Among the sleep (PS4)

I was really interested in this game when I saw it. Being a gamer for a long time and having an 18 month old this seemed very relevant.The idea is great but the execution of the game leaves a little to be desired. As many have said, It's short. I don't mind playing short games but even at this price it seems expensive for what it is. Secondly this is not a big budget game and it shows, when you have to pick something up or open it there is no animated hand which makes it feel really cheap and amateurish. Also If you get stuck somewhere no hints are given to help you out.I wanted to be able to give this a rave review, unfortunately it's 3 stars at best.

This game has been in my unplayed backlog for ages and I have only just got around to playing it...and finished it in the one sitting. As many here have observed, Among The Sleep is incredibly short at just a couple of hours and a bit. But if this was the only fault then all would not be lost - it is the sloppy execution and lack of interesting gameplay that kills it.Among The Sleep has a decent idea behind it but never does anything with it. There is little for our toddler hero to do - few puzzles, poor platforming and some very woolly stealth make up the gameplay. I call it 'stealth' gameplay but really, that is very generous to what consists of crawling in a cupboard if you think something is approaching. But this 'something' is vague and lacks menace. With such a short running time, there is no scope for any other gameplay development and the few ideas the developer had peter out quickly. By the end, the game is relying on dark, ill-formed levels to confuse you and slow you down. Rather than challenge, Among The Sleeps chooses to frustrate...and then it all ends.There is practically no replay value in the game and the price that was originally asked was fairly ridiculous. Indeed, it never should have been released as physical disc and should have remained only as a download, and for less than a fiver too! It is reduced on the Playstation Store these days but I don't recommend it. The end credits of the game are bloated by the huge list of (presumably crowdfunding) backers. I'm very dubious about crowdfunded games. They are often poor and make you realise why the developer couldn't get a publisher to back the game. The budget impacts on the graphics, gameplay and the technical execution. The game still has bugs and has never been patched, leading to scrappy performance. These kind of narrative-led games are always a bit of a risky buy and many fail. If you are looking for a good one, try 'Brothers - A Tale of Two Sons'. This has the technical and gameplay panache that Among The Sleep badly lacks.

When I first saw this game i just had to look at the trailer. Soon as I watched it, I just had to try it out..... Glad I did as it was a good game. It had a good little story, OK gameplay, graphics wasn't the best but for this type of game they're not meant to be.. Altogether this game is weird and wonderful and shouldn't be missed.

Much too short for the asking price, despite an interesting concept.

Brilliant, a short game but enjoyed playing it