Sleep. We all need it, and we all love it (well, if you are older than a kindergartner, that is). Sleep is one of the most important things a human being can do, but what happens if that sleep is disturbed? What happens if the dreamscape becomes a dangerous world of pitfalls and clock monsters looking to wake you up?
Back to Bed, developed by Bedtime Digital Games and published by Loot Interactive, uses that question as the basis for its latest game, and drawing from the artwork of Salvador Dali and the concepts of M.C. Escher, have created a wonderful little game that is sure to please the dreamers in us all.
Back to Bed focuses on a narcoleptic named Bob, who sleeps through most of his life. Since he can sleep at any time and anywhere, his subconscious, Subob, has to make sure that Bob remains safe as he dreams away.
The game is divided up into 30 levels, with an additional 30 opening up in what is aptly called Nightmare Mode. Bob starts off somewhere in the level, and Subob has to use Apples and planks of fish, and pipes of wind to manipulate the sleepwalking Bob back to his bed. While this sounds simple, the deep puzzle elements make for some pretty intense scenarios as Subob is limited as to what he can do, and for the sake of all that’s holy, don’t wake Bob up!
The art design in Back to Bed is beautiful and twisted — in a very good way — as Dali’s work is the main focus here. The game runs at 1080p and 60fps and the music is relaxing and Bob’s constant snores help the player keep tabs on him, even while that are building a perfect pathway between Bob and his bed.
The difficulty levels up at a decent clip, and some later levels really tax the brain on how to solve the puzzle. Especially when dogs are added to the mix. Early levels feature walking clocks to impede Bob and Subob’s progress, but those clocks can be manipulated off the platforms. The dogs, on the other hand, are smarter and will only change direction, adding for some pretty tense moments. Also, the near-ingenious level designs really get crazy near the end, as Subob will have to be fast and accurate to protect and guide Bob on his slumbering journey.
Back to Bed is a fun, engrossing puzzle/platform game that looks and plays very well. Bob’s ordeal makes for an interesting set-up, and Bedtime Digital Games has truly delivered. If you like puzzle games and incredible art designs, this may not be a game to sleep on.
Back to Bed is available on the PSN on August 25 for the Playstation 4, Playstation 3, and the PS Vita, and it is a cross-buy (bundle) and a cross-save title that has full trophy support. For a limited time, the PS4 version of Back to Bed comes with a free PS4 theme. This review is based off a PS4 review code supplied by Loot Interactive.
