“Beyond Dream”: The Indonesian Open-World Beat ‘Em Up Challenging the AAA Market

Popular Now

In a gaming landscape often dominated by high-budget “AAA” titles, the arrival of Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream serves as a vibrant, necessary jolt. Developed by the Indonesian Gamecom Team and released on September 15, 2025, this open-world, action-comedy beat-’em-up sequel has quickly captured the global spotlight, largely due to its unapologetic “Like A Dragon” inspiration, wrapped in a distinctly Indonesian flavour. While the game embraces the “exuberant and janky” label, it’s proving to be a genuine surprise in the indie scene, offering a chaotic, high-value experience that belies its budget. This title is a strong contender for players looking for high CPC keywords like “best open-world action-comedy game” and “indie game with Yakuza-like combat”.

The original premise, revolving around high school brawls and Indonesian “Tawuran” culture, has evolved dramatically in Beyond Dream. Set two years after the first game, the new title throws players into the dense, fictionalized cityscape of South Jayakarta. The core narrative follows the returning protagonists, Jordan and Budi, members of the “Parakacuk” gang, as they navigate post-high school life. Jordan pursues his musical ambitions with the “Beyond Dream” band, while Budi steps into a more intense, MMA-inspired fighting role. The shift from a largely linear school environment to a bustling open world is the most significant upgrade, positioning it directly in conversation with the legendary crime drama series it so clearly admires.

The Exuberance of South Jayakarta: Open-World & Activities

South Jayakarta is not just a backdrop; it is a character in itself—chaotic, colourful, and brimming with offbeat activities. The developers at Gamecom Team have leveraged the open-world structure to infuse the game with a unique sense of place. For players seeking “immersive world exploration” and “high-value entertainment”, the sheer volume of content is staggering for an indie title. The map is a believable jumble of Indonesian urban spaces, from vibrant backstreets lined with scooters to local markets and cafes that scream authentic local culture, even if not every building is fully accessible.

The side content is where the “exuberant and janky” nature shines, providing much of the game’s comedic gold and high replay value. These activities range from busking with Jordan’s band—featuring engaging rhythm sections—to bizarre, memorable side stories. One early review noted the ability to temporarily “transform into a dying cow” during a chaotic rampage, an absurdist touch that perfectly channels the wild, unhinged energy of the best side quests in the Like A Dragon franchise. This focus on unique, quirky side missions makes it a top pick for “must-play indie games 2025”.

Core Activities & Features:
Open-World Exploration: Discovering hidden backstreets, unique shops, and interactive city elements.
Mini-Games: A variety of comedic and rhythm-based challenges, often tied to the “Beyond Dream” band storyline.
Side Stories: Absurd, localized quests that provide context and humor unique to the Indonesian setting.

Combat System: Beat ‘Em Up with Budi and Jordan

At its heart, Troublemaker 2 remains a beat-’em-up, and the combat has received a substantial overhaul. The sequel introduces a two-protagonist system, allowing players to switch between the street brawler Jordan and the MMA fighter Budi. This distinction is more than cosmetic; it offers two fundamentally different fighting styles, providing depth for players who appreciate “complex fighting mechanics” and “high engagement combat”.

Jordan, the brawler, utilizes classic combo chains and street-fighting techniques, focusing on crowd control and visceral finishers. Budi, meanwhile, brings a more disciplined, intense MMA style, incorporating grappling, throws, and hard-hitting precision strikes. The “Sick Moves” mechanic, reminiscent of the “Heat Actions” in the franchise’s inspiration, allows for over-the-top, environment-specific finishing moves that reward players for strategic positioning and timing. While early user reviews have noted some “clunky combat” moments and technical rough edges, a common sentiment is that the system possesses a “similar sense of abandon and generosity,” prioritizing fun and spectacle over flawless precision. For those tracking “best combat systems in action RPGs”, the dual-style mechanic makes Troublemaker 2 a noteworthy entry.

Strong Focus on Combat Evolution:

The developer’s continuous updates have focused heavily on refining the core fighting loop. Recent patches have addressed hit registration and AI predictability, demonstrating a strong post-launch commitment—a crucial factor for “long-term game investment” and player retention. The combat is dynamic, allowing for improvisation with weapons and items found in the environment, further cementing its spirit as a spiritual cousin to the “Like A Dragon” series.

The Cultural Context: More Than Just a Clone

Perhaps the most powerful element of Troublemaker 2 is its authentic Indonesian setting. While the gameplay structure is a clear homage, the soul of the game is rooted in South Jayakarta. The story delves into themes of youth, dreams, friendship, and the socio-economic realities of contemporary Indonesian urban life. The dialogue, even when translated, is peppered with unique Indonesian slang and cultural references, creating a genuinely “modern and contemporary” feel, as noted by several critics.

The developers have successfully used the established “Yakuza-like” formula as a vessel to tell a deeply personal and regional story. This commitment to local authenticity elevates it beyond mere imitation, offering a fresh perspective that global audiences rarely get to experience. For marketers and SEO experts, this provides a highly relevant hook for searches on “Asian-developed open-world games” and “culturally rich independent titles”. The game is a celebration of a neighbourhood, an unpolished but heartfelt love letter to its setting.

Conclusion: A High-Energy, High-Value Investment

Troublemaker 2: Beyond Dream is not a flawless game. It carries the marks of its independent development—some graphical pop-up, occasional jankiness, and unpolished animations are present. However, to focus solely on these technical aspects is to miss the point. This is a game built on heart, humor, and a colossal amount of ambition. It offers a massive, fun, and distinct open world, dual-character combat depth, and a story that is both absurdly funny and genuinely heartfelt.

For players searching for a game that provides maximum entertainment value for its price point and a chaotic, sprawling adventure that lasts well over the 4000-character count of content, Beyond Dream is highly recommended. It’s the perfect title for those who love the side-quest madness of the Like A Dragon series but are looking for a fresh, uniquely Indonesian lens. Go buy it and support the development team—it is a game that truly deserves its viral success and a spot in the library of any serious action-adventure RPG fan.

Final Verdict: An essential, high-octane indie beat-’em-up that punches well above its weight class.

Keywords for SEO & High CPC Targeting: