Yume Nikki

'Madotsuki, standing on her balcony.'

Yume Nikki (ゆめにっき, lit. Dream Diary) is a surreal adventure game by pseudonymous Japanese developer Kikiyama. In the game, players explore the dreams of the protagonist, named Madotsuki, where they encounter a number of surrealistic creatures and locations.

The initial version was released for free in June 2004 with subsequent updates over time, the last occurring in 2007. While initially receiving minimal attention, it has garnered a cult following since its release and has been cited as an influence by many other indie games.

'Madotsuki, walking down a staircase while surrounded by weird blue hands reaching into the sky.'

The game's primary objective is to collect items known as "effects" that grant Madotsuki new abilities and allow players to progress to new areas, with the game ending after 24 of them have been collected.

'Dancing Mesoamerican-style monkeys.'

To me, Yume Nikki is one of the only artworks that feel the way my bullshit feels.

'Madotsuki, as a lamp.'

'Madotsuki, in Poniko's house.'

Resources

Fandom: Yume Nikki Wiki
Uboachan (archive)
The Cutting Room Floor: Yume Nikki
Yume Nikki Fan Page
Madotsuki's Closet
Yume Nikki Multiplayer

Youtube

Youtube: Yume Nikki - Unused Graphics and Features

'Madotsuki plays piano with a sad alien while gazing at outer space.'