The Sailor’s Dream app for iPhone and iPad
A peaceful narrative experience, in which the only objective is to satisfy your curiosity.
Explore an ocean dream world, in which time passes even when you are not there, visit forgotten islands and piece together memories – some even existing beyond the screen of your device.
“The Sailor’s Dream is a novella, a folk EP, and an art installation wrapped into one app ... It’s an inspired example of what storytelling can be in the 21st century and the way modern technology can shine new light on well-worn conventions.” - A.V. Club
“Its lonely, bittersweet tale—told in a wonderfully unique mix of approaches—is the best storytelling Ive ever played on my iPad.” - Kotaku
“Its an experience thats entirely about the narrative, but one uniquely built for smartphones and tablets. The peaceful visuals, the wonderful music, the sharp writing, and the simple interactive toys all go towards creating an atmosphere and telling a story.” - The Verge
“... you can easily wander for hours through The Sailor’s Dream making music, playing it not like a game, but as an instrument ... If you are looking for a space to contemplate, a place to linger, a path to walk in patient consideration, you will find yourself at home in The Sailor’s Dream for quite some time.” - Kill Screen
“A world-in-miniature put in the palm of your hands, which rewards you for your exploration of it with sensory delight. And perhaps most powerfully of all, pushes you to feel deeply for its inhabitants.” - Gamezebo
Pros and cons of The Sailor’s Dream app for iPhone and iPad
The Sailor’s Dream app good for
If you understand that what you are getting is an interactive story/experience and are still interested, I whole-heartedly recommend this. "Gameplay" consists of swiping in order to more or less explore areas and find clues to what happened between characters, etc. The music is great, and some of the story is even told through song.
Although fairly unconventional--and it certainly wont be everyones cup of tea--you can definitely feel the heart and effort that was put into this unique audio/visual experience.
This story takes a week to unfold and its just reading, thats why I gave it four stars because it was nothing like the year walk or device 6 but so far the story is really good. I do honestly enjoy this story (honestly shouldnt be called a game) but I honestly dont know if the price is right or if it should have a price at all but if you like the style of games its still worth a try. Just be patient. Really patient.
I know how easy it is judge this game. There is very little interactivity, and to get the full experience you need to spend some time with it. But this does not mean the game is not worth it. If you are at all interested in emotional games, please, stick with this game. Fans of Journey, The Unfinished Swan, and Flower should experience this!
I have to amend my previous review. I said that there was likely no way to help those who didnt like this game.
Having played it through, I can say that those who dont like this game probably have their reasons. This is a wholly unique game. There is nothing like it. I have never played a game that relies on the passage of real time rather than meeting objectives.
Certain parts of the game are time-sensitive, not achievement-based. You have to either wait for the passage of time or manipulate time in order to pass to the next chapter.
I can understand why some would get frustrated with that. Patience is not a common demand in video games.
However, the story is quite poignant. The atmosphere and visuals are beautiful. The songs are pretty and even meaningful to the game.
I still give this game 5 stars. I know there will be many 1 star reviews, as well. In my way of thinking, that dichotomy is something the developers should wear as a badge of honor.
So touching that made me cry, smile and sigh for hours... Really amazing!
Again simogo delivers a fantastic experience. Love all your stuff. Keep up the good work.
Some bad moments
They deleted my review so this is what Im doing now. Dont buy this. Its not worth the money and its really stupid. You dont do anything and the singer is terrible. Trust me youll regret everything about this app. It also takes up too much space on your phone. It takes too long and I dont have time to wait around every hour right on the mark to get a clue in it. Money thrown out the window.
I was hoping for something more interesting. I was disappointed with how boring the overall experience was. It was a waste of money.
I spent the first half an hour trying to find the game part of this game and then realized it was just reading and not the device 6 type of reading but just a story set on a pretty background. I was disappointed and I dont think its worth the price.
Biggest waste of money, basically paying to read a pointless short story. The graphics and artwork were beautiful but there was zero point to this app. Completed it in less than 10 minutes and the only interactive part of the game is swiping between rooms.
Downloaded it on the basis of a review which made it sound very interesting. I do not understand it. I keep hitting dead ends and what I am finding is boring. I don’t get the point of this app.
i didnt get it. looks like someones diary, but why should i pay for it? yes, pictures and animation are good, why it should be interesting for me? if it a game, than add rules at least.
