Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze
Encyclopedia
Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze (often shortened to Dream Chronicles 2 or The Eternal Maze) is a 2008 adventure
, hidden object, and puzzle casual game
developed by KatGames
and published by PlayFirst
. It is the first sequel to 2007's award-winning game Dream Chronicles
, also the second installment in the Dream Chronicles series
, plus the middle part of the first trilogy called Faye's Journey. Follow the events of the first game, it tells the story of a mortal woman
named Faye who wakes up from a powerful fairy
's dream spell, and continues the quest to search then save her kidnapped fairy husband and imprisoned little daughter. With help from her mother-in-law, Faye travels deeply into the Fairy Realm where no mortal like her has entered before, containing lots of obstacles and magical fairy locks. Upon solving them, the answers provide clues that help Faye restore her family, and eventually unravel the mystery of this strange realm.
Dream Chronicles 2 was first presented limitedly as a beta version on December 8, 2007. It was officially released as a digital download
on February 14, 2008. Soon after its initial release, Dream Chronicles 2 became a casual game hit like Dream Chronicles, reaching number-one of seven major casual game charts and peaking inside top ten on many other game charts. The game itself received mostly positive receptions from casual game critics, calling it "an endearing, intriguing and original quest, a fairy-tale that both enchants and entertains from beginning to end." It also won two awards, "Top Adventure Game of 2008" and "Best World Design", in the first annual RealArcade Great Games Awards held in mid-2009. Dream Chronicles 2 was preceded by the original game Dream Chronicles
and followed by Dream Chronicles: The Chosen Child
.
, players as Faye would solve one scene and then move on to the next level, in this game they may need to move between relative scenes in a separate area in order to progress. The objects that players find may be used in a scene other than the one they found it in. Objects will stay in inventory until players need to use them. All objects that players are able to pick up will serve a purpose, whether they are used in that scene or not. A lot of times in this game the pieces players pick up may only be used as they get to the next scene. Some items may not become visible in a scene right away, players must perform other tasks first before they become visible.
Each level becomes more complex as players advance through the game, and how players solve the puzzles will vary greatly. There are many puzzle types in game: logic puzzles, Simon-style
memory games, jigsaw games
, scramble words, maze puzzles... If players are having difficulty with a level they can go back and reset the level. It will bring players back to the beginning of the closet area. This feature only appeared in Dream Chronicles 2. For the first time in the series, players can enjoy the experience of solving maze puzzles. The game contains two underground
labyrinth
s, one in the ninth scene, and the other one in the last/twenty-fifth scene. However, they are sometimes criticized for their highly difficult level which prevents players from completing the whole game. As a result, Dream Chronicles 2 has been considered as the most difficult Dream Chronicles game so far.
Dream Jewels, previously a mere bonus for high scores, now have a function.
Collecting these transparent gems and you're presented with a word scramble to unravel, one that offers clues to a future conundrum. Players will be asked a question and provided with a number of words. Their task is to put all the words into a sentence, and after they find the answer, they are given more detailed information on this question. Players can choose "Meditate Now" to tackle the poser right away or "Unlock Secret" in the diary to solve it later. There are 138 Dream Pieces molding eight Dream Jewels to complete in a given game, and fifteen ones in total. Players need to replay the game several times before they can receive all the Dream Jewels. In order to activate these Jewels, players must find the Dream Pieces first.
In the end, players earn a high score. The faster how players can complete the game, the more Dream Pieces they can find, the more Dream Jewels they can find and answer their mysteries, the better score they will earn. When players play again under the same name, they will have new Dream Jewel puzzles to solve, and some of the items will be in different locations.
