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Adventure-RPG inside a coma patient's brain
She Dreams Elsewhere is a free video game developed by Studio Zevere that will have players have a surreal adventure inside someone's head. Here, you play an anxiety-ridden woman named Thalia. She will go on a journey to confront her nightmares. The catch is that the game takes place inside her comatose, anxiety-plagued brain.
She Dreams Elsewhere's gameplay falls somewhere between Undertale and Persona. It mixes a top-down perspective resembling an old-school RPG with turn-based combat and a moody setting. And although the setting is not too novel, the relatable characters and intriguing twist make it a standout title.
Battle the monsters in your head
She Dreams Elsewhere is an adventure RPG that offers players a surreal experience inside someone else's mind. As noted, it stars an anxiety-ridden woman who must battle her nightmares while she is in a coma. However, the monsters here are literal monsters that Thalia must defeat using a sword and sudden magic spells. The game comes with a turn-based battle system that is easy to learn yet hard to master.
The game's turn-based fashion seems ordinary at first. However, the skills show off some dreary thematic stylings. More than swords and magic, you can also defeat enemies through words. Insulting your opponent can lower their defense for two turns. As with Persona 5, exploiting elemental weakness can also stun foes for a turn. However, the game often shifts to different settings, making it hard to keep track of everything.
As most scenes happen inside the protagonist's mind, players will find the graphics surreal and visually striking. The mix between the 8-bit art style and the bold, magnified illustrations during combat makes the whole thing look appealing. Completing the experience is the breathtaking and ethereal soundtrack that jumps from lo-fi composition to raving techno beats without hesitation.
Not your traditional fantasy RPG
If you are looking for a good, surrealist RPG, She Dreams Elsewhere is a good choice. The game provides a fantastical adventure inside an ethereal dreamscape. It comes with a deeply personal narrative that focuses on emotions, mental health, and self-identity. And despite the obscure story, it offers a relatable experience to players. However, since it deals with sensitive topics, players' discretion is advised.
