Playfirst, famous for Diner Dash, Wedding Dash, Dash Dash, the sequel to Dash Dash: Dashing Dash Dash, and a plethora of sequels, one-offs and, soon to hit theaters everywhere, live action musical, and one of the leading downloadable casual games publishers, knows when it has a hit on its hands. Their latest is the Dream Chronicles series which is rapidly becoming one of my personal "faves." Although the characters of the fourth and latest installment, Dream Chronicles: The Book of Air, fall victim to the same an annoyingly common tragedy (catering to the pre-teen demographic while stretching to include the casual game market-dominating adult demographic), it’s story is compelling. It’s puzzles are actually challenging, or at least enough to stump this imaginationally-challenged post (and then some)-teenie flopper. And, its overall quality is phenomenal.
The story follows the newly eighteen year old Lyra, Faye’s daughter (Faye is from previous editions) on her birthday as she’s transported to an alternate dimension (i.e. what every 29 and 355/356th year old wishes at night) following her father’s clues, and guided by freakishly trans-dimensional notes from her grandfather, in search of the elusive Clockmaker and a way back home.
Despite its shortcomings, I welcome the change from the uncomfortably accustomed allegedly "mystery" / CSI for kids / "Where’s Waldo with a fish" hidden object games that have dominated the casual games top 10 list recently. The first impression is a little bit like early Harry Potter boiled with Bilbo Baggins and poured over Myst; but without the need for the six extra cartridge-loading CD-ROMs circa 1994. I also appreciated the multiple modes of play: Casual and Challenge. But, to be honest, I just appreciated that there even was a "Challenge" mode.
If you’re like me and love the next installment of a good series, be sure to revisit the past Dream Chronicles: Dream Chronicles, Dream Chronicles 2: The Eternal Maze and Dream Chronicles: The Chosen Child. And stay tuned, Playfirst promises The Book of Air to be the first entry in a new Dream Chronicles trilogy!