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Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream
Item: Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Stealth, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableJul 15, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperRiver End Games

Overview

Experience an isometric, narrative-driven stealth game set in the stunning city of Eriksholm. When Hanna’s brother, Herman, disappears and the police begin to pursue him, her search sets off a chain of catastrophic events that will not only alter their lives but also the destiny of the entire city. Join your allies, outsmart relentless enemies, and use your cunning to uncover the truth behind Herman’s disappearance — where greater powers are at play than you ever imagined. Follow Hanna’s adventure through the vibrant streets of Eriksholm, a sprawling Nordic city inspired by the elegance and grit of early 1900s Scandinavia. In this world, every shadow offers a hiding place, and every corner hides a new challenge. Allies and quick reflexes are your greatest tools as you unravel the city's secrets and outsmart your pursuers.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream dazzles with rich worldbuilding and a haunting mystery, but struggles with weak character development and a predictable, emotionally hollow storyline. A bold, immersive narrative with potential, but not quite delivering on its promises.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

31%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is widely praised for its engaging worldbuilding, thematic depth, and immersive atmosphere. Critics like GameMAG and COGconnected highlight the rich narrative set in a historically inspired city grappling with political corruption and socio-economic struggles, while Voxel and Gamesurf commend the emotional layers and character interactions that keep players invested. IGN France and TheXboxHub note the compelling mystery and the city of Eriksholm itself as a dynamic, almost character-like element, with GamingTrend emphasizing the story’s tragic yet hopeful tone conveyed through exploration rather than exposition. Themes of family bonds, moral decay, and societal oppression are frequently lauded, with GAMES.CH and GRYOnline.pl pointing to the narrative’s ability to balance personal and political struggles, and GameStar describing the story as "beautifully crafted" with an "immersive experience akin to reading a good book." The game’s ability to weave a gripping mystery around Hanna’s quest for her brother is a recurring strength, as noted by GameSpew and Multiplayer.it, who appreciate the tension and intrigue that drive the plot forward. However, several critics point to significant shortcomings in the narrative’s emotional resonance and character development. GameOver.gr and PCGamesN criticize the plot as superficial, with PC Gamer and Checkpoint Gaming noting that the story loses its initial depth when shifting to a personal conflict with a singular villain. Eurogamer and Oyungezer describe the narrative as "bland" or lacking a "real hook," while GameWatcher and Finger Guns mention that character development is underwhelming in the early chapters, only improving later. GAMINGbible and Eurogamer Germany question the emotional impact, stating the story "lacks a significant emotional effect" despite its themes, and Gamepressure and Loot Level Chill point to predictable twists and a "lack of 'wow' factor" in the conclusion. The protagonist, Hanna, is often deemed unsympathetic or underdeveloped, with PCGamesN and GameOver.gr specifically critiquing her lack of depth, and GamingBolt and MondoXbox noting that the villain’s motives and some plot elements remain underexplored, undermining the story’s potential. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream offers a compelling, if imperfect, narrative. While some reviews, like Voxel and GameStar, celebrate its emotional and atmospheric strengths, others, such as GameOver.gr and PCGamesN, find it lacking in character growth and narrative innovation. The story’s ability to maintain mystery and player curiosity is frequently acknowledged, with IGN France and TheSixthAxis praising its gradual revelations and richly detailed world. However, the mixed reception reflects a divide between those who appreciate its thematic ambition and worldbuilding, and those who feel it fails to deliver on emotional stakes or originality. Ultimately, the game’s story is seen as a solid foundation with room for improvement, as GamingTrend and WellPlayed note its "moving" and "immersive" qualities, even if it doesn’t fully realize its potential in every aspect.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream earns praise for its tight stealth mechanics, clever isometric puzzles, and strategic depth, but critics slam its rigid linearity, predictable structure, and over-reliance on scripted solutions, calling it a safe, formulaic experience that prioritizes control over creativity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is generally praised for its focus on stealth mechanics and clever puzzle-solving, with many critics highlighting its structured yet engaging approach. Reviewers like TheXboxHub and COGconnected commend the game’s emphasis on character abilities and tactical coordination, noting that the isometric perspective and environmental puzzles create a varied and immersive experience. Eurogamer and Eurogamer Germany laud the balanced difficulty and the satisfaction of solving challenges through strategic planning, while GamingTrend and Gamesurf appreciate the emphasis on observation, precision, and impactful decision-making. The game’s tutorial and accessible controls are also seen as strengths, with WellPlayed and GAMES.CH pointing to their helpfulness in guiding players through its mechanics. Additionally, the unique character dynamics and the methodical pacing, as noted by GamingBolt and XboxEra, contribute to a gameplay loop that feels deliberate and rewarding, particularly for fans of stealth-focused adventures. However, several critics express frustration with the game’s linearity and limited creative freedom. Finger Guns and Game8 describe the stealth mechanics as simple and scripted, with little room for improvisation, while Movies Games and Tech and PC Games criticize the predictable gameplay loop and delayed introduction of new abilities. GameStar and Oyungezer point to overly rigid levels and lackluster enemy AI, which they argue reduce the sense of challenge and make the experience feel repetitive. IGN France and PCGamesN note that the game relies on derivative mechanics, with puzzles often feeling routine and lacking innovation. GameWatcher and Voxel highlight the trial-and-error approach and strict failure conditions, which can hinder experimentation, while Checkpoint Gaming and Combo Infinito mention that the emphasis on tutorials and repetitive sequences detracts from the overall flow. These critiques collectively underscore a perception of the game as more of a linear puzzle than a dynamic stealth experience. Despite these mixed reactions, the overall consensus among critics leans toward acknowledging Eriksholm as a solid, if somewhat formulaic, stealth puzzle game. While TheXboxHub and COGconnected praise its engaging and varied mechanics, others like GamePro Germany and Eurogamer appreciate the balance of challenge and accessibility. However, the recurring themes of linearity, limited player choice, and repetitive structures—highlighted by Finger Guns, Game8, and GameStar—suggest that the game’s strengths are often offset by its constraints. The praise for its strategic depth and character synergy, as noted by GamingTrend and Loot Level Chill, contrasts with the criticism of its lack of innovation and over-reliance on scripted solutions. Ultimately, while the game’s stealth and puzzle elements are well-received, its rigid design and minimal deviation from traditional mechanics leave some critics feeling it plays it safe, offering a satisfying but ultimately constrained experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream dazzles with breathtaking, Dishonored-inspired visuals, Unreal Engine 5-driven cutscenes, and immersive Nordic architecture—though dark zones, repetitive backdrops, and clunky animations slightly mar its tri-A polish.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

