Melatonin Game
If you have ever heard of or played the Rhythm Heaven game, then you are definitely familiar with this game structure. If not, then this game might provide a unique experience for you. Melatonin is a rhythm game that adapts the game mechanics previously introduced by Rhythm Heaven. Presents animated visuals with soundtracks that combine together to create a rhythm. And players just need to feel the rhythm. Yes, it’s that simple. No need for complicated mechanisms, no need to pay attention to the many bars running down on your screen. Just press one button at the right time, right moment. Feel the rhythm. Feel the beat.
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The Melatonin Game
Melatonin is rhythm game from Half Asleep Production. The game tells the story of a young man with a pink hoodie who looks like he’s tired after a long work day. As he fell asleep, we could see him dreaming. These dreams will become the stage for us to play. Each dream has its own theme. And each of these dreams is built up from an aesthetic combination of visual animation, sound effects and a soundtrack that runs behind it. These elements combination is the important mechanism that guides players to understanding the rhythm in each dream.
At the beginning of each stage, there is a tutorial that will guide you how to clear the stage. There is also an indicator that will help you to understand the timing when you should press the button. But don’t expect this indicator to appear when you actually play the stage. Yes, when you play the stages, there is no indicator to guide you (well, unless you turn them on in the game setting). You have to figure it out yourself when you need to press the button. But don’t worry. Just focus on the animations and the sounds that are playing and you will get the grip. Sure at first you may feel irritated or frustrated. But believe me. The more you play the more you will get used to it. Even without realizing it, you will instinctively find the timing when to press the button while enjoying the song and humming. You might even be able to do it with your eyes closed!
Strength and Weakness
Honestly, the strengths and weaknesses in this game work like a double-edged sword. Each point has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the player’s point of view.
Visually Aesthetic with Lo-Fi Music
I think one of the biggest assets this game has is its aesthetic. Mixing lo-fi music with thick visuals of creamy pastel colors is a very indulgent combination. Presents a fun and dreamy playing experience. Combined with catchy and relaxing melodies of lo-fi music, it’s not wrong to call this game Melatonin. Really could aid you into dreamland without you realizing it. But with this thick level of pastel shades, some players might feel the pastel colors are too bold. Some players may feel uncomfortable or tired at times. And on some stages, the music that is given doesn’t really make an impact or maybe feels monotonous. But overall, the visuals and music that are not done by halves. You can feel how much effort they put into each stage.
Simple Game Mechanism
This simple mechanism can be the main advantage in this game. With this simple mechanism, players can easily play the game without having to learn complicated mechanisms. Enough with the simple but attention-grabbing gameplay. But of course things that are done continuously will definitely lead to boredom. Players will feel at one point where the game feels monotonous. But the developers seem to understand this situation. There is a hard mode for each stage where suddenly the tempo of the game suddenly speed up or even slow down. Speeding up the tempo is certainly enough to surprise the players to make them sit on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, the tempo that suddenly slows down even though it feels easier, not infrequently it actually disrupts the rhythm that we had before. Also, a simple mechanism means a less bug you would get. Honestly when you play this game, you could feel like this game just runs smoothly and that gives you a satisfaction sensation.
Limited Stages to be Played
This game consists of 4 nights, where each night consists of 4 different stages and one remix. With these relatively small number of stages, of course players will feel that they are not getting enough portions. Several game streamers have even been seen completing this game in one stream with a duration ranging from 80 to 150 minutes. Even so, it cannot be denied that these streamers really enjoyed their playing experience. Moreover, there is also a hard mode in the game which certainly brings its own challenges for players. Not to mention the ambition to finish each stage with a perfect score that might appear in the middle of playing. Of course it will take hours to achieve it. There is also an editor mode where you can make your own stage.
Conclusion
As previously explained, this Half Sleep production game is basically a rhythm game that presents simple game mechanics. Focusing just on the player’s rhythm sense. But even so, it’s kind of refreshing if you have never played such a game before. You will be captivated in no time by this unique idea of the game. So for those of you who want to learn about rhythm, this game is perfect to help you understand how rhythm works, in an aesthetic way.
Moreover, its visuals and music aesthetic cannot be doubted. Its really brings you a unique and fun rhythm game experience. And even though it’s called Melatonin, the funny thing is that sometimes you don’t get its effect. In fact, you often find yourself sitting on the edge of a chair trying to complete stages with good grades. But on the other hand, as the name implies, Melatonin is able to present a pleasant dream journey to its player.
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