the more intriguing elements of the player's burgeoning intimate relationships. Indeed, the author seemed so intent on exploring these aspects that Dreams of Desire includes several jarring tonal shifts, transitioning in minutes from a lusty blowjob or peeping scene, to one of subtle horror. An effective tactic when used sparingly, but the developer's attempts to shoehorn it in leads to several scenes falling flat.
...at least, to those who came for the naked ladies.
Still, for all its grandiose narrative trappings, absurd leaps of incredulity and flirtatious bouts with dark fantasy, Dreams of Desire remains firmly grounded in erotica. Even as you're battling for the minds of your family, or wandering amid an ominously dark variant of your home, they never fail to deliver on regular servings of buxom, lustful and beautiful babes for your satisfaction.
Mechanically, the game represents standard Ren'Py conventions well, with item highlight navigation and minor scavenger-hunt mechanics, alongside branching dialogue trees capable of being selected at predetermined stages.
Again, nothing new for the genre, but flawlessly executed and something of a gold standard for its many imitators over the years.
ART -------------------------- 10 / 10
+ Stunning models, diverse (if somewhat restricted) cast, of varying ages and backgrounds. Stellar use of posing in and outside of erotic situations. Well established interior models for the various locations. Clean GUI.
- Limited animation, simple shifts between a few frames where present.
DIALOGUE ----------------- 8 / 10
+ Clear, concise and largely natural writing that conveys individual character motivations fluently.
- Certain characters, including the player-protagonist, behave erratically in dialogue and are railroaded into illogical acts by the overarching narrative.
GAMEPLAY ---------------- 6 / 10
+ Conventional features, executed well. May not age gracefully, but more than adequate to the task.
INNOVATION ------------- 8 / 10
+ Arguably among the first to truly nail the mother/daughter/daughter relationship trope in Western incest fantasy games. Brilliant use of alternative outfits for select characters via the episodic structure. Intriguing storyline that tempts the player with potential moral quandaries.
- Storyline is absurd, at times, and needlessly linear at others, often to the logical detriment of the player who could otherwise "break" such with a bit more agency.
TOTAL ========= 32 / 40
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Dreams of Desire ought to be played by anyone who enjoys these types of games, particularly those with an appreciation of mature beauty and/or an incest-fetish.
