[dropcap size=big]M[/dropcap]yDream is the voxel-based sandbox multiplayer game by MyDream Interactive, Inc. whose slogan was not only, “Think outside the blocks,” but they assured parents there would be no “senseless violence” and even went so far as to promise “real world skills” in their Kickstarter campaign. I’m not too impressed by this last selling point—after all, if this game can promise real world skills, then heck, so can GTA V—but with 370 backers, MyDream Interactive found themselves with enough believers to put them over their $100k goal. February 20th, 2015 was when they released their game for early access.

Building in MyDream drove me nuts. I was quite annoyed by the large planning projection that constantly obscured my view, as building blocks seemed a touch too large. Also, for blocks with patterns, you need to be facing the same direction if you want to keep them lining up. This is a pain if you’re trying to construct a roof. The digging tool seemed to gouge out huge chunks from natural structures (you can’t use it to shape blocks, sadly) when all I wanted was a tiny divot. And there are also these runed caves that spawned these little rock creatures. These caves were impervious to any form of editing, even though I was in my own generated world at the time. Movement is also a bit awkward. Jumping feels like something out of a 90s DOS game—the physics feel unrealistic, and you can’t control how high you go.

Playing the tutorial is really vital if you want to understand what MyDream is all about. My nitpicks aside, once I DID understand the chief point of the game, I started to like it more. It encourages players to craft their own levels, complete with objectives and obstacles. MyDream Interactive also hosts all servers. For those players who had the patience to use the building system (bless their hearts) they managed to create magnificent and (at times) very large levels. I visited the “Arabian Palace” and was in awe at the level of work the creator put into his world. Visiting players can rate a world they visited, and the top are listed on the MyDream front page.

I feel the game is not for me, but perhaps for other players seeking something in the same vein as Minecraft, they might enjoy it more. Does this particular indie title strive to take Mojang’s place? I find they do not. MyDream really does have a different flavor to it, and there is infinite potential in its level creation that makes me think less Minecraft, and more Garry’s Mod. Another good thing to note: after players complained that $30 was too much for a game still lacking a lot of content, MyDream Interactive was kind enough to cut their price in half, then offer refunds to customers who already paid the original price. If anything, this game is an honest, ambitious project that has a lot of growing to do. Should you buy it now? At $14.99, I’d say this game is more for the believers and the patient builders, but anyone who gives it a try is bound to have some fun with it.