The Sailor's Dream is less of a game and more of a digital poem. Simogo, the masters behind Year Walk and Device 6, have created a non-linear narrative that you inhabit rather than play. There are no puzzles to solve or enemies to fight; instead, you wander through abandoned structures on the ocean, piecing together a melancholic story of a family and the sea.
The sound design is the standout feature here. The music is hauntingly beautiful, and the way the game uses your device's clock—offering different story snippets at certain times of day—makes the world feel alive. It requires patience and a willingness to be immersed in an atmosphere. If you’re looking for high-octane action, look elsewhere, but if you want a profound, emotional experience that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, this is essential.
Simogo is a talented studio, but The Sailor's Dream feels like they were trying too hard to be 'art' and forgot to make a game. The music is haunting and the interface is incredibly elegant—swiping through the rooms feels wonderful. But after an hour, you realize you're just clicking through a glorified PDF.
There is no friction. There is no challenge. While I appreciate a good story, the delivery here is so fragmented that it feels more like a chore to piece together than a rewarding narrative journey. It’s the kind of project people call 'pretentious' for a reason. If you want a mood piece to look at while you drink a coffee, it’s fine. But if you're looking for an engaging game, this isn't it. It's a dream I'd rather wake up from and play something with actual mechanics.
Performance: Flawless performance; the touch controls are very smooth.
Buy if: You enjoy interactive fiction, ambient music, and non-traditional 'Zen' experiences.
Skip if: You want puzzles, action, or a clear goal to achieve.
Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod
Version 1.5Mon Jul 08 2024
- Added support for new devices
- Fixed AirPrint feature that stopped working
A peaceful narrative experience, in which the only objective is to satisfy your curiosity.
Explore an ocean dream world, in which time passes even when you are not there, visit forgotten islands and piece together memories – some even existing beyond the screen of your device.
“The Sailor’s Dream is a novella, a folk EP, and an art installation wrapped into one app ... It’s an inspired example of what storytelling can be in the 21st century and the way modern technology can shine new light on well-worn conventions.” - A.V. Club
“Its lonely, bittersweet tale—told in a wonderfully unique mix of approaches—is the best storytelling I've ever played on my iPad.” - Kotaku
“It's an experience that's entirely about the narrative, but one uniquely built for smartphones and tablets. The peaceful visuals, the wonderful music, the sharp writing, and the simple interactive toys all go towards creating an atmosphere and telling a story.” - The Verge
“... you can easily wander for hours through The Sailor’s Dream making music, playing it not like a game, but as an instrument ... If you are looking for a space to contemplate, a place to linger, a path to walk in patient consideration, you will find yourself at home in The Sailor’s Dream for quite some time.” - Kill Screen
“A world-in-miniature put in the palm of your hands, which rewards you for your exploration of it with sensory delight. And perhaps most powerfully of all, pushes you to feel deeply for its inhabitants.” - Gamezebo
Requires iOS 12.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.A peaceful narrative experience, in which the only objective is to satisfy your curiosity.
Explore an ocean dream world, in which time passes even when you are not there, visit forgotten islands and piece together memories – some even existing beyond the screen of your device.
“The Sailor’s Dream is a novella, a folk EP, and an art installation wrapped into one app ... It’s an inspired example of what storytelling can be in the 21st century and the way modern technology can shine new light on well-worn conventions.” - A.V. Club
“Its lonely, bittersweet tale—told in a wonderfully unique mix of approaches—is the best storytelling I've ever played on my iPad.” - Kotaku
“It's an experience that's entirely about the narrative, but one uniquely built for smartphones and tablets. The peaceful visuals, the wonderful music, the sharp writing, and the simple interactive toys all go towards creating an atmosphere and telling a story.” - The Verge
“... you can easily wander for hours through The Sailor’s Dream making music, playing it not like a game, but as an instrument ... If you are looking for a space to contemplate, a place to linger, a path to walk in patient consideration, you will find yourself at home in The Sailor’s Dream for quite some time.” - Kill Screen
“A world-in-miniature put in the palm of your hands, which rewards you for your exploration of it with sensory delight. And perhaps most powerfully of all, pushes you to feel deeply for its inhabitants.” - Gamezebo










The Sailor’s Dream is a peaceful narrative experience where the only objective is to satisfy your curiosity. Explore a vast ocean world of forgotten islands and abandoned buildings. As you wander, you will discover letters, listen to radio broadcasts, and find musical toys that piece together a fragmented story. The experience is tied to real-world time, with certain events occurring only at specific hours, creating a living, breathing digital installation.
Rich, non-linear storytelling
Haunting original soundtrack and folk songs
Real-time events tied to your device's clock
Beautiful, minimalist art style
Travel between islands using the map. Inside each structure, swipe to move and tap glowing objects to read story fragments.
Deep dive into the game's poetic structure.
A retrospective journey into the significant contributions by Swedish developer, Simogo, to the adventure game genre over the last decade. |
Adventure Gamers - Mon Jul 29 2024
Check the radio or certain islands at different times of the day to hear new broadcasts and discover hidden parts of the story.
No, there are no traditional puzzles. The focus is entirely on exploration and narrative.