Side Quests // 01.16.23

A sleepy vibe for the new year

Happy New Year Folks!

We’re kicking off this year not with a bang, but with some sleepy boops and bops wrapped in soothing violet hues. This week’s (extremely chill) game is Melatonin, from the appropriately named indie dev Half Asleep.

(Seriously, check out the trailer if only for the music).

In Melatonin, you’ll play a number of dream-themed rhythm minigames designed to explore the space between waking life and dreamland. Along the way, you’ll piece together major events in the main character’s life.

Before working in game development, Vancouver dev David Huynh (the human behind Half Asleep) worked in U.X., graphic, and interface design, and his background shines through in the best way in Melatonin’s intuitive musical challenges.

The game features a broad spectrum of challenge, too - everything from an unlockable “hard mode” for the very rhythmically-inclined to assistance tools for those that need a little extra help.

Everything about Melatonin is true to its name and its mission of exploring the space between dreams and waking life: hand-drawn art, thoughtful interface design, and more than a little whimsy are all on display.

My suggestion for this one?

Stay up till the clock flips to a.m., throw on a roomy hoodie, flip off the lights, and sink into the vibes.

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As always, thanks for reading, and if you like the recommendations, share the ‘stack with other folks!