A Relentless Platformer for the Brave
I think certain gamers like to be punished. I’m not saying that it’s a strange fetish, but there’s no doubt some like to have their patience tested, all so they can feel like they have achieved something amazing in beating the most challenging, relentless of games. You can point your fingers at FromSoftware for many, but then there’s the likes of Super Meat Boy too.
It’s the latter, Super Meat, that Through the Nightmares is more closely related to. It’s a game which requests you to complete levels in short bursts – but you’ll only be able to do so if you have the skill, the stamina, and the patience to persevere.
Sandman’s Saga
There is a story to this fast paced action game and it puts you in the shoes of Sandman. Who is Sandman? Well, he is a nice spirit who brings pleasant dreams to all in the land of slumber. But something is afoot as all the children are stuck in a permanent nightmare. Sandman enters the dream god Morpheus’ lair, who is holding these kids ransom.
Here Sandman travels through a twisted dreamlike domain, full of traps and horrors, as they attempt to get to the end and be the hero. It’s a narrative that is not huge in words, but is big in visuals. Ultimately though, Through the Nightmares is all about the gameplay.
A Test of Reflexes
There are further things you should know about this game though, and in terms of the gameplay, if you like your games a bit on the gentle side, forgiving, full of those delightful save points and nice easy-to-understand mechanics then please turn away now. On the flip, if you prefer your games fast, inventive, and requiring the reaction times of a cheetah then follow me; the water is fine.
To put things into context, I started to struggle with Through the Nightmares on Level 2. That may give an idea about my gaming skill levels, but it also says much about the difficulty curve.
Size-Shifting Savvy
This is a 2.5D platforming game where the world is full of danger, mishaps around every corner. Learning to jump – and to direct that jump – is key to survival. You will have an intricate path to get through and you need to get your timings exactly right to get through safely. But you also need some other tricks up your sleeve and here’s where Through the Nightmares is a bit different.
There is a great mechanic that, with the touch of a button, allows you to switch size, going down to really small and then back again. This works for the obvious, like fitting through small gaps, but also you can use it in mid-jump to squeeze through traps in mid-air. Or, you also have moments where, if you’re full size, you will fall through platforms onto spikes, while in smaller form you safely traverse as your weight doesn’t break them. It’s a great mechanic; one that feels clever and inventive.
You’ll also be able to call on a downward strike to active triggers or go through platforms. There is then the opportunity to make the most of a checkpoint flash which means you can carry and place a checkpoint whether you like. This stays around for multiple deaths before being dispelled and is super handy for some of the most tricky of traps, or at times when you can’t face rolling back too far after one of the many, many deaths you will face.
Twisted Imagery and Driving Rhythms
Through the Nightmares works well visually, taking the player across multiple landscapes and many levels. There are suburban stages with moving cars and a spooky castle for example. All levels are nightmare-based (as you’d expect of a game with such a title) and we see places full of twisted imagery and strange reflections of reality. I liked the yellow Sandman design and when Morpheus appears it is very effective.
The soundtrack is strong and full of excitement to go along with the fast-paced gameplay itself.
A Challenging Platformer for Perseverance Seekers
If you are brave enough there are also plenty of hidden challenges to uncover, and things to find in hard-to-reach places. I’d suspect that only the most hardened addict will find these and be triumphant.
However, no matter how you look at Through the Nightmares, everything works well, from the great size-shifting mechanics to the haunting visuals and dramatic soundtrack that keep you going. The problem is, many may find it frustrating and at points, I couldn’t take repeating sections again and again. But others will relish the full-on challenge. Add another half-point to the score at the bottom if you put yourself in that camp.
Your Links
Deft the Dream God! Hardcore Platformer Through the Nightmares Launches on Xbox – https://www.thexboxhub.com/deft-the-dream-god-hardcore-platformer-through-the-nightmares-launches-on-xbox/
Download Through the Nightmares – https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games/store/through-the-nightmares/9pdmb5rn184z
Grab the Through the Nightmares Xbox Demo – https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/store/through-the-nightmares-demo/9P0HKCHMJN1L/0010
