Melatonin is a 2022 rhythm video game released by indie developer Half Asleep for Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5.
| Melatonin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Half Asleep Games |
| Publisher(s) | Half Asleep Games |
| Director(s) | David Huynh |
| Engine | Unity[1] |
| Platform(s) | macOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows, PlayStation 5 |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Rhythm |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
It received positive reviews and was praised for its art style and music, with criticism directed towards its short length.
Gameplay
editMelatonin is a rhythm game that takes place in a dream world of an unnamed male protagonist with 20 levels. Unlike a traditional rhythm game, it lacks overlays, relying instead on visual and auditory cues. The minigames, which are similar to Rhythm Heaven, are played against Lo-fi music.
In addition to its main game, the game has a level editor to create new minigames.
Development and release
editMelatonin was developed by Canadian developer David Huynh, who had previously worked in graphic design. [2] Announced in Wholesome Game's 2022 Summer game fest,[3] It was first released for the Nintendo Switch and Steam on December 15, 2022.
A version for the PlayStation 5 was released on March 12th, 2024.[4] In addition, the game's soundtrack was released on vinyl, in a two part LP, by the company iam8bit.[5]
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | Switch: 87/100 PC: 77/100 |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Life | 7/10[6] |
| TouchArcade | 4.5/5 |
According to Metacritic, both the Switch and PC versions of Melatonin were given "Generally Favorable" reviews.[7]
Hardcore Gamer's review praised the graphics and gameplay, describing it as "Cleverly-orchestrated, if sadly a little on the abrupt side due to its short run-time".[8] Game Rant praised the music and gameplay, but criticized the difficulty and the short length.[9] Nintendo Life praised the aesthetic and accessibility options, but criticized the short length and difficulty, saying "It doesn't fill the Rhythm Heaven-shaped hole in the Switch's portfolio, but instead it creates a dreamy new space filled with cotton candy colour, energy, and, most importantly, fun."[6]
References
edit- ^ "Made with Unity Monthly: December 2022 roundup". Unity Technologies. 6 January 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ Bashir, Dale (31 May 2022). "Explore Melodic Dreamscapes in 'Melatonin' By Vietnamese-Canadian Developer Half Asleep". IGN Southeast Asia. Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Valentine, Rebekah (11 June 2022). "Wholesome Direct: Everything Announced, Including Little Bear Chef, Bubblegum Galaxy, and Melodyssey". IGN. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ "Melatonin PS5 release date: Latest news on the rhythm action game". Radio Times. Archived from the original on 10 March 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Allen, Richard (25 June 2024). "Iam8bit and Half-Asleep partner to release soundtrack for indie rhythm game Melatonin on two-disc lavender vinyl". GAMINGTREND. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ a b See-Tho, Michelle (3 January 2023). "Review: Melatonin (Switch) – This Is The Rhythm (Heaven) Of The Night". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ "Melatonin". www.metacritic.com. Archived from the original on 29 February 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Helm, Jordan (12 December 2022). "Review: Melatonin". Hardcore Gamer. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ Bramlett, Samuel William (21 December 2022). "Melatonin Review". Game Rant. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2024.