named Faye had a dream in which she was on the search of her fairy husband Fidget. The couple were almost united until the Fairy Queen
of Dreams
, Lilith, came and separated them. Lilith brought Fidget with her, and sent Faye to a forgotten fairy prison
where no mortal has ever escaped from. Waking up from Lilith's dream spell for the second time, Faye soon realizes her real-life situation, which makes her highly confused. Meanwhile, the Fairy Queen of Flora
and her mother-in-law, Aeval, appears and is able to communicate with Faye through magic plants, as she helps Faye find a way out. Escaping from the prison rooms, Faye finds the Ancients' Place (known as the fairy race's birthplace) where fairies used to live for a long time ago. She has to face numerous magical obstacles arranged by Lilith, as she continues preventing directly Faye from ruining her almost-perfect plan: marrying Fidget, and becoming more powerful. Aeval looks at the nearest crystal ball
, informs Faye that her daughter Lyra is no longer sleeping in her bed, and it is assumed that Lilith has taken her hostage
. Aeval also tells Faye to hurry, as Fidget's hope of being rescued is fading, and he may succumb to marrying Lilith. After roaming through the Mortals' Maze, Faye arrives at the cottage
of an Aeval's old fairy friend named Merrow, an inventor who lives in the Mortal Realm, and asks for his help rescuing Fidget and Lyra. Faye actually finds Merrow himself in his secret lab, and is surprised with his appearance as a human-talking plant which is another result of his crazy experiments. Merrow agrees to take Faye to the Tower of Dreams where, according to him, Fidget and Lyra are being kept hostage by Lilith. There is a strange tree lying beside the Tower, but Merrow declares that it is not important. So Faye doesn't notice the tree, and enters the Tower (which no mortal has done before) without Merrow's help as he can't enter. The Tower of Dreams is also where one of the closest Fairy Lord's advisers, Dream Librarian, lived and studied. That explains why each floor is locked with a genius lock: melodies, books, instruments, chess pieces, statues and a bed. Reaching the top floor, Faye founds a bed reminding her of the same one in her Town of Wish. Having suffered enough nightmares since the husband was abducted, Faye just wants to take a short nap. But as soon as she touches the bed, Aeval warns Faye that Merrow is a traitor, and that she must escape from this dangerous Tower. Faye jumps out of the Tower's window and is caught by Aeval's vines. Aeval then leads Faye to the Eternal Tree which is actually the one that she skipped before, and where Fidget and Lyra are thought to be being held. Faye enters the Tree, finds a sleeping Fidget and Lyra's favorite teddy bear
. Aeval tells Faye to obtain a Root Potion from the Eternal Maze that will awaken Fidget. After Faye emerges from the Eternal Maze with the potion, the teddy bear vanishes. Faye gives the potion to Fidget, and the couple are finally reunited, but they must find their missing daughter now.
In the extra cut-scene, after putting the book named Dream Chronicles: The Eternal Maze back to bookshelf, Faye declares that finding Lyra is all to her. Unless she finds Lyra, there will be the end to her and Fidget all.
's players. A game preview and the teaser trailer
appeared the first time on Gamezebo
in January 2008. It was officially released on February 14, 2008 by PlayFirst, and promoted: "With its attention to detail in storyline and gameplay, KatGames
has built upon its initial work to deliver an expanded sequel - with longer gameplay, more puzzles and more depth - that will keep players even more firmly immersed than the spellbinding original." Following the successful footstep of the previous game
, Dream Chronicles 2 instantly peaked at number-one on PlayFirst
, Pogo.com
, Shockwave
, Reflexive Arcade, GameHouse
, RealArcade and Zylom
; number-two on Big Fish Games
, SpinTop Games and Logler Global; number-three on iWin.com, Amazon.com
and Mac Game Store; peaked inside top ten on Yahoo! Games
, MSN Games
, Alawar Games
and other major casual game charts.
game critics.
On the second time with the series, Gamezebo
's Chuck Miller praised the game: "Like its predecessor, [Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze]'s an amazing piece of craftsmanship. Visuals are beautifully rendered. Each scene features gorgeous imagery, with many including animated objects like falling leaves, rippling pools and tumbling waterfalls. Atmospheric audio accentuates play. Exceptional music and sound effects bring the game's fantastical world to life. Plus, an unexpected plot twist adds to the mystery, while a built-in leaderboard allows you to compare your questing skills with those of other players." Miller also noticed its "a bit on the short side for an adventure" still he rated the game 4.5/5.0 stars overall.