93%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream for its visually striking design, with many highlighting its detailed environments, cinematic quality, and artistic direction. Reviewers like Game8 and MondoXbox emphasized the game’s “stunning visuals” and “impressive artistic direction,” noting the richly crafted urban landscapes and expressive character designs. TheXboxHub and WellPlayed lauded the isometric perspective for showcasing “Triple-A quality cutscenes” and a “beautifully crafted city,” while GAMINGbible and PC Games credited Unreal Engine 5 for creating a “visually stunning” isometric world with “historical style reminiscent of Dishonored.” The game’s Nordic-inspired settings, such as its 1900s Scandinavian architecture, were frequently praised for their immersion, with Eurogamer and IGN France noting how the environments “feel lived in” and “enhance the immersive experience.” Critics also highlighted the photorealistic cinematics, with COGconnected and Areajugones pointing to the “photorealistic cinematics” and “dynamic lighting” that elevate storytelling. However, some critics pointed to specific drawbacks in the visual design. Finger Guns noted that “some areas can be too dark, making navigation challenging,” while Eurogamer Germany criticized the “distant camera perspective during most dialogues,” which they felt hindered emotional engagement. GameOver.gr and Gamesurf mentioned camera issues that occasionally detract from gameplay, and XboxEra observed that “backgrounds can become repetitive” despite overall high visual quality. Additionally, Worth Playing and Softpedia pointed to minor flaws, such as “similar enemy designs” and “odd character animations during cutscenes,” which slightly undermined the otherwise polished presentation. While these critiques were less frequent, they underscored that the game’s visual strengths were not without occasional technical or design compromises. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream delivers exceptional graphics and visual design for an indie title. GamePro Germany and GamingTrend emphasized the “high production values” and “vividly detailed” world, while Impulsegamer and Metro GameCentral praised the “exceptional use of light and shadow” and “lifelike facial animations” that rival triple-A standards. Even critics who noted flaws acknowledged the game’s artistic achievements, with Oyungezer calling the visuals “excellent” and Multiplayer.it highlighting the “impressive cutscenes” that stand out for an indie game. The combination of Unreal Engine 5’s capabilities, meticulous environmental design, and cinematic flair created a visually immersive experience that resonated strongly with reviewers, cementing Eriksholm as a standout in terms of graphical presentation.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream’s sound design and voice acting are immersive triumphs, sharpening stealth mechanics and narrative tension. The music, though atmospheric and emotionally resonant (TheXboxHub’s “epic score”), is often “functional” or “forgettable”—Finger Guns and Game8 note it fades into the background, while IGN France says it’s “mainly in cutscenes.” Voice acting shines with realism and emotional depth, especially Hanna’s portrayal. Audio balances subtlety with impact, enhancing immersion without overshadowing gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream receive widespread praise for their immersive and supportive qualities. Critics highlight the effective use of ambient noises and environmental cues, which are crucial for stealth gameplay—MondoXbox notes the dark, atmospheric music enhances tension, while TheXboxHub describes the soundtrack as "amazing" with an "epic score" that elevates the experience. WellPlayed and COGconnected commend the music for complementing tense moments and visuals, respectively, with Movies Games and Tech and XboxEra calling the sound design and soundtrack "exceptional" and "successful," respectively. Voice acting is consistently lauded as a standout element, with Finger Guns, GamingTrend, and PC Gamer emphasizing its realism, emotional depth, and contribution to immersion. Checkpoint Gaming also praises the ambient dialogue and accents, enriching the game’s world, while Gamesurf highlights Hanna’s portrayal as particularly effective in conveying vulnerability and determination. These reviews collectively underscore the audio’s role in creating a cohesive and engaging atmosphere. However, some critics point to the music as a less prominent or even underwhelming aspect. Finger Guns and Game8 note that the soundtrack often fades into the background, lacking memorability despite its functional role. Impulsegamer describes the music as "functional rather than memorable," while GameWatcher criticizes it for being "good yet often misused." Meristation and GRYOnline.pl mention the score is "not prominently featured" or "somewhat forgettable," respectively, suggesting it fails to leave a lasting impression. IGN France observes that the music is "mainly featured in cutscenes," allowing environmental effects to take precedence, which could imply a lack of integration during gameplay. While these critiques don’t detract from the overall quality, they reflect a recurring sentiment that the soundtrack, though effective, doesn’t stand out as a defining feature of the game. The overall consensus among critics is that Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream excels in sound design, with its environmental audio and voice acting creating a compelling, immersive experience. While the music is generally appreciated for its atmospheric contributions, it is often seen as secondary to the gameplay mechanics and narrative. TheXboxHub and SECTOR.sk praise the orchestral and emotional depth of the score, but Finger Guns and Game8 suggest it lacks the impact to be truly memorable. Voice acting, however, emerges as a consistent highlight, with multiple reviews—such as those from Finger Guns, GamingTrend, and PC Gamer—emphasizing its realism and emotional resonance. The audio elements collectively enhance the game’s storytelling and stealth mechanics, even if the music doesn’t dominate the experience. This balance between subtle, functional soundscapes and strong voice acting positions the audio as a key, though not always standout, component of the game’s design.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream shines thanks to its exceptional, emotionally rich voice acting, with standout performances from Hanna (Rosie Day) and a world-class British cast, elevating storytelling and immersion—though a few minor critiques about overdone lines and camera angles were noted, they didn’t detract from the overall praise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

