The greatest charm of simulation games is living a life that the real world doesn’t allow for. With Disney Dreamlight Valley, it’s about basking in a dream world that also features various Disney and Pixar characters, whipping up a double fantasy for fans.
Set in the titular Dreamlight Valley, the game whisks players away to a magical valley populated by these beloved characters, who previously underwent a curse that caused them to lose their memories. There are plenty of familiar genre mainstays, including a customisable player avatar, the ability to gather resources, cook meals, and craft furniture, and friendship levels.
Here’s a full list of villagers who can be befriended:
- Anna
- Ariel
- Beast
- Belle
- Buzz Lightyear
- Donald Duck
- Elsa
- Fairy Godmother
- Gaston
- Goofy
- Jack Skellington
- Kristoff
- Maui
- Merline
- Mickey / Minnie Mouse
- Mirabel
- Moana
- Mother Gothel
- Nala
- Olaf
- Prince Eric
- Rapunzel
- Remy
- Scar
- Scrooge McDuck
- Simba
- Stitch
- Ursula
- Vanellope
- WALL-E
- Woody
Essentially, it’s the Disney-fied version of Animal Crossing, but its own twist. Unlike in the latter gamers, the player’s tool, clothing, and furniture don’t take up inventory slots, and the valley is synced to real time based on the time set on a console or computer.
And while Dreamlight Valley is available on all major platforms, the Apple Arcade version packs in more value by bundling the base game with the A Rift in Time expansion, which is sold separately elsewhere. For subscribers, that means two titles at the price of one — the subscription fare itself, coming in at S$9.98 per month. Additional features include EVE of Wall-E fame as a villager, Pua from Moana as an unlockable companion, three new biomes, an all-new storyline, and multiplayer support of two to four players.
Several other Disney and Pixar characters, such as Cinderella, Mike Wazowski, Pumbaa, Ralph, Sulley, Tiana, and Timon, have also been announced to be added in later updates, bringing more social fun to the idyllic life.
From snapping a sunset selfie with Mirabel to settling on the beach next to Moana, the activities in Dreamlight Valley can be enjoyed across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with an Apple Arcade subscription. However, do note that this version doesn’t support cross-save with platforms outside of its ecosystem, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox X|S.
As with any simulator title, one of the best parts about the experience is being able to play it at one’s own pace. There’s no urgent need to complete the story or be updated with the latest happenings, as it doesn’t have any bearing on the leisure activities. Simply hop on between pockets of free time, and soak up the relaxing vibes.
Dreamlight Valley is available now on Apple Arcade.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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