Description
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 I've ever played on my iPad.” - Kotaku
“It's an experience that's 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
What's New in Version 1.1
Ahoy Sailors, this update fixes the bug some have been experiencing when running the game in zoomed view on iPhone 6.
Customer Reviews
Disappointed
I think that the concept of this game (if you could call it that) is much better than its execution. Having been a huge fan of Year Walk and Device 6 (especially the former), I would have bought anything from these guys. Just because of the fact that I think that this was conceptually fun and different, I will probably buy their next game with few questions.
What's missing from this is any sort of compelling narrative that makes you want to continue exploring. A couple pages of text or a minute of a radio broadcast simply aren't enough to pull you into the story. After gritting my teeth and persevering, I discovered that there actually was no story... At least nothing worth noting. I also found it incredibly frustrating to be able to "interact" with the beautiful little chimes and elements of the environment without any of it actually meaning anything.
I think these guys need to go back to the drawing board and brainstorm over what makes people escape into the world of gaming. First and foremost, people like a strong narrative. They like escaping into new worlds, exploring and discovering things that have meaning. They just missed the mark so badly on this one.
Challenging, fleeting... yet still somewhat lacking
I really do love so much about this experience. It really is magical, yet fleeting... the challenge is in the mind. The puzzle as it were is the story... learning what it is, and piecing it together. With patience and humility.
I adored the atmoshphere, the sound design, the ambience... once again Simogo get it spot on.
There is, however, some hesitation in a five star review. The printing elements.... I adored. It added such a tangible wonder to the experience. But, I had to install some software which took multiple attempts to make my laptop an airprint bridge to my printer. Most people won't be able to do that and will lack that experience.
And when all is said and done... I felt underwhelmeed. An initial rush of excitement and wonder left quite quickly once you understand the story. It failed to surprise after this.
You do need patience and a sense of the puzzle being in your head rather than prescribed to you. The person who said they completed it in an hour is categorically, 100% not telling the truth. As you can't.
But still, as great as it was... I wanted more. And some puzzle elements would have probably helped a lot.
Very nice!
I love that you are trying something a bit different! This game is undoubtedly beautiful as people have already said. I get that some are dismayed at how short it is but you have to remember it's a £2.50 app, not a £50 Xbox game! Although I've played other games from these guys before - year walk and device 6, both of which do have more puzzles and more of an active storyline - perhaps there is a perfect blend of story, puzzles and looks that has yet to be found. I suppose it depends on your personality and attention span as to whether you will like The Sailors Dream. If like call of duty, this probably isn't for you :)
- £2.99
- Category: Games
- Updated: 10 November 2014
- Version: 1.1
- Size: 178 MB
- Language: English
- Developer: Simogo AB
- © 2014 Simogo, All rights reserved.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPad, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPod touch (6th generation).