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Review of LSD on PlayStation

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Oct 1998
Cover image of LSD on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 22 Oct 1998
Genre: Exploration game
Developer: OutSide Directors Company
Publisher: Asmik Ace Entertainment

Introduction

If you've ever wondered what it's like to wander through a dream where nothing makes sense, and you encounter bizarre creatures and landscapes that look like they were conjured by a deranged artist after a long night at the pub, then 'LSD: Dream Emulator' is your ticket to that surreal experience. Buckle up, because this wild ride doesn't have a 'no touching the walls' policy.

Gameplay

As the name suggests, LSD: Dream Emulator is an exploration game that's essentially a series of dream sequences stitched together with the kind of logic only found in a sleep-deprived brain. Each 'dream' lasts about ten minutes (which is about the same time it takes for me to remember where I left my phone). In these dreams, you can run into walls, creatures, and random surreal objects that will teleport you to a new environment, almost like the game is saying 'Why not? Let's shake things up!' Players have no objectives-yup, that's right, none! This isn't your usual 'save the princess' or 'defeat the evil boss' nonsense. Nope, this is all about free exploration. You can stroll through vibrant Japanese villages, eerie factories, or expansive fields filled with dreamlike oddities. Each new dream brings fresh textures and bizarre animations, ensuring you'll never know what to expect next. It's like being the main character in a nonsensical anime where the plot was abandoned half an episode in. Forget any preconceived notions of success; the gameplay is a delight in randomness. There's a peculiar sense of satisfaction in stumbling upon hidden characters, like a dancing bear or a giant floating fish, that leave you questioning your life choices-and sometimes your grip on reality. The game keeps track of your 'dream quality' on a graph, labeling your experiences as 'Upper', 'Downer', 'Static', or 'Dynamic'. Talk about your emotional rollercoaster! And if you're lucky (or unlucky) enough to touch the mysterious 'Gray Man', beware! You might get sent back to dream zero, leaving you frantically swiping the controller like a panicked gamer in a horror movie. But hey, isn't that what makes dreams fun?

Graphics

Many players look back at the graphics of the late '90s with a nostalgic twinkle in their eyes, and LSD: Dream Emulator is no exception. Its graphics are a psychedelic fare with pastel colors and hazy visuals that scream 'art student exhibit'-and not in a bad way. Picture a watercolor painting where the artist was perhaps a tad overzealous with the colors and caffeine. The character models and environments are simple yet quirky, capturing that surreal aesthetic perfectly. They often look like they were pulled straight from a child's colorful daydream. Plus, the randomness of texture swapping makes every playthrough feel like a fresh trip through the mind of a deranged (but creative) visionary. It's creative chaos at its best, and trust me; it's more enticing than it sounds. I mean, who doesn't want to explore a world where blocks can look like jelly beans with personalities?

Conclusion

'LSD: Dream Emulator' is a love letter to the avant-garde and a unique gem for those willing to dive into the unknown. It's not your typical video game; it's an experience, a canvas of imagination painted with the wildest strokes an artist can muster. It's like an art installation you can play, a dream you can walk through, and more importantly, a fantastic benchmark for any wannabe game designer looking to break norms-and sanity. It's quirky, eccentric, and downright baffling, but that's where its charm lies. So, if you're feeling adventurous enough to take a trip without any actual substances involved, grab a copy and let your mind run wild. Just make sure you brace yourself for the ride; after all, this isn't your grandma's Sunday stroll. Now go forth, brave dreamer, and may you awaken with a smile!

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