Dream Daddy: Arli's Journey to Dadhood (Moving Day)

By: ArliUnless you’ve been under a rock, you may have heard of a tiny game that just released earlier in the month called Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator. It’s the first game developed by Game Grumps.  When I learned I had the chance win the heart of my own dream daddy from their teaser trailer, I knew I had to get my trashy otome hands on it.So I did, and I’m taking you all on this wild journey with me as I navigate through the life  Cul-de-sac with my precious daughter Amanda. This post marks the beginning of Dream Daddy: Arli's Journey to Dadhood series. It's been hard, but I managed enough discipline to refrain from reading Dream Daddy: ADDS spoilers to get the ultimate experience as I share my playthrough of the game. Note: This post contains spoilers from Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator. The Dream Daddy opening theme song is a spiritual experience in itself and quite honestly worth the $14.99 price tag alone. The song is as uplifting a box of kittens on a cool spring morning. Maybe this is what fatherhood is really like! If the music isn’t your thing, you can read the Dad Advice which flashes across the bottom of the screen. When you start a new game, you are immediately taken to a screen where you create your own Dadsona. At first glance, I was surprised at how many customization options were available but was blown away at the inclusion of binded avatars. This makes Dream Daddy: ADDS one of the first visual novel games, if not the first visual novel game, to include transgender avatar customization options.I had so much fun creating my Dadsona I began to think about his background & his ambitions. If I could be a Dad, what type would I be?And thus my Dream Daddy Dadsona was born. Everyone, meet Jonathan Miles. Isn't he adorable? Now that my Dadsona was created, it was time for me to start the game! We are immediately introduced to your daughter Amanda, and you get the option to select if you partner was your husband or wife and if Amanda was adopted or not. I appreciate Game Grump’s inclusion of different scenarios. It gives Dream Daddy a more realistic touch.Little did I realize how attached I became to Amanda. I want to love, cherish, and protect her. Hell, let me join the #AmandaProtectionSquad! I’m not familiar with the game mechanics quite yet, but, it appears there are a Good Ending and a Bad Ending for Amanda looking at the achievements in Steam.  Can I confess I am terrified what a bad ending for Amanda could be? After Jonathan and Amanda reminisce about the past, it’s time to get moving to the Cul-de-sac! During this time we get a chance to meet all of the dads who all happen to live in the same Cul-de-sac as you and Amanda. I have my eyes on a certain Bad Daddy. That’s right, Robert, I have my eyes set on you. I think there’s more that meets the eye with him. I can’t wait to hear how he’s related to everyone’s favorite wine mom Mary. The character dialogue is downright hilarious. I found myself laughing out loud as I continued playing. If anything, Dream Daddy: ADDS is a breath of fresh air because it doesn’t take itself seriously.  For example: At one point you are facing off Brian in a bragging parody that feels straight out of classic Pokemon. Just don’t try to switch your daughter for another one.Cool Creepy Youth Pastor Joseph invites you to a neighborhood barbeque, and once that’s over Amanda helps you set up your Dadbook where you can talk to the other dads. This is another opportunity in the game where you select your answers for your Dadbook profile. I decided to go with answers I thought Jonathan Miles would select, but, I'm worried I won't be able to change my answers later. I guess we will see! My first attempt at reaching out to Robert was a total disaster. The cute bad daddy didn’t bother to respond to me! Oh well, there’s always tomorrow… right?Wow. What a first day. It hasn't been a couple hours since playing Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator and I am finding myself becoming addicted. I'm excited to see where this wild ride will take Jonathan and Amanda. I don't trust Joseph though. Something seems... odd about him. I can't put my finger on it yet.Will I be able to win Robert’s heart? Are you as excited about a Dead, Goth & Beyond as much as I am? And what is going on with Mary?  These are all burning questions I have that I hope I can answer!Until next time, I’m off to my local Dead, Goth & Beyond. Stay tuned for my next post in Dream Daddy: Arli's Journey to Dadhood series. Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is now available for purchase on Steam.