Ms. 45 from Jay Is Games
gave her opinions on the game's impressive production value: "The artwork is impeccable — beautiful, immersive, and extremely good at hiding that last item you desperately need to get to the next level. [...] The overall layout is essentially the same, but the addition of more complex puzzles and useful Dream Jewels scattered around the levels adds a new layer to the experience."
Meanwhile, Awem Studio highly enjoyed Dream Chronicles 2 and stated: "The sequel Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze follows in its forerunner’s path and delights its players with gorgeous graphics and enchanting music. [...] The artwork
is gorgeously dreamy and it adds some special coloring to the entire atmosphere of mystery and enigma. [...] The backdrops are fragrant with eye-soothing nature and landscapes while the sounds of the game are incredibly enchanting and fascinating. The visual and sound aspects are greatly satisfying and create a real Dream World. Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze is one of those games that will be engraved in your memory and win over your heart."
Adventure Gamers
gave the game 3 out of 5, summarizing that the game is "a noticeable improvement over the original, Dream Chronicles 2 nevertheless retains a few too many common adventure-like problems to fulfill its evident potential".
In July 2009, RealArcade announced that Dream Chronicles 2 won two awards, "Top Adventure Game of 2008" and "Best World Design", in their very first RealGames Great Games Awards.
Adventure game
An adventure game is a video game in which the player assumes the role of protagonist in an interactive story driven by exploration and puzzle-solving instead of physical challenge. The genre's focus on story allows it to draw heavily from other narrative-based media such as literature and film,...
, hidden object, and puzzle casual game
Casual game
A casual game is a video game targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers. Casual games can have any type of gameplay, and fit in any genre. They are typically distinguished by their simple rules and lack of commitment required in contrast to more complex hardcore games...
developed by KatGames
KatGames
KatGames is an independent video game developer based in Zaragoza, Spain. The Spain-based company was founded by Miguel A. Tartaj Casanova. KatGames develops fun easy games for the whole family. They are the designers and creators of popular games such as 5 Spots and Mortimer and the Enchanted Castle...
and published by PlayFirst
PlayFirst
PlayFirst is a San Francisco-based publisher of casual games. The company’s mission is to deliver delightful games for everybody, every day. PlayFirst was founded in 2004 by industry veterans...
. It is the first sequel to 2007's award-winning game Dream Chronicles
Dream Chronicles
Dream Chronicles: The Endless Slumber, better known simply as Dream Chronicles, is a 2007 award-winning adventure, hidden object, and puzzle casual game developed by KatGames and published by PlayFirst. It is the first installment in the same name series, and also the opening part of the first...
, also the second installment in the Dream Chronicles series
Dream Chronicles (series)
Dream Chronicles is an adventure, hidden object and puzzle casual game series created by KatGames and published by PlayFirst. It is also the name of the first game in the series...
, plus the middle part of the first trilogy called Faye's Journey. Follow the events of the first game, it tells the story of a mortal woman
Human
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
named Faye who wakes up from a powerful fairy
Fairy
A fairy is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.Fairies resemble various beings of other mythologies, though even folklore that uses the term...
's dream spell, and continues the quest to search then save her kidnapped fairy husband and imprisoned little daughter. With help from her mother-in-law, Faye travels deeply into the Fairy Realm where no mortal like her has entered before, containing lots of obstacles and magical fairy locks. Upon solving them, the answers provide clues that help Faye restore her family, and eventually unravel the mystery of this strange realm.
