Link Steam
indiegame.fan
Dream Shark - Pt. 1 header art

Dream Shark - Pt. 1

An 8-bit sci-fi action-adventure game about learning presence through a child's lucid dream.

Steam Page
Developer
Benjamin McCarthy
Publisher
Dream Shark
Release
May 15, 2025
1 year and 79 days ago
Steam Reviews
7 user reviews7 reviews85.7%

Does this feel indie?

Vote based on whether this game feels indie to you. You can change your vote at any time. Results earn an IGF score after 10 accepted votes.
No votes yet
Vote on More Games
Game contextLatest: IGF Team
ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan.Status
Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Search Google: Who developed Dream Shark - Pt. 1?Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Search Google: Who published Dream Shark - Pt. 1?Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Search Google: Is Dream Shark - Pt. 1 self-published or published by Dream Shark?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Dream Shark - Pt. 1 and Dream Shark funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Dream Shark - Pt. 1 and Benjamin McCarthy?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Search Google: What is the release status of Dream Shark - Pt. 1?Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

Media

12 items

About the Game

When an escapist child’s VR mask breaks, he begins to have intense nightmares. He must learn presence through his dream characters to face the shadowy beast he runs from.

Play as TAC, a cyborg cyclops child living on the moon in the year 2300. TAC racks up points in virtual reality and explores the futuristic moonscape with a jetpack to avoid the struggles of family life. But when his routine is disrupted, he’s pulled into a journey deep within his subconscious.

Enter TAC’s dreamscape—a lush crystal island inhabited by an advanced society of axolotls. Solve puzzles, challenges, and hidden mysteries to unlock mini-games and extras, helping TAC become lucid and take control of his dream - but beware, the Dream Shark is always lurking.

Features

  • A Constantly Evolving Experience – Gameplay shifts between top-down exploration, platforming, isometric puzzles, faux-3D sequences, and shoot ‘em ups.

  • Two Worlds, One Journey – Explore the tech-dominated moon and the organic dream island, each with distinct environments, characters, and challenges.

  • Intuitive & Accessible Gameplay – Simple controls with clear guidance make it easy to jump in, though basic reading comprehension is required.

  • A Fully Original Chiptune Soundtrack – Immerse yourself in a dynamic score that adapts to TAC’s journey.

  • Cinematic 8-Bit Pixel Art – A richly detailed retro aesthetic, handcrafted for an authentic Game Boy experience.

  • Made by One Developer – A passion project built entirely by Benjamin McCarthy.

Do you have what it takes to face the Dream Shark?

Indie Game Fan