Overview: Dream World is a role-playing game with turn-based combat and puzzles instead of single-click “questing”. It has a tendency to read like it was badly translated from some other language, but it’s got a lot going for it if you can get past that.

Dream World uses the standard energy timer to limit play, but the actual game involves more choices than most Facebook RPGs. You spend an enegy point to “explore,” and get a random encounter – you may find an enemy to fight, a puzzle to complete, a riddle to solve, or even an energy-boosting snack. One of the first encounters will be with a companion to help you – this reviewer found a fluffy kitten, who despite its cuteness adds a nice little bit of damage in fights.

Combat is turn-based and reasonably interactive, particularly once you get a couple of skills. The common breed of enemies (snakes, toads, and, yes, rats) don’t really require their use, but the harder foes do – select “Use Skill” and you get a moving slider that you have to click on at its max to get the best effect. This isn’t a complicated mechanic, but it does add something to what is usually click-and-forget combat.

The puzzles and riddles are also a nice change, although the confusing descriptions don’t make them particularly easy to play. The riddles are actually not so bad – assuming you’re good with, or are willing to Google for, trivia of various kinds. (If not, you can always just let the old man laugh at your foolishness for a reward.) As you explore, you get and complete quests that unlock new areas with new enemies, equipment, and quests – pretty standard fare.

Dream World makes a big deal of being the “highest rated… game on Facebook” which may or may not be true, but it is definitely worth a look if you like role-playing games. They desperately need the services of a copyeditor – it is tremendously offputting to find fractured English on nearly every page – but the game itself has solid, fun mechanics. Give it a shot!