Among the Sleep (Game Review)

Because what could make you feel more vulnerable than playing as a defenceless toddler? Next time we’ll be playing as a fetus.

Among the Sleep is a linear puzzle platformer with a touch of survival horror. Let’s get one thing straight though: this is more an interactive story than a game. It plays on a story that pieces itself together as you progress, dropping hints along the way if you pay attention enough. Puzzles are simple at best, usually simple physic based puzzles or finding an item or items to proceed to the next area. I did not find it challenging and puzzles were not particularly unique or interesting.

Among the Sleep describes itself as “a first person horror adventure” game. I don’t completely disagree, but it is more of a dark fantasy adventure game with adult themes. It reminds me more of the original Alice in Wonderland books with their dark, twisted fantasy. I liked that it aimed less for jump-scares and provided more psychological horror; being a small two year old gives you a real sense of helplessness. The survival parts were mostly you avoiding monsters by hiding under or in objects, but these encounters were easy and few. The screen distortion when looking at monsters was a good accompanying effect that kept monsters from being simply looked at, which I find reduces their horror effects.

Despite the simplicity, the puzzles and levels were well designed and thought out. Each chapter was unique and interesting; I can definitely say I never got bored of playing it. It did lose strength towards the end, but the story picks up when the level design begins to wear itself out. The story itself is well written and implemented into the game. It provides an interesting perspective at domestic and substance abuse, though this is not a unique idea (see Papo and Yo).

The free DLC is a short bonus level that is supposed to be a prologue, but doesn’t really contribute much to the story. Overall, I got two hours of play out of $20, which to me is a little overpriced. Among the Sleep is an interesting game that is unique to play, but won’t really leave a lasting impression.