Reviewed by: Glam Adelaide
Review by Rod Lewis | 19 February 2023
Augmented reality is what sets this interactive escape-room-style game apart from the rest. Up to five teams compete against the clock to be the first to solve a series of puzzles and be rewarded by the Dream Gas that allows a peaceful slumber in this harsh futuristic world. The story and its creative realisation are the brainchild of local digital enthusiasts who came together at The Lab on Light Square in the city. Through video, augmented reality and QR codes, they bring to life a stark future where people work to death, denied the opportunity to dream unless they’re rewarded by The Company. Guided by Hong Kong immersive theatre artist Onnie Chan, and supported by the Adelaide University, The Dreamland is a fast-paced, fun experience with several wow factors along the way. The devil is in the detail however, and a bit of trimming and extra thought is still needed to fine-tune the experience: the Dream Room needs to cater to those who can’t get on the floor or take off their shoes; there’s typos in the video surtitles; some of the puzzle instructions need to be clearer, and some don’t match the name of the item they refer to. There’s crew assigned to each group to help along the way though, and they’re often needed. The title of the event gives little clue to what’s in store, but the fun of the night is only surpassed by the thrill of seeing what local students, artists and experts can do with this kind of cutting-edge technology. For a first attempt, Adelaide’s Dream Divers are helping us all live the dream.