Reknum Fantasy of Dreams
REKNUM Fantasy of Dreams is an action, exploration and 2D platformer videogame, it is the latest installment in the REKNUM saga in which Cheri awakens from a fantasy to start the real adventure! Explore the thematic levels, unlock new weapons and upgrade your skills, fight fearsome bosses inspired by classic gameplay, decipher the poetic words of the ancestors when you travel through the dreamworld and reach the real final outcome.
What would you do to mend the past? Is facing your fears the solution to become stronger?… or perhaps the key to making amends? change or protect the future, what would you do to make up for an injury done to a loved one?… Let’s look for answers in this classic platform adventure full of challenges, puzzles, combats and more!
Explore the thematic levels in their different routes, unlock new weapons and upgrade your skills, decipher the poetic words of the ancestors to find your meaning of existence while restoring order to the kingdom, fight fearsome bosses inspired by classic gameplay, travel through the dreamworld and reach the real final outcome.
As long as the Kingdom of Reknum has existed there have been legends of a powerful secret hidden within that land. The myths speak of Sacred Crystals, rich in power, but unable to be claimed by any who were not deemed worthy. For only someone who had a soul as pure as driven snow, with wisdom and courage to match, would be able to lay claim to that power.
Reknum is a beautiful realm, filled with towering mountains, wide forests, and deep oceans teaming with life and magic. Its rulers have long been just and fair, and peace has reigned for many a year…until the betrayal of the Sorceress.
Just where the Sorceress came from none can say, but she soon had the ear of Reknum rulers, advising them in matters of magic and statecraft. She was soon indispensable, and that is when she struck. Capturing the Princess, and imprisoning her in a Soul Shard, the Sorceress seeks to use that fair lady’s essence to gain the power of the Sacred Crystals for herself, and use it to rule the world.
The Princess, is a last ditch hope, was able to send her friend, Vani the Fairy, in search of a soul full enough of courage to come to her rescue. She barely managed it before she was locked away, but Vani was soon soaring across the skies, searching for a savior.
Our brave heroine has been found by Vani, and is only just now awakening. This is where our legend begins.
Game Discussion
Steam User 2
A platformer with metroidvania essence and action-packed gameplay
Reknum: Fantasy of Dreams is a platforming adventure with metroidvania mechanics that cleverly combines action and exploration. While it doesn’t have the polish of AAA titles, the controls are solid and feel satisfying. Combat requires attention and learning, as each enemy has its own attack pattern, adding a “soulslike” element. Dying here isn’t a punishment but an opportunity to adapt and improve, making every victory feel even more rewarding.
Exploration that pays off and items that open new possibilities
The map and dungeon design are clear homages to classics like Zelda II or Shantae. As you progress, you obtain sacred items like the bow or the spinning top, which not only help you defeat bosses but also unlock new areas and paths in previously inaccessible zones. This system encourages exploration and invites you to revisit earlier areas to uncover secrets and upgrades, WICH ARE a treat for any metroidvania fan.
Charming aesthetics and a memorable soundtrack
Visually, the game features delightful pixel art reminiscent of classics like Alundra or Shantae, with well-crafted environments and characters. However, the standout is the soundtrack. Each biome has its own theme, and the boss battle compositions are simply spectacular, elevating the experience to another level.
Diverse challenges and unique biomes
Each biome introduces new enemies, mechanics, and challenges. The variety is remarkable, from spiders and bats in the forest to scorpions and wrestlers in the desert. The bosses, on the other hand, are designed to take full advantage of the sacred items you find in their respective dungeons, adding strategic depth and freshness to every encounter.
The good and the improvable
Positives:
* Incredible soundtrack.
* Charming graphics.
* Combat system that rewards strategy and learning.
* Well-designed exploration with meaningful backtracking.
* Smart use of sacred items in both combat and exploration.
Negatives:
* Minor bugs that can affect collecting crystals.
* Enemies don’t stagger when hit, which can be frustrating at first.
* Slightly long loading times.
Final conclusion
Reknum: Fantasy of Dreams is an indie gem that, while not redefining the genre, has a unique personality and is crafted with care. Its mix of action, platforming, and exploration keeps you hooked, and the combat system becomes more enjoyable as you master it. If you’re a fan of retro-inspired games and are looking for a challenging adventure with a nostalgic touch, this title deserves a spot in your library.
Steam User 2
Reknum Fantasy of Dreams is a metroidvania that will test your skills and patience, the game offers many biomes with so many hidden secrets and puzzles and will put your abilities to use in order to proceed through them. You play as Cheri accompanied by Vani a fairy that will guide you on your journey to save the princess.
The music in each biome was nostalgic, was listening to them for hours and hours during my playthrough, amazing hand drawn art and interesting boss fights.
I enjoyed the game overall 100% every map however there were multiple stuff that I want to highlight that could be worked on for upcoming patches if any:
- The game difficulty the beginning is way too hard, believe me you will die alot until you get your first ability and first Health increase, I would recommend lowering the difficulty spike in the first biome as you have only 3 hearts and no healing items at the beginning.
- There is no keyboard controls remapping or even on screen instructions for the keyboard keys, i had to press every single key on my keyboard to figure out which one does what.
- The medal system is a fun way to gain additional side abilities, however the number of enemies to farm for each medal is way too high, I spent hours just to farm 1 particular medal.
- Loading time is very high between each screen transitioning or saving rooms, I would suggest lowering it if possible for a better gaming experience.
I guess that's all I can lay out for now and I hope the Devs take the above points into consideration.
Overall Rating 7/10 for Gameplay, music and art design.