Hypnagogia: Boundless Dreams is an experience which I can wholeheartedly recommend to any person interested in unique surrealist art. The aesthetic of it all provides for a memorable yet pleasurable experience, one which invests the player into this dream-like world. It is what LSD dream simulator wishes it could be; hypnotic and exciting, and rightfully so. Where this outshines other games is how expertly crafted the dialogue can be. From wholesome moments to moments of deep reflection where I found myself pondering my own existence and decisions, it conveys a story so expertly crafted its almost unfathomable to believe it belongs to an indie game. There is no skill involved really, yet it isn't much of a walking-simulator either. I am happy to see that these types of games are popping up more frequently and getting more coverage online, as they truly deserve it. As for this game, its an amazing experience which I yet again cannot recommend enough; you probably haven't experienced much like it. Do NOT spoil it for yourself, just pick it up and prepare for an enjoyable and immersive experience. Support more games like these!

Plus, I was seduced by a door.
Need I say more?

The epitome of all things good about video-gaming:

A compelling narrative, a relaxing -almost rejuvenating- experience, an absolutely gorgeous art style (a la 'Mœbius'), compatibility with a keyboard and mouse, the right amount of settings to perfect the game's graphics and style, a nice yet manageable amount of variety for game-play types, collectibles and currency-based-systems, customization, a surprisingly COMFORTABLE amount of challenge, and a perfect amount of polish.

The game is cozy; without it feeling like one of those "cozy games".

It also knows you, as a player, are NOT an idiot; something seldom seen in today's gaming landscape.

Time flows at a brilliant rate: fast enough that it's perceptible, yet slow enough that you don't feel existentially rushed. Time also flows in the background during the dialog cut-scenes, too, and I thought that was a simple yet exquisite touch! The game is so relaxing that you are never prompted to rush through ANYTHING, and yet there still exists an innate desire to continue forward at your own pace. I do wish the game had an AutoSave functionality, though, as it can be tedious re-tracing your steps when you miss an important jump.

I do wish the game was better from a technical standpoint, though. Constant stuttering when traversing with my bike, geometry that was unintentionally left floating mid-air, egregious pop-in of textures, shadows, and terrain, a lack of that beautiful cel-shading effect on objects in the distance, and audio cutting in and out. It all coalesces into what can be a very annoying, tedious experience, and yet I keep pushing through to experience more. If optimized, this could have been phenomenal, but I would be remiss if I were to gloss over these flaws.

The world is such a beautiful place to exist in, at a perfect moment/instance in spacetime. Everything enjoyable about being human is present here: from the mystique of the world, to what humanity can accomplish ALONGSIDE it, to growing up and maturing; all is explored in beautifully rendered narrative detail.

I cannot believe a game like this is able to exist. It is wholeheartedly relaxing, and I pride myself in the little puzzles I solve throughout. The progression is steady, and the rewards have been plentiful but well-earned.