This Bed We Made

The gameplay of "This Bed We Made" is characterized by a blend of exploration, investigation, and choice-based storytelling, set against a captivating 1950s Montreal backdrop. While the mechanics are generally simple and sometimes slow-paced, they effectively support the narrative, allowing players to uncover clues and influence the story's outcome through their actions. Overall, the game offers a unique experience that balances engaging storytelling with interactive elements, though some players may desire more depth and variety in gameplay.

The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the beautiful, immersive art style that effectively captures the 1950s aesthetic and enhances the storytelling. However, some players reported issues such as bugs, lag, and stiff animations, which detracted from the overall experience. Overall, while the visuals are generally considered appealing and well-crafted for an indie title, technical shortcomings and occasional graphical glitches were noted by several users.

The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and beautifully crafted 1950s setting, enhanced by stunning visuals and a haunting soundtrack that effectively builds tension and mystery. Players appreciate the attention to detail in recreating the era, which contributes to a captivating narrative experience, although some note that technical flaws, such as facial animations, detract from the overall immersion. Overall, the atmosphere stands out as a highlight, drawing players into a rich and engaging world that complements the story and gameplay.

The game's replayability is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the multiple endings and choices that encourage additional playthroughs. However, some reviewers noted that the short length and limited differences in outcomes can diminish the incentive to replay. Overall, while there is potential for replay value through various paths and achievements, the experience may feel repetitive for some players after the initial run.

The music in the game is generally praised for its atmospheric quality, effectively enhancing the noir vibes and immersing players in the 1950s setting. While many reviewers enjoyed the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and its ability to complement the story, some noted a lack of variety and instances where the game felt too silent, particularly during exploration. Overall, the music is described as delightful and well-suited to the game's themes, contributing significantly to the overall experience.

The game is praised for its deep emotional storytelling and representation, particularly for LGBTQ+ themes, which resonate strongly with players. Many reviewers highlight the intertwining narratives of the characters, evoking a range of emotions from joy to heartbreak, and appreciate the balance of suspense and warmth throughout the gameplay. While some found the pacing slow or the ending abrupt, the overall experience is described as touching and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on players.

The game's stability has been criticized for being buggy and glitchy, with users reporting various visual issues and problems with saving/loading. While some players experienced significant lag and game-breaking glitches, others noted that these issues were generally minor and did not detract from their overall enjoyment. Despite the stability concerns, many found the game to run well on certain platforms, achieving high graphical performance.

Overall, the game's optimization is mixed; while some players report smooth performance and no bugs, others note issues with animations, character model stiffness, and lip-sync problems. The voice acting is a highlight, enhancing the experience despite the technical shortcomings. Additionally, the game is well-optimized for the Steam Deck, providing a generally enjoyable experience despite some performance hiccups.

Players find the grinding aspect of the game rewarding for initial playthroughs but tedious during subsequent attempts, particularly when trying to achieve 100% completion. The inability to skip certain cutscenes and dialogue makes replaying for different endings or achievements time-consuming and frustrating. Overall, while the game offers replay value, the grinding experience can feel laborious, especially for those aiming to explore all content.

Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its complexity and depth, while others find it relatively weak or inconsistent, particularly in the male character designs. The narrative is often highlighted as intriguing, complemented by strong voice acting and beautiful visuals, but some players feel that poor character development undermines the overall experience. Overall, while there are standout elements, the quality of character development varies significantly among different characters.

The humor in the game is consistently praised for its wit and charm, with dialogues described as natural, engaging, and funny. Players appreciate the blend of humor with other elements like horror and flirting, creating a compelling narrative backdrop. Overall, the humor enhances the experience, making it both relaxing and intriguing.

The monetization aspect of the game is tied to its promotional strategy, which emphasizes a nostalgic experience through vintage music and advertisements. Players express a desire for more immersive content related to the period, suggesting that the current offerings may not fully capitalize on the thematic potential. Overall, the marketing effectively highlights the game's unique premise but leaves room for additional engaging content.