Atmospheric game that touches on trauma
Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow is a puzzle and horror game by developer Frozen Line. Published by Ravenage Games, it features Griffin and Birly the teddy bear. The two are exploring an imaginary world filled with enchanting biomes and ominous places.
To navigate the game’s areas, Griffin can command Birly to move objects or throw him on hard-to-reach platforms, to name a few. However, the teddy bear is tricky to control, frustrating players as it makes platforming more cumbersome and unintuitive. Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow is currently available as a demo. You can also try another free demo titled Daydream: Prologue.
A story of family trauma and healing
Inspired by the Little Nightmares series and Limbo, Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow is a title that not only boasts cute characters but also explores Griffin’s psychological experiences through an imaginary world that he himself has created. His father is a heavy drinker, causing him to vent his anger to the main character and his mother—implying that Griffin comes from an unhealthy, dysfunctional household.
The father and mother are also portrayed as domineering and meek, respectively—clearly alluding to patriarchal family dynamics. As you go through the game, pay attention to the enemies you encounter and the little details of your surroundings as they reference Griffin’s real-world experiences. Birly—a teddy bear that embodies innocence—serves as the protagonist’s trusty companion throughout his journey of overcoming his fears and traumatic past.
The beauty of this platforming title lies in its non-reliance on dialogues and text to tell a story. Instead, it utilizes the evocative use of lighting and colors to set the mood and atmosphere of Griffin and Birly's surroundings. Sure, some parts of the game can creep out people due to the vignette lighting, but do expect to set foot in more vibrant environments as you progress further.
Innovative storytelling
Although Daydream: Forgotten Sorrow features cute characters, the plot centers on overcoming trauma and takes place in a world that mirrors Griffin’s reality. Rather than text and character dialogues, storytelling is done through the masterful use of colors and lighting in the game’s environment. While this title uses vignette lighting, the areas become more vibrant as you delve deeper into Griffin and Birly’s story.
