A Dream About Parking Lots

This is a weird one. I’m not sure how to review or even score this game. I’m also pretty sure this review will be one of the shortest I’ve ever written, and I’m thankful for that. Let’s get to the point, and let’s explore A Dream About Parking Lots.

Like a David Lynch daydream on a Tuesday afternoon

As you might have guessed, A Dream About Parking Lots is a game that centres on players being lost in various parking lots in dream-like states. The objective is simple: through the 5 dream scenarios, find your car by pressing the small remote/key and locating it via its honking alarm.

During these ventures, to find what you lost, you will also participate in a conversation between the Dreamer and a Therapist. You may choose the answers to various questions, and even do a little switcheroo and ask some questions in a neat twist. And that’s it!

You don’t drive the car, you don’t use magical powers, nor do you have a jetpack, the car doesn’t explode, you’re not on a runaway train, you don’t speak with the car, you don’t time travel, or do you go to Twin Peaks at the end?

As a game, the scope is limited, with the simplicity of walking, clicking the remote and finding your car, with an engaging and philosophical active conversation in the background as it were. There are some nice visuals, the dream-like aesthetics add an eerie-ness to the world, the worlds themselves are low-key and lo-poly, which adds more dream-like aesthetics, which is nice, and the meta-ness to the conversation at hand and the message is incredibly important, I feel. I don’t feel the UX is the best, such as when menu text highlights are super minimal, making it difficult to see what you’ve selected, or what the selected option.

But like I mentioned before, as a game, it’s quite dull, and replay value is zero in my mind. Even if the idea is super interesting and could be moulded into compelling dream-like gameplay. I do understand the simplicity is intended, and it is more about the message, but there could have been more elements on choice, destruction, and decision making than deciding on the conversation threads. As a game, it’s not the most amazing …

But.


An important message that’s worth it

At the heart of A Dream About Parking Lots is an incredibly important message, and honestly, I felt some cathartic release at the end when the message became clear and the intention was revealed. I won’t spoil it, but I do believe that there is a truly honest and earnest message here, having you think for yourself and do the thing you need to do. As an inspiring game designer, I’m at a loss and find it difficult to start a project, due to time, and thinking it’s not with me. This game kind of has me thinking about those flaws and negativity in a new light, and if someone can make a semi-interesting game about being lost in a parking lot, and have it incorporate some honest to God good meaning at its core, then I can do what I dream of doing.

 And I respect the hell out of that, and know the developers have great intentions for those who pick up and play the game. It will last 30 minutes only, and the replay value isn’t there, but damn it, it’s profound and will leave an impression on you.


Overall?

Like I said, this is a short review. I wrote this review quite quickly as I had the focus and a clear understanding of what the game is and what it is expected to leave me with. A Dream About Parking Lots is less of a game and more of an interactive therapy session, one that, if you’re a creative will find some wholesome connection with. It’s a game about being in a dream, finding a car. There are no big explosions, RPG mechanics, or Soulslike bosses. There is a car, you have to find it, and truth be told, it’s a way to find yourself.

I don’t expect many people will click with this, since it’s more about an experience than enjoyment. But If you do play it, and like me, are in a creative spin, you will deeply appreciate A Dream About Parking Lots.

I’m giving this a 4/5 because of the impact and messaging, but if you’re looking for gameplay … nah. But if you’re looking for something much deeper and more meaningful, then yeah. Check this out.


++ A weird and yet powerful experience
++ Has a good message at heart 
+ An interesting and original idea 

-- Not the most entertaining gameplay 
- No replay value 
- Not your typical "game" game