Dream Chronicles 2 was first presented limitedly as a beta version on December 8, 2007. It was officially released as a digital download
Downloadable content
Downloadable content is official additional content for a video game distributed through the Internet. Downloadable content can be of several types, ranging from a single in-game outfit to an entirely new, extensive storyline, similarly to an expansion pack. As such, DLC may add new game modes,...
on February 14, 2008. Soon after its initial release, Dream Chronicles 2 became a casual game hit like Dream Chronicles, reaching number-one of seven major casual game charts and peaking inside top ten on many other game charts. The game itself received mostly positive receptions from casual game critics, calling it "an endearing, intriguing and original quest, a fairy-tale that both enchants and entertains from beginning to end." It also won two awards, "Top Adventure Game of 2008" and "Best World Design", in the first annual RealArcade Great Games Awards held in mid-2009. Dream Chronicles 2 was preceded by the original game Dream Chronicles
Dream Chronicles
Dream Chronicles: The Endless Slumber, better known simply as Dream Chronicles, is a 2007 award-winning adventure, hidden object, and puzzle casual game developed by KatGames and published by PlayFirst. It is the first installment in the same name series, and also the opening part of the first...
and followed by Dream Chronicles: The Chosen Child
Dream Chronicles: The Chosen Child
Dream Chronicles: The Chosen Child is a 2009 adventure and puzzle casual game developed by KatGames and published by PlayFirst...
.
Gameplay
Gameplay in Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze is more involved than that in the original game. Whereas in the first Dream ChroniclesDream Chronicles
Dream Chronicles: The Endless Slumber, better known simply as Dream Chronicles, is a 2007 award-winning adventure, hidden object, and puzzle casual game developed by KatGames and published by PlayFirst. It is the first installment in the same name series, and also the opening part of the first...
, players as Faye would solve one scene and then move on to the next level, in this game they may need to move between relative scenes in a separate area in order to progress. The objects that players find may be used in a scene other than the one they found it in. Objects will stay in inventory until players need to use them. All objects that players are able to pick up will serve a purpose, whether they are used in that scene or not. A lot of times in this game the pieces players pick up may only be used as they get to the next scene. Some items may not become visible in a scene right away, players must perform other tasks first before they become visible.
Each level becomes more complex as players advance through the game, and how players solve the puzzles will vary greatly. There are many puzzle types in game: logic puzzles, Simon-style
Simon (game)
Simon is an electronic game of memory skill invented by Ralph H. Baer and Howard J. Morrison, with the software programming being done by Lenny Cope and manufactured and distributed by Milton Bradley. Simon was launched in 1978 at Studio 54 in New York City and became an immediate success. It...
memory games, jigsaw games
Jigsaw puzzle
A jigsaw puzzle is a tiling puzzle that requires the assembly of numerous small, often oddly shaped, interlocking and tessellating pieces.Each piece usually has a small part of a picture on it; when complete, a jigsaw puzzle produces a complete picture...
, scramble words, maze puzzles... If players are having difficulty with a level they can go back and reset the level. It will bring players back to the beginning of the closet area. This feature only appeared in Dream Chronicles 2. For the first time in the series, players can enjoy the experience of solving maze puzzles. The game contains two underground
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
labyrinth
Labyrinth
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos...
s, one in the ninth scene, and the other one in the last/twenty-fifth scene. However, they are sometimes criticized for their highly difficult level which prevents players from completing the whole game. As a result, Dream Chronicles 2 has been considered as the most difficult Dream Chronicles game so far.
Dream Jewels, previously a mere bonus for high scores, now have a function.
Collecting these transparent gems and you're presented with a word scramble to unravel, one that offers clues to a future conundrum. Players will be asked a question and provided with a number of words. Their task is to put all the words into a sentence, and after they find the answer, they are given more detailed information on this question. Players can choose "Meditate Now" to tackle the poser right away or "Unlock Secret" in the diary to solve it later. There are 138 Dream Pieces molding eight Dream Jewels to complete in a given game, and fifteen ones in total. Players need to replay the game several times before they can receive all the Dream Jewels. In order to activate these Jewels, players must find the Dream Pieces first.
In the end, players earn a high score. The faster how players can complete the game, the more Dream Pieces they can find, the more Dream Jewels they can find and answer their mysteries, the better score they will earn. When players play again under the same name, they will have new Dream Jewel puzzles to solve, and some of the items will be in different locations.
Setting
There are twenty-fifth main scenes and six large areas featuring in the game:- The Forgotten Prison: There are 3 chambers in this prison. Fairies that fought the elements of nature were imprisoned here.
