r The authoeflects on the decline of 2D puzzle-platformers and ponders their potential rebirth as a "cool and clever" genre. The recent release of As I Began To Dream, a charmingly hand-drawn side-scroller, suggests a possible resurgence. The game's demo showcases a tactile clickiness reminiscent of childhood experiences. While nostalgia may play a role, the question remains whether this revival is driven by genuine creativity or a desire to recapture past successes.