92%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of critics consistently praised the voice acting in Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream as a standout element, emphasizing its emotional depth, authenticity, and narrative enhancement. Reviewers like Game8 and SomosXbox highlighted Hanna as a central figure whose nuanced and memorable performance anchored the story, while Impulsegamer specifically commended Rosie Day for delivering "emotional depth and realism." The British cast mentioned by TheXboxHub and the "world-class" hyper-real motion capture noted by Loot Level Chill contributed to immersive character interactions, with COGconnected and Movies Games and Tech lauding the authenticity and cinematic quality. Game Informer and Gamepressure praised the dynamic between protagonists, and Eurogamer and PC Gamer highlighted the excellence of vocal performances, particularly in pre-rendered cutscenes, which added gravitas to key moments. Across platforms, the voice acting was seen as a critical strength, with many noting how it enriched the storytelling and character development. While the overall reception was positive, some critiques pointed to minor flaws. Finger Guns noted that "some performances are slightly overdone," suggesting a few voices leaned too heavily into dramatic delivery. Eurogamer Germany critiqued the "distance of the camera during most dialogues," which they felt lessened emotional connection despite convincing facial expressions. GamingBolt mentioned that "excessive hinting from characters" could be distracting, though this was a specific observation rather than a widespread issue. These concerns, however, were exceptions in an otherwise glowing assessment, with most reviewers focusing on the strengths of the cast and their ability to bring characters to life without overshadowing the narrative. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly favorable, with Finger Guns and GamingTrend among those who called the voice acting a "strong point," and IGN Deutschland and Vandal appreciating the "well done" English performances and "well-translated subtitles." While a few noted isolated issues—such as overdone delivery or technical limitations in cutscenes—these were minor compared to the widespread acclaim. The game’s voice acting was repeatedly described as "excellent," "outstanding," or "top-notch," with Hanna’s portrayal by Rosie Day serving as a frequent highlight. Collectively, the reviews underscore that the voice acting significantly elevated the narrative, character engagement, and immersive quality, making it a defining feature of the game’s success.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream boasts rock-solid technical performance across platforms, with seamless stability on consoles and smooth PC optimization. While minor quirks—like checkpoint hiccups, stuttering, and clunky controls—persist, they’re non-gamebreaking, highlighting an indie studio’s impressive polish via Unreal Engine 5. A testament to smaller studios’ potential, it balances creativity with near-flawless execution.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream receives generally positive feedback across all platforms, with notable strengths in stability and optimization. On Xbox Series X, critics like Finger Guns praise the game as "competently made with no significant technical issues," while MondoXbox implies a stable experience despite no explicit technical discussion. SomosXbox acknowledges minor checkpoint placement issues but highlights overall smooth performance. For PS5, GamePro Germany and GAMINGbible emphasize flawless performance, with PlayStation Universe noting "smooth 60fps" and "impressive fidelity" using Unreal Engine 5. On PC, Areajugones and GameWatcher commend the game’s "smooth" and "remarkable" performance, while GamingBolt highlights consistent frame rates at max settings. Many critics, including XboxEra, praise the game’s optimization, suggesting it runs well across platforms without major hiccups. Despite the overall positivity, some technical drawbacks emerge. On Xbox Series X, SomosXbox points to "frustrating checkpoint placement," while PS5 users like Impulsegamer and GameSpew report "stuttering," "bugs," and "characters disappearing during cutscenes," though these are described as non-gamebreaking. On PC, Game Informer criticizes "poor checkpoint placements" and "slow movement speed," while Checkpoint Gaming notes "moments where quick reflexes are required." Voxel and SECTOR.sk highlight issues with "automatic saves" and "clunky controls," respectively, and Worth Playing mentions "graphical settings requiring frequent adjustments" on the Steam Deck. These issues, while not systemic, suggest areas where the game could improve without overshadowing its core technical strengths. The overall consensus among critics is that Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream delivers a technically solid experience, with platform-specific nuances. GamePro Germany and GAMINGbible praise its stability on consoles, while XboxEra and GameWatcher highlight PC’s strong performance. Though Impulsegamer and GameSpew note minor bugs on PS5, and Game Informer and Checkpoint Gaming critique PC-specific mechanics, the game’s technical foundation is widely regarded as competent. The mixed feedback reflects the challenges of balancing polish with creative design, but the majority of reviewers agree that the game’s technical performance is a strong asset, particularly given its indie origins. As GRYOnline.pl notes, its "commendable" performance underscores the potential of smaller studios leveraging modern engines like Unreal Engine 5.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream’s linear stealth design and lack of post-game content doom its replayability, despite minor incentives like collectibles and lore—critics call it repetitive, brief (8–14 hours), and restrictive, appealing only to casual players, not genre veterans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