- The Ancient's Place: This is the birthplace of the fairy race. Fairies have kept its location secret from mortals for thousands of years. It is protected by an impenetrable force field, making it an ideal spot for Lilith to imprison a mortal like Faye in Dream Chronicles 2.
- The Mortal Maze: This is the underground tunnel that leads from the fairy realm to the mortal realm.
- Merrow's Cottage: Merrow's cottage was once a sanctuary for fairies escaping into the mortal realm.
- The Tower of Dreams: It holds all the knowledge, wisdom, history, and insights of the fairies. Because of the value of its contents, it is guarded by five ancient Fairy Knights and each floor is protected by ingenious locks. The upper floor is where dreams can be made and watched.
- The Eternal Maze: As a final safeguard so that no mortal could ever enter or leave the Ancients' Place, the fairies created an underground maze with no light and no map. Unfortunately, this made fairy passage almost impossible as well, and so some of the fairies created a map to help them find their way between realms.
Characters
First four people listed below are the main characters, while the others play the minor roles.- Faye is a mortal womanHumanHumans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
who is the main protagonistProtagonistA protagonist is the main character of a literary, theatrical, cinematic, or musical narrative, around whom the events of the narrative's plot revolve and with whom the audience is intended to most identify...
of Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze, and the Faye's Journey trilogy. She has woken up in a stone chamberChamberChamber may refer to:*Chamber , a Marvel Comics superhero associated with the X-Men*Chamber , the portion of the barrel or firing cylinder in which the cartridge is inserted prior to being fired...
after the long journey in search of her husband Fidget only to realize that Lilith, the Fairy Queen of Dreams, has locked her in a fairy prisonPrisonA prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
, and taken Fidget away once again. She soon discovers that her daughter Lyra has been taken as well. Faye continues her lonely yet dangerous quest to rescue Fidget, and is able to save him. She soon explores many secrets about her in-law familyAffinity (law)In law and in cultural anthropology, affinity, as distinguished from consanguinity, is kinship by marriage. It is the relation which each party to a marriage bears to the kindred of the other. In English, affinity is usually signified by adding "-in-law" to the degree of kinship...
's birthplace: fairy origin, fairy legendLegendA legend is a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude...
s and the Fairy Realm's mysteries. According to Fidget, Faye is "a strong and smart and persistent woman" who never gives up hopes and always tries hard to get her family back to their old peaceful days. Faye doesn't appear in person because players play as her point of view.
- Lilith as Fairy QueenFairyA fairy is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.Fairies resemble various beings of other mythologies, though even folklore that uses the term...
of DreamsDreamDreams are successions of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. The content and purpose of dreams are not definitively understood, though they have been a topic of scientific speculation, philosophical intrigue and religious...
is the main antagonistAntagonistAn antagonist is a character, group of characters, or institution, that represents the opposition against which the protagonist must contend...
of the Faye's Journey trilogy. She is a powerful fairy trying to separate Faye's family, and her ultimate ambition is to marry Faye's fairy husband Fidget and to be even powerful than she is now. In Dream Chronicles 2, she abducts Fidget again, plus puts numerous obstacles to prevent Faye from reaching her.
- Fidget is Faye's husband, Lyra's father, and a fairy raised in the mortal world by his fairy parents Aeval and Tangle. Being brought to the Fairy Realm by Lilith, Fidget is finally released at the end of the game, right under the ground of the Enchanted Tree lying near the Tower of Dreams.
- Aeval as Fairy Queen of FloraFloraFlora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
is Fidget's mother, Faye's mother-in-law, and Faye's guide in this game. Both Aeval and her plants try to help Faye find Fidget. Aeval is only much mentioned in this game.
- Merrow is an inventor who lives in the Mortal Realm, also used to be Tangle's mentorMentorshipMentorship refers to a personal developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps a less experienced or less knowledgeable person....
. His love of science angered Lilith's mother, Fairy Queen of DarknessDarknessDarkness, in contrast with brightness, is a relative absence of visible light. It is the appearance of black in a color space. When light is not present, rod and cone cells within the eye are not stimulated. This lack of stimulation means photoreceptor cells are unable to distinguish color...
