Dream and Lethe’s Record (DLR), a critically acclaimed RPG from China, officially launches in Southeast Asia through a groundbreaking partnership between NetEase and VNGGames. More than just a game, Dream and Lethe’s Record marks the birth of a new genre — the Cultural-Narrative RPG — reimagining how culture, heritage, and storytelling can come together in an emotionally moving and artistically rich interactive experience.
Check out our Dream and Lethe Record Review Here:
A Proven Gem, Brought to Life by Global Architect & Local Master
Dream and Lethe’s Record is the result of an ambitious collaboration between two industry giants:
- NetEase: Known for Diablo Immortal and Naraka: Bladepoint, NetEase acts as the “Global Architect” of this project, bringing world-class production values and an artistic vision that already captivated millions of players in China.
- VNGGames: As the “Local Master” of Southeast Asia, VNGGames brings its deep understanding of regional culture, language, and player behavior to ensure DLR lands not just as a game—but as a cultural milestone for SEA gamers.
This partnership is a strategic statement: a seamless fusion of global excellence and local relevance, delivering a game with both international polish and regional soul.
Cultural-Narrative RPG: A New Genre Is Born
In a landscape crowded with empire-building and conquest-driven RPGs, Dream and Lethe’s Record takes a bold and refreshing turn. Instead of focusing on military might, it centers on human stories, regrets, relationships, and emotional resolution.
“What happens to the soul in history?” That was the question that sparked the creation of this unique title.
From this philosophy emerges the Cultural-Narrative RPG—a genre-defining blend of turn-based strategy, deeply emotional storytelling, and cultural rediscovery. It’s not about winning battles, it’s about understanding the people who fought them, lost them, or lived in their aftermath.
Key Highlights: A Masterpiece at Every Level
An Afterlife Where All of History Meets
The game is set in Lethe, a gorgeously rendered afterlife where figures from the Tang and Song Dynasties—and beyond—coexist. Freed from the constraints of time, characters interact across centuries, creating moving storylines filled with surprising alliances, bitter rivalries, and heartfelt redemption arcs.
Neo-Traditional Visual Art
Dream and Lethe’s Record is a living ink-wash painting. The game’s art direction fuses classic East Asian aesthetics with modern presentation, complete with brushstroke textures, gold foil accents, cloud motifs, and crane symbolism. It’s a visual experience that sets a new standard for 2D RPGs.
Destiny Bond System: History as Interaction
Rather than reading dry historical facts, players build teams of iconic figures. Pair the right ones, and you’ll unlock Destiny Bonds—joint attacks and narrative surprises that hint at real historical relationships.
Catio: A Slice-of-Life Surprise
A fan-favorite feature, Catio is a deep and whimsical cat-raising sim built into the core game. Players collect and raise cats inspired by historical personalities, decorate their homes, and even race their feline companions. It’s charming, shareable, and adds a cozy lifestyle touch to the narrative depth.
Strategic Turn-Based Combat
For RPG purists, Dream and Lethe Record delivers deep tactical gameplay. Each battle rewards synergy, positioning, and team composition. With robust PvE and PvP modes, players can test their skills and strategies in ever-evolving challenges.
Turning Heritage into Play
Dream and Lethe’s Record transforms cultural heritage from something to memorize into something to live. Whether it’s through unlocking legendary pairings, listening to a guqin-infused soundtrack, or diving into fanfiction and fanart communities, the game makes history emotionally accessible and personally meaningful.
It even sparks curiosity. Players don’t just learn about poets and warriors, they feel their stories. This often leads them to research real figures, read ancient poems, or even explore historical documentaries—all sparked by a moment of connection inside the game.
At its heart, Dream and Lethe’s Record is an inviting gateway to cultural discovery. You don’t need to know Chinese history to enjoy it. The game meets players where they are, offering layers of engagement from casual enjoyment to deep historical exploration.
It’s an emotional, strategic, and artistic journey wrapped in a mobile RPG format.
Availability
Dream and Lethe Record will be officially launched in Southeast Asia on July 31 and is now available on iOS and Android. The release features full voice acting, seamless UI translations, and culturally resonant marketing that ensures the game speaks directly to Southeast Asian audiences.
About NetEase Games
NetEase Games is a leading global developer and publisher of high-quality video game content. Known for titles like Diablo Immortal, Identity V, and Naraka: Bladepoint, NetEase has become synonymous with innovation, artistry, and world-class game design.
About VNGGames
VNGGames is a premier publisher in Southeast Asia, bringing global IPs to local audiences with unmatched cultural sensitivity, technical excellence, and player-first values. As the bridge between worlds, VNGGames is redefining what it means to localize premium game experiences.
