Yume Nikki

Yume Nikki is a surrealist adventure game where players explore the dreams of a girl named Madotsuki. Instead of fighting enemies or following a set storyline, the game focuses entirely on wandering through strange, interconnected worlds. Each dream area is entered from a hub space called the Nexus, with doors leading to places that range from unsettling to abstract. Players work toward finding 24 “Effects,” which change Madotsuki’s appearance or give her simple abilities, like moving faster. Some moments in the game trigger brief scenes or small events, adding to its mysterious atmosphere.

The game doesn’t have dialogue, and you can’t lose or get a “game over.” Madotsuki begins in her apartment, which you can’t leave while awake. Saving is done at her desk, and sleeping in her bed is the only way to enter the dream world. Certain areas and characters will move you between locations, and some objects may seem random but are important for discovery. After collecting all 24 Effects, the game ends with a final scene on her apartment balcony.

Originally released in 2004 by the creator Kikiyama and made in RPG Maker 2003, Yume Nikki gained a global cult following after a fan-translated version appeared online. It influenced many indie games, especially those with heavy exploration and minimal guidance. Get the game on Steam.