, who stripped him of all his powers. Merrow helped Aeval and Tangle escape to the Mortal Realm, and for this Aeval gave him the power to communicate with plants. In Dream Chronicles 2, he, as a human-talking plant, helps Faye reach the Tower of Dreams, and then disappears strangely.
- Dream Librarian is the keeper of all knowledge in the Fairy Realm. She is the closet person to Fairy Lord, and is his loyal adviser too. This character doesn't appear, as she is only mentioned through Dream Jewels' secrets in the game.
- Lyra is the daughter of Faye and Fidget. She has been kidnapped right before Lilith releases her father Fidget. Lyra's unusual fate is revealed in Dream Jewels' secrets emphasizing that she will be a very important character in the future.
Story
A mortal womanHuman
Humans are the only living species in the Homo genus...
named Faye had a dream in which she was on the search of her fairy husband Fidget. The couple were almost united until the Fairy Queen
Fairy
A fairy is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.Fairies resemble various beings of other mythologies, though even folklore that uses the term...
of Dreams
Dream
Dreams are successions of images, ideas, emotions, and sensations that occur involuntarily in the mind during certain stages of sleep. The content and purpose of dreams are not definitively understood, though they have been a topic of scientific speculation, philosophical intrigue and religious...
, Lilith, came and separated them. Lilith brought Fidget with her, and sent Faye to a forgotten fairy prison
Prison
A prison is a place in which people are physically confined and, usually, deprived of a range of personal freedoms. Imprisonment or incarceration is a legal penalty that may be imposed by the state for the commission of a crime...
where no mortal has ever escaped from. Waking up from Lilith's dream spell for the second time, Faye soon realizes her real-life situation, which makes her highly confused. Meanwhile, the Fairy Queen of Flora
Flora
Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
and her mother-in-law, Aeval, appears and is able to communicate with Faye through magic plants, as she helps Faye find a way out. Escaping from the prison rooms, Faye finds the Ancients' Place (known as the fairy race's birthplace) where fairies used to live for a long time ago. She has to face numerous magical obstacles arranged by Lilith, as she continues preventing directly Faye from ruining her almost-perfect plan: marrying Fidget, and becoming more powerful. Aeval looks at the nearest crystal ball
Crystal ball
A crystal ball is a crystal or glass ball believed by some people to aid in the performance of clairvoyance. It is sometimes known as a shew stone...
, informs Faye that her daughter Lyra is no longer sleeping in her bed, and it is assumed that Lilith has taken her hostage
Hostage
A hostage is a person or entity which is held by a captor. The original definition meant that this was handed over by one of two belligerent parties to the other or seized as security for the carrying out of an agreement, or as a preventive measure against certain acts of war...
. Aeval also tells Faye to hurry, as Fidget's hope of being rescued is fading, and he may succumb to marrying Lilith. After roaming through the Mortals' Maze, Faye arrives at the cottage
Cottage
__toc__In modern usage, a cottage is usually a modest, often cozy dwelling, typically in a rural or semi-rural location. However there are cottage-style dwellings in cities, and in places such as Canada the term exists with no connotations of size at all...
of an Aeval's old fairy friend named Merrow, an inventor who lives in the Mortal Realm, and asks for his help rescuing Fidget and Lyra. Faye actually finds Merrow himself in his secret lab, and is surprised with his appearance as a human-talking plant which is another result of his crazy experiments. Merrow agrees to take Faye to the Tower of Dreams where, according to him, Fidget and Lyra are being kept hostage by Lilith. There is a strange tree lying beside the Tower, but Merrow declares that it is not important. So Faye doesn't notice the tree, and enters the Tower (which no mortal has done before) without Merrow's help as he can't enter. The Tower of Dreams is also where one of the closest Fairy Lord's advisers, Dream Librarian, lived and studied. That explains why each floor is locked with a genius lock: melodies, books, instruments, chess pieces, statues and a bed. Reaching the top floor, Faye founds a bed reminding her of the same one in her Town of Wish. Having suffered enough nightmares since the husband was abducted, Faye just wants to take a short nap. But as soon as she touches the bed, Aeval warns Faye that Merrow is a traitor, and that she must escape from this dangerous Tower. Faye jumps out of the Tower's window and is caught by Aeval's vines. Aeval then leads Faye to the Eternal Tree which is actually the one that she skipped before, and where Fidget and Lyra are thought to be being held. Faye enters the Tree, finds a sleeping Fidget and Lyra's favorite teddy bear
Teddy bear
The teddy bear is a stuffed toy bear. They are usually stuffed with soft, white cotton and have smooth and soft fur. It is an enduring form of a stuffed animal in many countries, often serving the purpose of entertaining children. In recent times, some teddy bears have become collector's items...
