Despite some simplistic AI and limited interactivity, Eric's Home: The Stolen Dream shines with its stellar art direction, well-executed stealth puzzles, and a compelling narrative driven by multiple unique characters. A surprisingly robust and enjoyable adventure.
Set in a bleak, turn-of-the-century Scandinavian city, Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream presents a compelling, noir-style mystery. The experience unfolds from an isometric perspective, focusing on a young woman named Hannah as she searches for her missing brother while evading the authorities. The narrative is steeped in a dark atmosphere, with the city suffering from a pervasive illness and the social fallout of the industrial revolution. This backdrop establishes high emotional stakes and provides a rich context for the ensuing stealth-focused adventure.
The gameplay is a methodical blend of stealth, puzzle-solving, and light platforming. Initially, the mechanics are straightforward, built around a core loop where detection means instant failure. However, the experience deepens significantly as it progresses. New tools are introduced, and eventually, players gain control of multiple characters, including the thief Alva. Each character possesses unique skills, forcing a cooperative approach to overcoming obstacles. This multi-character dynamic is the game’s greatest strength, transforming simple stealth scenarios into complex, layered puzzles that require clever coordination.
Visually, the game is a standout, featuring gorgeous vistas and strong art direction that are consistently highlighted by the camera. This aesthetic quality is complemented by solid voice acting and well-developed characters. While the world itself offers limited interactivity beyond the main path, and the guard AI can feel dated and simplistic, these shortcomings do not derail the journey. It is a well-crafted and uniquely fantastical adventure that successfully combines its narrative and gameplay elements into a cohesive and enjoyable whole.
