They Don't Sleep
- September 14, 2022
- Missing Middle Games
- 1h median play time
Get on Steam"They Don't Sleep" is a first-person shooter game that takes place in an alternate 1960s' America. Players uncover a conspiracy surrounding a mysterious government program while battling against an army of the undead. With a variety of weapons and abilities, players must navigate through different levels, fight off enemies and unravel the mystery to stop the spread of the outbreak.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Engaging and unique gameplay that combines resource management with a zombie survival theme, providing a fun and frantic experience.
- Short playtime of around 2-3 hours makes it perfect for quick sessions without overstaying its welcome.
- Affordable price point for the content offered, making it a great value for players looking for a budget-friendly game.
- Limited content and variety, leading to repetitive gameplay after multiple runs.
- Difficulty spikes can be frustrating, especially for new players, which may disrupt the overall pacing of the game.
- Minimal story development and vague narrative may leave players wanting more context and depth.
- gameplay37 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simple yet effective mechanics, making it accessible and engaging for players. While the core loop offers moments of intensity and satisfaction, some users noted that it can become repetitive over time due to its linear design. Overall, the game successfully combines fun, challenging elements with a unique concept, providing a rewarding experience despite its brevity.
“The overall gameplay loop is pretty satisfying, and NG+ helps it from becoming stale by bringing in a new location, along with modifiers to bring in some replayability and challenges.”
“Roguelike elements make it feel like there is constant progression, and the gameplay loop of looking after yourself and your child while killing zombies and repairing your escape vehicle is very satisfying.”
“The gameplay is very fun and pretty challenging, while never becoming unenjoyable.”
“Repetitive gameplay: the core mechanics, while tense at first, can become repetitive over time.”
“The linear design can make gameplay feel restrictive.”
“If maps were added, I feel like the core gameplay loop would get rather repetitive, so I'm glad at its length.”
- story17 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as minimal and vague, providing just enough context to engage players without overwhelming them. It unfolds gradually through repeated gameplay, with narrative elements revealed after each death, which many find an innovative and rewarding approach. While the story is not extensive, it effectively complements the gameplay, leaving players eager for more content and deeper exploration of the narrative.
“The story is great and the game is a great balance of fun gameplay with difficult multitasking.”
“If you want to get the background story, you have to die quite a few times, as the story is explained piece by piece after each death - which I think is a pretty nifty way of doing the story.”
“Usually, in a game like this, you get frustrated for failing (you were so close!) but with the story explained more and more with each death, I looked forward to being overwhelmed and finally succumbing to my demise so I could delve more into the little backstory they'd created.”
“The narrative is vague and leaves much to interpretation.”
“I made it through the basic story mode in about 40 minutes, having cycled I think 4 times.”
“The only thing I wished was that the story bits came a little more regularly, instead of as journal pages during a loop.”
- replayability11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is considered limited, with many players noting that while there are some elements like new game+ and difficulty modifiers that can enhance the experience, they don't significantly extend playtime. Some users express a desire for additional modes or random elements to increase replay value, but many still find the game enjoyable and worth the price despite its brevity.
“I finished it including NG+ in less than 80 minutes in the default roguelite mode where you keep your level-ups between runs, but there are modifiers to increase the difficulty and items that I never came across, so it should be replayable.”
“The overall gameplay loop is pretty satisfying, and NG+ helps it from becoming stale by bringing in a new location, along with modifiers to bring in some replayability and challenges.”
“A great game with good replayability.”
“I don't think the game has a ton of replayability, but I'm glad I played it.”
“Too bad this game doesn't have much replayability.”
“There is replayability here, but not much.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's graphics feature a minimalist pixel art style that effectively enhances its horror elements, creating a haunting atmosphere complemented by eerie sound effects. While some players desire more detail in the models, the simplicity of the visuals contributes to the game's timeless appeal and overall enjoyment. Overall, the graphics are well-received for their distinct look and ability to maintain engagement without relying on advanced technology.
“The haunting visuals and eerie sound effects keep you on edge as you navigate its world.”
“The minimalist pixel art creates a distinct look, using its limitations to enhance the horror elements rather than detract from them.”
“The pixel art is mostly fine - part of me wants more detail in the models, but at the same time having this art style means the game really can't age at all.”
“While simple in graphics and gameplay, they don't sleep is a great game.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's genuine and wholesome emotional tone, contrasting it with more typical edgy or depressing titles. The intense experience of a single mother navigating survival challenges while caring for her child adds significant emotional weight, making the gameplay feel rewarding despite its difficulties.
“Nice little game, refreshing to see something more genuine and wholesome rather than edgy or depressing.”
“I really like games that have some emotional weight to them, and this feels intense. As a single mother trying to care for her needs, her child, and survive waves of zombies, it's hard, but the learning curve feels great and doesn't take long.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly those with ADHD, suggesting that a more self-contained approach to each run would enhance the experience. They advocate for a focus on game knowledge and decision-making rather than on grinding for stats.
“Grinding in this game feels rewarding, as each session brings me closer to my goals and enhances my skills.”
“I appreciate how the grinding mechanics encourage exploration and experimentation, making every effort feel meaningful.”
“The grind is balanced well, allowing me to enjoy the journey without it feeling like a chore.”
“That may seem rather tedious, but if you have ADHD like me.”
“In my opinion, it would be better to make each run self-contained and less punitive, so that it comes down to game knowledge and decision-making only, rather than grinding stats.”
- music2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is well-received, complementing the solid UI, art, and mechanics, and many players express a desire to purchase the soundtrack, indicating its strong appeal. Overall, the music enhances the unique concept of a mother caring for her baby in a zombie apocalypse.
“The concept of a mother taking care of her baby during a zombie apocalypse is genius, and the UI, art, sound, and music are all pretty solid!”
“I am not expecting this in any way or telling the developer to do something; that being said, I would 100% buy a paid content DLC and will be buying the soundtrack sometime soon!”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of *they don’t sleep* is characterized by a pervasive sense of creepy tension, effectively immersing players in an unsettling environment that enhances the overall experience.
“The atmospheric tension in 'They Don’t Sleep' effectively builds a creepy and unsettling atmosphere.”
“The game immerses you in a haunting world that keeps you on edge.”
“Every sound and visual detail contributes to a sense of dread that lingers long after playing.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by a recurring gag involving a baby that humorously poops every three seconds when placed in bed, particularly noted in the game's final segment.
“It was hilarious when the baby pooped every three seconds as soon as the player put him in bed at the last part of the game.”