. Aeval tells Faye to obtain a Root Potion from the Eternal Maze that will awaken Fidget. After Faye emerges from the Eternal Maze with the potion, the teddy bear vanishes. Faye gives the potion to Fidget, and the couple are finally reunited, but they must find their missing daughter now.
In the extra cut-scene, after putting the book named Dream Chronicles: The Eternal Maze back to bookshelf, Faye declares that finding Lyra is all to her. Unless she finds Lyra, there will be the end to her and Fidget all.
Release and post-release
Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze was first presented limitedly as a beta version on December 8, 2007 for the publisher PlayFirstPlayFirst
PlayFirst is a San Francisco-based publisher of casual games. The company’s mission is to deliver delightful games for everybody, every day. PlayFirst was founded in 2004 by industry veterans...
's players. A game preview and the teaser trailer
Teaser trailer
A teaser campaign is an advertising campaign which typically consists of a series of small, cryptic, challenging advertisements that anticipate a larger, full-blown campaign for a product launch or otherwise important event. These advertisements are called "teasers" or "teaser ads"...
appeared the first time on Gamezebo
Gamezebo
Gamezebo is a website that focuses on editorial coverage of the casual games industry, offering interviews, features, reviews, previews, strategy guides, news and podcasts....
in January 2008. It was officially released on February 14, 2008 by PlayFirst, and promoted: "With its attention to detail in storyline and gameplay, KatGames
KatGames
KatGames is an independent video game developer based in Zaragoza, Spain. The Spain-based company was founded by Miguel A. Tartaj Casanova. KatGames develops fun easy games for the whole family. They are the designers and creators of popular games such as 5 Spots and Mortimer and the Enchanted Castle...
has built upon its initial work to deliver an expanded sequel - with longer gameplay, more puzzles and more depth - that will keep players even more firmly immersed than the spellbinding original." Following the successful footstep of the previous game
Dream Chronicles
Dream Chronicles: The Endless Slumber, better known simply as Dream Chronicles, is a 2007 award-winning adventure, hidden object, and puzzle casual game developed by KatGames and published by PlayFirst. It is the first installment in the same name series, and also the opening part of the first...
, Dream Chronicles 2 instantly peaked at number-one on PlayFirst
PlayFirst
PlayFirst is a San Francisco-based publisher of casual games. The company’s mission is to deliver delightful games for everybody, every day. PlayFirst was founded in 2004 by industry veterans...
, Pogo.com
Pogo.com
Pogo.com is a gaming website that offers a variety of free casual games, from card and board games to puzzle, sports, and word games. It is owned by Electronic Arts....
, Shockwave
Shockwave (Game portal)
Shockwave.com or shockwave is an online and offline video games distributor and portal, based in San Francisco, California, United States. Shockwave has three main tabs on its website, namely , , and my shockwave. It hosted over 400 games and ranging in genres, such as puzzle, action, strategy,...
, Reflexive Arcade, GameHouse
GameHouse
GameHouse is a casual game developer, publisher, digital video game distributor, and portal, based in Seattle, Washington, United States-History:...
, RealArcade and Zylom
Zylom
Zylom is a distributor, developer and publisher of PC-based casual games. Based in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, Zylom delivers the casual games throughout 12 countries in Europe...
