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- Half Asleep
- Half Asleep
- Half Asleep
- Half Asleep
Melatonin
Released On: Dec 15, 2022
77
8.0
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
77
64% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
36% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 11 Critic Reviews
77
64% Positive
7 Reviews
7 Reviews
36% Mixed
4 Reviews
4 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Melatonin is impressive for its quality on all levels, especially considering this is the first videogame by David Huynh: a brilliant and inspired art direction matches a precise and funny gameplay, animated by fitting lo-fi tunes that will immediately enter your personal playlist.
The narrative isn’t heavy-handed and lends itself to interpretation, but — not spoiling anything — the conclusion is satisfying, even if it’s not explicit. It’s a busy time for players trying to figure out their “best of” lists, so I hope no one misses out on Melatonin.
Melatonin is a short but kind experience, a hint of melancholy and a splash of retro vibes. It’s less about the challenge (though it's there for those who seek it) and more about chilling out to some cool tracks across some fun levels, with accessibility that should be applauded.
Melatonin delivers challenging gameplay and creative, hand-crafted visuals. Combined with a chill soundtrack, this game will relax your soul even as it tests your skills.
The game's first half in particular demonstrates real clarity of vision. [Issue#380, p.123]
Cleverly-orchestrated, if sadly a little on the abrupt side due to its short run-time, Melatonin‘s way with visuals is matched only by its delightful and genuine sense of challenge across its myriad of rhythm encounters. A shame then that despite a more than solid foundation, the game doesn’t go out of its way to fully explore its concept — the absence of other time signatures the most notable exclusion here. Even so, what it may lack in some true wealth of ideas, developer Half Asleep make up for, to sufficient lengths, in this ongoing series of mind games with its player. Drawing them in, aiding them, suggesting said scenarios have been solved, to then shake things up and catch them off-guard time after time. A trick, though repeated, that rarely gets old thanks to some cunning creativity and way with visuals, Melatonin is a satisfying if short distraction you’ll adamantly want to prove won’t get the best of you.
Melatonin works smoothly without any bugs and the controls feel crisp. The visuals are dreamlike, and the color palette is conducive to making people sleepy. With all the music to discover, it's kind of like an interactive album. Towards the end, it felt like just automatically pressing the space bar to the beat from level to level wanting to hear the next song.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 User Ratings
8.0
69% Positive
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
25% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
6% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 16 User Ratings
8.0
69% Positive
11 Ratings
11 Ratings
25% Mixed
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
6% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Summary Melatonin is a rhythm game about dreams and reality merging together. It uses animations and sound cues to keep you on beat without any intimidating overlays or interfaces. Harmonize through a variety of dreamy levels containing surprising challenges, hand-drawn art, and vibrant music.
Platforms:
- PC
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 5
Initial Release Date: Dec 15, 2022
Developer:
- Half Asleep
Publisher: Half Asleep
Genres:
