Summary
This Bed We Made is a remarkable addition to the mystery game genre. It successfully combines neo-noir aesthetics, immersive storytelling, and interactivity, creating an experience that draws players into the shadows of the Clarington Hotel.
Developer – Lowbirth Games
Publisher – Lowbirth Games
Platforms – PS4/5 , Xbox One, PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Developer
WARNING:
At Rectify Gaming, we are committed to fostering a gaming community that is inclusive, respectful, and safe for all players. We would like to emphasize that while the game may include the following themes and depictions, we do not condone or endorse any of these behaviors in real life. Please be aware that this game contains:
– Alcohol & Tobacco (Mentioned and depicted)
– Cheating/Infidelity (Mentioned and depicted)
– Domestic & Emotional Abuse (Mentioned)
– Depression & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Mentioned)
– Homicide, Blood & Guns (Mentioned and depicted)
– Homophobia, Gender & Racial Discrimination (Mentioned and depicted)
– Mental Health Issues & Institutionalization (Mentioned and depicted)
– Stalking (Mentioned and depicted)
– Wrongful Conviction/Imprisonment (Mentioned and depicted)
Furthermore, we encourage players to seek help or support if they are personally affected by any of these issues in real life. Play responsibly and be aware of the impact of the content on your emotions and well-being.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of Self-harm or Suicide, In Canada, you can reach out to Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca. For assistance in the United States, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-8255, or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org , aswell as you can Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a volunteer Crisis Counselor from the Crisis Text Line. We’d also like to thank Safe in Our World for being supportive of our work in Gaming and Helping support Mental Health Awareness through Gaming.
In the dimly lit corridors of the Clarington Hotel, players are transported to a bygone era, February 17, 1958, to be precise, when the world was shrouded in mystery, and secrets lurked in the shadows. This Bed We Made, a third-person narrative mystery game, invites you to step into the shoes of Sophie, a nosy chambermaid with an insatiable curiosity. As she embarks on her routine shift, Sophie stumbles upon room 505, where a crimson light spills out, setting the stage for a mesmerizing tale of intrigue and suspense.
The game’s gameplay is a captivating blend of neo-noir investigation and immersive storytelling. It effortlessly combines elements of classic mystery narratives with a touch of glamour and murder, drawing inspiration from the works of cinematic legends like Alfred Hitchcock. The choice to explore the three atmospheric floors of the Clarington Hotel sets the stage for an experience that is both visually and thematically rich. The attention to detail in recreating the 1950s ambiance is commendable, from the period-appropriate décor to the soundtrack that oozes nostalgia.
The core gameplay mechanic in This Bed We Made is the indulgence of one’s curiosity. Players have the opportunity to delve deep into the hidden lives of the hotel’s enigmatic guests. Sophie’s role as a chambermaid affords her access to their most personal possessions, which, as it turns out, hold secrets that are both unsettling and mysterious. This aspect of the game is reminiscent of the voyeuristic experience in Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.” Exploring these intimate belongings in 360° and solving the puzzles they present is a highly engaging and immersive experience.
One of the standout features of This Bed We Made is the ability to form confidential relationships with both hotel employees and guests. This adds a layer of depth to the game, as players must navigate the delicate balance of forming bonds with the characters they encounter. Choosing between the street-smart Beth and the book-smart Andrew as an ally not only affects the story’s direction but also offers a sense of agency and personalization, making each playthrough unique.
The lifelike consequences of every action taken in the game are a testament to its narrative complexity. Every door opened and every choice made can significantly impact how the story unfolds, creating a dynamic and branching narrative. This level of interactivity keeps players engaged and invested in the outcome, as their decisions ripple through the narrative, leading to multiple possible endings.
The narrative itself is a well-crafted tapestry of murder, forbidden love, and enigmatic mysteries. As Sophie, you will be drawn into a web of intrigue that binds the hotel’s guests, and uncovering the truth becomes an irresistible pursuit. The narrative pacing is commendable, with each revelation and twist strategically placed to keep players on the edge of their seats.
The game’s art style and graphics contribute to its overall allure. The Clarington Hotel, with its moody and atmospheric design, becomes a character in itself. The attention to detail in recreating the 1950s setting is evident in every nook and cranny, from the vintage furniture to the clothing worn by characters. The choice of a third-person perspective allows players to appreciate the game’s aesthetics fully.
The sound design and soundtrack in This Bed We Made are simply exceptional. The music perfectly complements the game’s atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia and tension that is integral to the neo-noir theme. Sound cues are used effectively to build suspense and highlight key moments in the narrative.
This Bed We Made is a remarkable addition to the mystery game genre. It successfully combines neo-noir aesthetics, immersive storytelling, and interactivity, creating an experience that draws players into the shadows of the Clarington Hotel. Sophie’s journey into the enigmatic lives of the guests, along with the game’s lifelike consequences, ensures that every playthrough is a unique and captivating experience. If you’re a fan of mysteries, narratives filled with secrets, and a touch of the 1950s, this game is a must-play. This Bed We Made invites players to unravel a tale where secrets, shadows, and crimson light converge, leaving you with an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
