SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 22, 2025 – A stormy night, a missing family, and the eerie glow of pixelated catacombs—Dreamed Away is set to deliver one of the most intriguing indie RPGs of the year when it launches on October 23, 2025. Published by Pineapple Works and created by French solo developer Nicolas Petton, the game blends heart, horror, and nostalgia into a uniquely emotional adventure.
A 90s Summer Night That Turns into a Nightmare
Set in France during the 1990s, Dreamed Away follows Théo, a boy who wakes up to find his parents and sister Louise mysteriously gone. His search for her leads him into underground catacombs and shadowy landscapes haunted by ghosts and phantoms. The game invites players to confront not just supernatural beings but also the unsettling question of what reality truly is.
If you grew up with games like Earthbound or more recent cult hits such as Undertale and Omori, the tone and atmosphere of Dreamed Away will feel familiar—yet it pushes further into psychological horror, creating a more haunting and personal journey.
Gameplay That Mixes Strategy, Reflexes, and Storytelling
At its core, the game is an RPG infused with modern twists:
- Pixel art visuals that feel lovingly handcrafted
- Fast-paced combat blending turn-based strategy with bullet-dodging challenges
- Quick-time events (QTEs) that demand sharp reflexes
- Unique gear and abilities to shape your playstyle
- An original soundtrack that ties together the mood of discovery and dread
The combination makes Dreamed Away more than a retro throwback—it’s a layered experience where emotion and mechanics work hand in hand.
Indie with a Personal Touch
Unlike many large-scale productions, Dreamed Away carries the fingerprints of one person. Developer Nicolas Petton isn’t just coding; he’s writing, designing pixel art, composing music, and even crafting sound effects. This deeply personal approach means the story feels intimate, raw, and more emotionally resonant than many bigger-budget RPGs.
Petton has described his goal as sharing “a profoundly personal and emotive story,” and early players of the demo echo that sentiment, noting how the atmosphere lingers long after the screen goes dark.
Try It Before the Full Release
Can’t wait until October? A free demo is already available on Steam, GOG, and itch.io for Windows, Mac, and Linux. With around an hour of gameplay, it’s just enough to set the stage without spoiling the bigger mysteries.
For fans of indie storytelling, this trial is more than just a teaser—it’s an invitation to step into a dream world where fear and hope intertwine.
Editorial Extra: How Dreamed Away Stacks Up Against Its Inspirations
- Earthbound (1994): Both games use quirky dialogue and suburban backdrops, but Dreamed Away trades satire for a darker, more haunting tone.
- Undertale (2015): Like Toby Fox’s hit, it merges emotion with combat mini-games. Yet here, the vibe leans more toward ghost story than playful morality tale.
- Omori (2020): Shares the psychological themes, though Dreamed Away roots its narrative in real-world 90s France rather than a surreal dreamscape.
The comparisons are flattering, but Dreamed Away clearly carves its own space with its French setting, deeper horror elements, and the singular vision of a solo developer.
Why It Matters
In a gaming landscape dominated by sequels and massive studios, Dreamed Away represents what many players crave: a heartfelt, handcrafted story that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s the kind of indie release that reminds us why we fell in love with games in the first place.
Dreamed Away launches October 23, 2025, on PC, Nintendo Switch 1 & 2, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X. Learn more and play the demo now via Steam, GOG, or itch.io.