85%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviews of Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream highlight several elements that could slightly enhance its replay value, though they are often overshadowed by its linear design. Critics like COGconnected and PlayStation Universe note that collectibles and scattered notes throughout the game provide incentives for exploration, encouraging players to revisit sections to uncover missed items or lore. GamePro Germany and IGN Deutschland emphasize that the challenge of mastering levels or discovering hidden details might appeal to some, particularly those who enjoy puzzle-solving or want to improve their performance. Additionally, GRYOnline.pl and Vandal acknowledge that the game’s structure allows for moderate replayability through revisiting chapters for collectibles or dialogues, while SECTOR.sk points to achievements as a potential motivator for players seeking additional challenges. These positives suggest that while the game’s core design is restrictive, its narrative depth and optional content offer some reasons to play again for specific audiences. However, the majority of critics express strong concerns about the game’s limited replayability, citing its rigid structure and lack of flexibility. Finger Guns, Game8, and SomosXbox argue that the straightforward mechanics and absence of branching paths or post-game content make the experience feel repetitive and short-lived, with playtimes ranging from 8 to 14 hours. GameMAG and PC Games stress that the structured gameplay and lack of diverse problem-solving routes hinder replayability, while Checkpoint Gaming and GameOver.gr note that veterans of the stealth genre may find it unengaging. GameStar and Softpedia criticize the repetitive dialogue and minimal incentives beyond collectibles, and Gamesurf and GameWatcher highlight that the game’s mechanics and limited character abilities fail to entice players to return. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a game that prioritizes narrative and puzzle design over long-term engagement, leaving little room for varied experiences on subsequent playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream has moderate to low replay value, with its linear, narrative-driven stealth mechanics and minimal post-game content being the primary drawbacks. While a handful of reviewers, such as IGN France and MondoXbox, acknowledge that collectibles and lore-driven exploration offer some motivation to replay, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game’s strict design and lack of alternative solutions limit its appeal for players seeking depth or flexibility. GRYOnline.pl and Vandal stand out as slightly more optimistic, suggesting that the game’s brevity and focus on discovery could justify a second playthrough for certain audiences, but even they concede that its linear nature restricts broader replayability. The mixed feedback indicates that while the game may satisfy casual players or newcomers to the genre, its lack of dynamic elements and repetitive structure likely prevents it from being a title that players return to frequently.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

