Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 79 | 17 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 96% | 91 | 74 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | – | 0 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 97% | 92 | 148 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: since the last significant patch (May 30, 2024) · 148 reviews sampled · 113 total reviews in window · weighted 41.1 up / 1.4 down · computed 3h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (9)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Projected Dreams has such replayability. Although an entire playthrough only took me 4-5 hours, I definitely will be returning to try different solutions. There are so many different ways to solve the puzzles, and it was really made for those who like to achievement chase or challenge themselves. Plus it’s a game you can come back to at any time.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you enjoy puzzle games with an emotional thread and nostalgic feelings, or simply want a relaxing, heartfelt way to spend an afternoon, puzzle Projected Dreams might be just what you’re looking for. Play with light beams and shadows made by objects, and get your thinking cap on to find the best solution.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“At first glance, Projected Dreams looks more like a motor-skill exercise for children than a game, but it quickly became clear that it was much more than that.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Projected Dreams is a heartfelt homage to the power of imagination and the bonds that tie us to our past. It’s a gentle reminder of the joy found in simple pleasures, like casting shadows on a wall and weaving stories from the shapes that emerge. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing gaming experience or a trip down memory lane, Projected Dreams offers a cozy escape into a world where shadows tell the most illuminating stories.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Projected Dreams is a charming and original puzzle game that will tug on the ol’ heart strings. Just don’t blame me if it provokes the odd tear or three. I experienced a range of emotions during my playthrough, from the thrill of constructing a tower of junk that kinda looked like a rabbit, to frustration when things didn’t go my way. It’s challenging, thought-provoking, with an extra-large ladle of cute. All in all the game takes a brave punt on an original idea and shadow boxes it into an enchanting little puzzle experience. As a debut title from a small team, I give Projected Dreams the Thumb Culture Gold Award.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Without saying a word, the game builds a gentle story about family, imagination, and grief. It leans into memory and lets you interpret the emotion behind each scene. You’re not given all the answers, and you don’t need them. It’s enough to feel the weight of what’s been left unsaid, and the love that still lingers in every shadow you cast.”
read full review ↗ - 76
- 60
“Projected Dreams is a curious puzzle of light and shadows and it's possible to notice the team's effort in making it so each chapter brought a new gimmick to add variety to the challenges. However, the way the game handles physics and how it limits object control is frustrating and there are many issues that make it not a highlight within the genre.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“There’s a pleasant puzzler in Projected Dreams, thanks to its visuals, music, and simple game design. Who knew making shadow puppets could make for an enjoyable afternoon? An easy recommendation for everyone.”
read full review ↗
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DayOnePatch history
- Patch 1.3.1 - Security vulnerabilityDec 19, 2025
- Patch 1.3 - Controller bugfixesAug 29, 2025
- Hotfix 1.2 - Achievements & BalancingJun 4, 2025
- Hotfix 1.1 - AchievementsMay 30, 2025
- Steam Next Fest - Demo Update!Feb 24, 2025
- Patch Notes – Demo Version 1.3Sep 27, 2024
- Patch Notes – Demo Version 1.2Aug 15, 2024
- Celebrating a new Demo Update!May 30, 2024significant · resets scoring window