Ever wondered what it would feel like to watch the horrors of the world in the eyes of a 2-year-old? Among The Sleep takes ‘terrifying’ to another level as you get to work with a baby and a teddy bear to tackle horrific nightmares. Among the Sleep is a survival horror and action-adventure game developed and published by a Norwegian indie game developer, Krillbite Studio.

The game was released in 2014 on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS, and later for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game has received several updates since its first release, including bug fixes, improved graphics, and sound design. The creators did a good job in the update. There was an additional remodeling of the game that improved the entire gameplay.

The Background Story Introduces the Horrors and Uncertainty

Set in the 1990s, a child named David is having his second birthday celebration at his home with his mother, Zoey. The celebration is interrupted by a visitor at the front door hidden from David. Still, the story suggests it is David’s father, Justin, with whom Zoey has divorced and married an actress.  The conversation is muffled and partly kept from David as Zoey raises her voice, refusing Justin’s request to see his child. Zoey’s angry tone frightens David, whose fear is presented as blurred vision. Quickly, Zoey returns with a gift, but she doesn’t say who the gift is from. Instead, she carries David and the gift to the child’s room, a place of bright, warm colours and streaming sunlight. Zoey briefly opens the gift. She looks at what is inside with a disdainful expression before quickly shutting the gift box. The game’s themes of loss and abandonment make me connect deeply with it as a result of the sentimental value.

Playing as a small child, the game’s developers had to carefully create a character model that felt both vulnerable and believable. They succeeded admirably, with a character design that is both adorable and relatable, making me feel truly invested in the game’s story and world.

Gameplay in the Eyes of a Toddler

In Among the Sleep, you play as a toddler exploring a world from their perspective. You can move around by using a cursor to walk or crawl. Crawling is usually faster and can help you get through obstacles more swiftly. You can also run when necessary, but be careful because you might fall. Well, you’re a toddler, aren’t you? You can interact with objects by pushing them, opening doors and windows, and climbing on chairs, boxes, and tables to reach higher places. You can also pick up objects and even store them in your inventory to use later.

Throughout the game, you will be joined by a special teddy bear named Teddy. Teddy is a gift from David’s dad and is always by your side. When your character hugs Teddy, he lights up and helps you see in dark places. However, the light will eventually run out, but it can recharge if Teddy is not used for a while. If you move to a new level or environment by sliding through pipes, Teddy will be dropped, and the player must pick him up before continuing.

The Use of Perspective is Quite Impressive 

One of the most innovative aspects of Among the Sleep is its use of perspective. Playing as a small child, the game puts you in a unique position to experience the world from a new and fascinating angle. I was constantly amazed by how the game used its perspective to create a sense of wonder and awe, as well as a sense of danger and vulnerability. The way that the game plays with the player’s perceptions and expectations is truly remarkable, and it makes for an incredibly immersive and engaging experience.

The sound design in Among the Sleep makes the experience even more exciting. From the subtle creaking of floorboards to the beautiful soundtrack, every aspect of the game’s audio design is expertly crafted to create an immersive and unforgettable experience. I was always on edge as I played, with the game’s sound effects and music working together to create a sense of tension and unease that never let up. It’s a testament to the skill of the game’s designers that they could use sound to such great effect, and it’s one of the things that made Among the Sleep such a memorable experience for me.

The Emotional Depth is Outstanding 

Finally, one of the most remarkable features of Among the Sleep is its emotional depth. The game’s themes of abandonment, loss, and isolation struck a chord with me, and I was moved by how the story explored these themes in such a powerful and affecting way. By the time the game reached its conclusion, I felt like I had been on a journey that was both thrilling and emotionally satisfying. It’s an accolade to the game’s producers that they were able to create such a beautiful, relatable, and memorable experience, which I’m sure I’ll never forget.

Expressive Graphics and Lighting

The graphics in Among the Sleep are nothing short of stunning. The game’s environments are expertly crafted, with a level of detail that is truly remarkable. The textures, lighting, and shadows all work together to create a sense of atmosphere that is unparalleled. I was constantly stopping to admire the game’s visuals, especially to learn one or two from these designs. The eerie and unsettling forest to the hauntingly beautiful dreamscapes all add to the beauty of this game’s graphics. The character designs in Among the Sleep are also incredibly impressive.

As for the interface, I found it to be clean and simple, with a minimalist design that never distracted me from the game’s visuals or atmosphere. The game’s controls are easy to master, and the UI is streamlined and unobtrusive, allowing me to focus on the game’s narrative and gameplay without any unnecessary distractions.

Eerie Atmospheric Settings

One thing that I think I enjoyed about Among the Sleep is the sense of atmosphere that the game creates. From the unsettling forest to the haunting dreamscapes, the game’s environments are expertly crafted to draw you in and keep you engaged throughout the entire experience. Another thing I enjoy when playing the game is the emotional depth of the game. The story explores themes of abandonment, loss, and isolation in a powerful and affecting way, drawing you into its world and making you truly invested in the main character’s fate. By the end of the game, I felt like I had been on a journey that was both adventurous and emotionally satisfying. The game’s unique gameplay mechanics is another of my favourites, and I’m sure you’ll love it too. Playing as a small child, you can experience the world from a new and fascinating angle. This perspective allows for a unique gameplay experience with a focus on exploration and discovery that is truly remarkable.

Conclusion 

Among the Sleep is a game that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful, with gameplay mechanics that are truly innovative and engaging. Whether you’re a horror game fan or simply looking for a unique and memorable gaming experience, this game will leave a lasting impression on you.