Worlds Align: Deadly Dream – Review

AMAX Interactive returned with their second crossover adventure – Worlds Align: Deadly Dream. After the Puppet Master, the Cardinal, and Detective Dupin worked together in Worlds Align: Beginning, their paths crossed yet again and this time the threat is even greater than before. Can you join forces with Watchers of the Game Worlds and stop the madman?

Like Elephant Games’ Detectives United series, Worlds Align brings together some of AMAX Interactive’s most iconic characters. The three original protagonists from the first game are present throughout this sequel, but what surprisingly is the appearance of Dr. Blackmore from the prematurely-canceled Haunted Halls series. Unfortunately, despite all these familiar faces, Worlds Align: Deadly Dream’s storyline remains flat and unengaging. The game fails to showcase the personality of these signature characters that made hidden object fans fell in love with them in the first place, which turns the game into yet another ominous fantasy adventure.

Worlds Align: Deadly Dream’s multi-portal storytelling format also reminisces of the studio’s another series – Redemption Cemetery. In my opinion, this disrupts the flow of the game and makes the storyline uneven and disjointed. It also certainly does not help that the gameplay itself is also fairly dull and tedious. The hidden object scenes are creative at times, but the puzzles are extremely simplistic and straightforward.

I don’t think it’s controversial to say that all AMAX Interactive’s franchises look and feel the same. The studio’s Gothic-inspired art style and washed-out colors are evident throughout this game, and so is the somber background music. Visually, Worlds Align: Deadly Dream looks the same as any other game by the studio, which is not to say it’s a bad thing, but just don’t expect to be thrilled or moved by the game’s predictable visuals.

Worlds Align: Deadly Dream has a standard length of roughly four hours. For those who are thinking of purchasing the Collector’s Edition, please note that the bonus chapter introduces zero new locations and takes only 40 minutes to complete. Other extras includes a strategy guide, wallpapers, concept art, soundtracks, replayable hidden object scenes, replayable puzzles, achievements, and a pocketful of collectibles.

Given its ho-hum storyline and uninspired gameplay, Worlds Align: Deadly Dream is not nearly as captivating as its predecessor.