; number-two on Big Fish Games
Big Fish Games
Big Fish Games is a provider of Internet media delivery software and game services based in Seattle, Washington. The company was founded in 2002 by Paul Thelen , and currently employs more than 400 people...
, SpinTop Games and Logler Global; number-three on iWin.com, Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
and Mac Game Store; peaked inside top ten on Yahoo! Games
Yahoo! Games
Yahoo! Games is the section of the Yahoo! website in which Yahoo! users can play games either with other users or by themselves. The games on the website are typically Java applets or quick Flash games, but there are others which require a download. Many of the games that require a download...
, MSN Games
MSN Games
MSN Games is an online games site devoted primarily to casual games, both stand-alone and multi-player online games. Games are available in free on-line versions, trial versions, and full feature pay-to-play versions...
, Alawar Games
Alawar Entertainment
Alawar Entertainment is video game developer, publisher and distributor founded in 1999. The company uses the try-before-you-buy distribution model, allowing players to sample the free trial version of a game, after which they are asked to purchase a game key online to unlock the full version...
and other major casual game charts.
Reception
Much like the original Dream Chronicles, the game earned positive responses from casualCasual game
A casual game is a video game targeted at or used by a mass audience of casual gamers. Casual games can have any type of gameplay, and fit in any genre. They are typically distinguished by their simple rules and lack of commitment required in contrast to more complex hardcore games...
game critics.
On the second time with the series, Gamezebo
Gamezebo
Gamezebo is a website that focuses on editorial coverage of the casual games industry, offering interviews, features, reviews, previews, strategy guides, news and podcasts....
's Chuck Miller praised the game: "Like its predecessor, [Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze]'s an amazing piece of craftsmanship. Visuals are beautifully rendered. Each scene features gorgeous imagery, with many including animated objects like falling leaves, rippling pools and tumbling waterfalls. Atmospheric audio accentuates play. Exceptional music and sound effects bring the game's fantastical world to life. Plus, an unexpected plot twist adds to the mystery, while a built-in leaderboard allows you to compare your questing skills with those of other players." Miller also noticed its "a bit on the short side for an adventure" still he rated the game 4.5/5.0 stars overall.
Ms. 45 from Jay Is Games
Jay Is Games
Jay Is Games is a game review website that features daily updates and links to casual games, browser games and flash games of wide interest to casual gamers...
gave her opinions on the game's impressive production value: "The artwork is impeccable — beautiful, immersive, and extremely good at hiding that last item you desperately need to get to the next level. [...] The overall layout is essentially the same, but the addition of more complex puzzles and useful Dream Jewels scattered around the levels adds a new layer to the experience."
Meanwhile, Awem Studio highly enjoyed Dream Chronicles 2 and stated: "The sequel Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze follows in its forerunner’s path and delights its players with gorgeous graphics and enchanting music. [...] The artwork
Concept art
Concept art is a form of illustration where the main goal is to convey a visual representation of a design, idea, and/or mood for use in films, video games, animation, or comic books before it is put into the final product. Concept art is also referred to as visual development and/or concept design...
is gorgeously dreamy and it adds some special coloring to the entire atmosphere of mystery and enigma. [...] The backdrops are fragrant with eye-soothing nature and landscapes while the sounds of the game are incredibly enchanting and fascinating. The visual and sound aspects are greatly satisfying and create a real Dream World. Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze is one of those games that will be engraved in your memory and win over your heart."
Adventure Gamers
Adventure Gamers
Adventure Gamers is a computer game website created in 1998 dedicated to the genre of adventure games. It publishes reviews and previews of adventure games, as well as opinion articles and interviews with game designers....
gave the game 3 out of 5, summarizing that the game is "a noticeable improvement over the original, Dream Chronicles 2 nevertheless retains a few too many common adventure-like problems to fulfill its evident potential".
In July 2009, RealArcade announced that Dream Chronicles 2 won two awards, "Top Adventure Game of 2008" and "Best World Design", in their very first RealGames Great Games Awards.
External links
- Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze on PlayFirst
- Dream Chronicles Home on PlayFirst
- Dream Chronicles Page on FacebookFacebookFacebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...