77%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is overwhelmingly positive, with critics highlighting its strengths in narrative, visuals, and gameplay. Many praise its "captivating story" and "immersive, story-driven adventure" (COGconnected, GAMES.CH), noting its emotional depth and "heartfelt performances" (PlayStation Universe). The game’s "beautiful visuals" and "stunning presentation" (GamePro Germany, Eurogamer Germany) are frequently lauded, with some comparing it to A Plague Tale: Innocence (WellPlayed) and calling it a "masterful blend of deep narrative, exceptional technical design, and refined gameplay mechanics" (Areajugones). Its "strategic gameplay" (Combo Infinito) and "engaging puzzles" (Metro GameCentral, GameMAG) are seen as standout features, while the "grounded approach to stealth" (Loot Level Chill) and "strong voice acting" (Checkpoint Gaming) add to its appeal. Critics like GAMINGbible and IGN Deutschland describe it as a "near-perfect stealth game" and a "must-play for fans of the genre," respectively, emphasizing its ability to deliver a "rich narrative experience" (GRYOnline.pl) and "compelling mix of stealth and puzzle-solving" (GamingBolt). The game’s artistic direction and atmospheric storytelling are also frequently noted, with TheSixthAxis and Movies Games and Tech calling it a "memorable" and "unique" experience. However, several critics point to notable flaws that temper its overall impact. The game’s "simplicity" and "lack of depth" in both story and gameplay are recurring criticisms, with Finger Guns and KonsoliFIN noting its conventional mechanics and "narrative shortcomings" (Impulsegamer, GameOver.gr). "Linearity" and "limited replay value" (SomosXbox, Player 2) are frequently mentioned, as is the "rigid mechanics" (Player 2) and "frustrations" (GameStar, Oyungezer). Some critics highlight "pacing issues" (GameMAG, Game Informer) and a "perfunctory story" (Eurogamer), while PCGamesN calls it a "patchwork of influences" with "uninspired storytelling." Technical issues like "minor bugs" (GameSpew) and "AI problems" (Oyungezer, Combo Infinito) are also noted, alongside a "lack of creative freedom" (PC Gamer) and a "derivative gameplay" (PCGamesN). Additionally, the "underwhelming ending" (Eurogamer) and "tutorial repetition" (Combo Infinito) are seen as drawbacks, with GameWatcher criticizing its slow narrative development. These critiques suggest the game, while well-crafted, may not fully satisfy players seeking innovation or complexity. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a commendable debut for River End Games, with many calling it a "standout indie title" (Gamepressure, GRYOnline.pl) and a "worthy addition to any gaming list" (GAMES.CH). While some argue it "suffers from its linearity" (Player 2, PC Gamer) or "lack of innovation" (Voxel, KonsoliFIN), others emphasize its "artistic distinctiveness" (Vandal) and "strong character dynamics" (IGN Deutschland). The game’s "beautiful world" (XboxEra) and "memorable sound design" (Movies Games and Tech) are seen as major assets, even if its "conventional stealth mechanics" (KonsoliFIN) and "limited task variety" (GameMAG) feel underdeveloped. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and GameSpew acknowledge its "flaws" but still recommend it for its "unique experience" and "rewarding gameplay." While not without its issues, the game is generally viewed as a "confident, immersive" (COGconnected) and "exceptional" (GAMINGbible) title that, despite its shortcomings, offers a "rich and engaging" (TheSixthAxis) journey, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of narrative-driven stealth.

TL;DR

Eriksholm: The Stolen Dream is a visually stunning, narrative-rich stealth adventure lauded for its emotional depth and atmospheric charm, but its rigid linearity, derivative mechanics, and underwhelming ending undermine its potential, marking it as a promising yet flawed indie standout.

MONSTER

Reviews

83 reviews found

100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jul 14, 2025