Superplay Dreams Up Some Fun
Domino Dreams is Superplay’s second foray in mobile gaming after their successful Dice Dreams rolled onto the scene. The game features a Tripeak-style solitaire experience married with colorful domino matching. Combine that with an adorable adventure following the peons of King Richard the III as they rebuild the kingdom, and you have a pretty solid game.
Team Work…
One of Superplay’s claims to fame is the all-star team they have developed. They brought in industry vets from Playtika, Rovio, Playstudios and the film industry to create some truly beautiful visuals. Fans of Angry Birds will quickly notice the similarities. While I find that the peons look like Angry Birds without the beaks, that same Rovio quality animation is prevalent throughout. You could do far worse for a style to emulate. As you travel to rebuild the kingdom (no doubt destroyed by one of those nasty Dice Dream people) you will be blessed with well-crafted scenery and vibrant colors making this game appropriate for all ages.
…Makes the Dream Work
At its core, Domino Dreams is a solitaire game. The board is easy on the eyes and features a colorful set of dominos. You match the numbers on the dominos to clear the board. Most are stacked and hidden in a Tripeak-style with only a few available to play. Superplay makes beautiful patterns that, with the addition of mega tiles and symbols adds new twists to a familiar backdrop. At various stages the board changes style as in a rolled-up carpet that reveals the next couple layers as you clear the dominos. It is not only incredibly easy to pick up, a cute tutorial holds your hand for the first dozen levels.
When you’re not scoring long streaks you can kill time building streets. In between puzzles you can take the hard earned stars to rebuild King Richard’s kingdom. If you have never played Dice Dreams before it is an adorable progression mechanic. If you have, it’s like watching G.I. Joe in retirement building habitats for humanity. With gold stars, thousands of coins flying everywhere, numerous locations to rebuild and positive affirmations like “DO IT!” and “You Did It!” you’ll enjoy a very satisfying break between puzzles. As much as I can recognize that it is a play mechanic specifically designed to make my dopamine receptors throw a kegger, I can’t help but enjoy it.
It Does Well to Dream
Domino Dreams is based on a freemium design with gacha elements making this fun little title “free.” I have played hours and past level 50 and have yet to hit a pay wall. With careful preparation, self-control and fortitude you can play this game for free for a long time. There are plenty of opportunities to buy more coins, tickets, other powerups and even gacha style spins. As always, if you can’t put it down, you are going to pay. Watch the kiddos as they hide some of the purchases in sneaky ways. Let’s remember one thing though. They don’t make these games for free. If you truly like the game you should support the developers and enjoy the goodies they hand out.
It is a rare thing that I can say nothing bad about a game. Amazingly, that is the case with Superplay’s Domino Dreams. Superplay may have not put out a masterpiece of epic proportions, but they had a plan and stuck to it with great effect. It is a fantastic title that scratches all the itches of someone who enjoys a good puzzler.
Is It Hardcore?
Yes!
Domino Dreams accomplishes everything in its genre that it should with style, beauty and fun. Superplay nailed its second offering and I eagerly await their next title.
