Melatonin
Melatonin is a 2022 rhythm video game released by indie developer Half Asleep for Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. It received positive reviews and was praised for its art style and music, with criticism directed towards its short length.
Melatonin
- Date
- 2022
- Publisher
- Half Asleep
- Language
- English
- Genre
- rhythm game
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Documentary evidence
Documentary basis
Authority files
wikidata · Q112442607
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Developer — Half Asleep Games • Platforms — macOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows, PlayStation 5 • Genre — Rhythm • Publisher — Half Asleep Games • Released — * macOS, Nintendo Switch, Windows • December 15, 2022 • PlayStation 5 • March 12, 2024 • Modes — Single-player • Director — David Huynh • Engine — Unity
Gameplay
Gameplay
Melatonin is a rhythm game that takes place in a dream world of an unnamed male protagonist with 20 levels. Unlike a traditional rhythm game, it lacks overlays, relying instead on visual and auditory cues. The minigames, which are similar to those found in the Rhythm Heaven games, are played against Lo-fi music. In addition to its main game, the game has a level editor to create new minigames.
Development and release
Development and release
Melatonin was developed by Canadian developer David Huynh, who had previously worked in graphic design. Announced in Wholesome Game's 2022 Summer game fest, It was first released for the Nintendo Switch and Steam on December 15, 2022. A version for the PlayStation 5 was released on March 12th, 2024. In addition, the game's soundtrack was released on vinyl, in a two part LP, by the company iam8bit.
Reception
According to Metacritic, both the Switch and PC versions of Melatonin were given "Generally Favorable" reviews. Hardcore Gamer's review praised the graphics and gameplay, describing it as "Cleverly-orchestrated, if sadly a little on the abrupt side due to its short run-time". Game Rant praised the music and gameplay, but criticized the difficulty and the short length. Nintendo Life praised the aesthetic and accessibility options, but criticized the short length and difficulty, saying "It doesn't fill the Rhythm Heaven-shaped hole in the Switch's portfolio, but instead it creates a dreamy new space filled with cotton candy colour, energy, and, most importantly, fun."
Text attribution
Licensing
Text attribution
Part of the biographical narrative on this page reuses licensed material. Its origin, revision and licence are recorded here.
The biographical narrative on this page is based on the Wikipedia article Melatonin (video game), revision 1369392777 (EN edition), by its contributors. VALÉORINE has edited that text and built its own documentary record around it. The reused material is available under CC BY-SA 4.0, and this page's reuse of it is offered under the same licence. Everything else on this page — the chronology, the holdings, the evidence, the plates and the connections — is VALÉORINE's own record. Sources and licences.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Made with Unity Monthly: December 2022 roundup. Unity Technologies. 2023-01-06.
- 2.Bashir, Dale. Explore Melodic Dreamscapes in 'Melatonin' By Vietnamese-Canadian Developer Half Asleep. IGN Southeast Asia. 2022-05-31.
- 3.Valentine, Rebekah. Wholesome Direct: Everything Announced, Including Little Bear Chef, Bubblegum Galaxy, and Melodyssey. IGN. 2022-06-11.
- 4.Melatonin PS5 release date: Latest news on the rhythm action game. Radio Times.
- 5.Allen, Richard. Iam8bit and Half-Asleep partner to release soundtrack for indie rhythm game Melatonin on two-disc lavender vinyl. GAMINGTREND. 2024-06-25.
- 6.Melatonin. www.metacritic.com.
- 7.Helm, Jordan. Review: Melatonin. Hardcore Gamer. 2022-12-12.
- 8.Bramlett, Samuel William. Melatonin Review. Game Rant. 2022-12-21.
- 9.See-Tho, Michelle. Review: Melatonin (Switch) – This Is The Rhythm (Heaven) Of The Night. Nintendo Life. 2023-01-03.
References
Citations
References
Each reference names the institution holding it, so a reader may go to the document itself.
reference work
Secondary witness
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 21 August 2026.
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