Through the Nightmares Game Review (PS5, Xbox, Switch, PC)

Here’s an in-depth review of Through the Nightmares (available June 19, 2025, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC), including detailed gameplay insights, background, pros & cons, plus an SEO title and meta description.

🌙 Through the Nightmares — Deep Dive Review

🧠 Background & Development

Developer/Publisher: Sandman Team, a small Ukrainian indie trio, spent nearly nine years crafting this title, with funding support via ID@Xbox.
Engine & Release Info: Built on Unity 2019, slated for release June 19, 2025 on Windows, Xbox (One & Series X|S), PS4/5, and PC; Switch version released June 5, 2025 .
Narrative: You embody the Sandman, navigating surreal “dream chapters” to vanquish children’s fears, collect keepsakes that mirror their memories, and face the ultimate nemesis – Morpheus.

🎮 Gameplay Mechanics

Core Gameplay: A challenging, atmospheric action-platformer featuring 45 handcrafted levels spread across three distinct child-themed nightmare chapters — forest, space, medieval landscapes.
Shrink & Expand: Switch character size to access hidden areas or manipulate environmental puzzles — physics and surroundings respond dynamically.
Checkpoint Flasks: Find and place magic sand flasks as mid-level checkpoints with up to three respawns — saves retracing progress after death.
Permanent World Changes: Using your hammer/strike to break walls or platforms opens permanent shortcuts that persist through restarts .
Rhythm-Driven Traps: Environmental hazards sync with musical beats — timing entrances, jumps, and actions to the rhythm is critical .
Secrets & Exploration: Hidden collectibles, items that manifest in dreamers’ rooms, and alternative paths enhance depth.

🎯 Final Verdict

Through the Nightmares is a heartfelt, inventive journey through children’s fears. It blends rhythmic precision, size-shifting puzzles, and handcrafted world-building into a potent indie experience. While it won’t be for everyone—its tough-as-nails difficulty and unique style may put some off—platforming purists and dreamscape adventurers will find a rich and rewarding challenge.

System Requirements

Minimum:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS *: Windows 8 or newer
    Processor: Intel Core i3
    Memory: 2 GB RAM
    Graphics: GeForce GTX 1050, Radeon RX470
    DirectX: Version 10
    Storage: 1 GB available space

Recommended:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS *: Windows 8 or newer
    Processor: Intel Core i5
    Memory: 4 GB RAM
    Graphics: GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, Radeon RX570
    DirectX: Version 10
    Storage: 1 GB available space

Pros

Inspired Level Design: Every chapter has a distinct visual and mechanical identity — from eerie woods to cosmic voids and medieval ruins.
Innovative Size Mechanics: Switching size introduces creative puzzle integration and fresh platforming challenges.
Flexible Checkpoint System: Flask checkpoints reduce frustration — you choose where to respawn, minimizing repetitive backtracking.
Atmospheric & Unique Art Style: Low-poly but carefully detailed visuals offer a charming and surreal dreamscape.
Narrative Through Discovery: Memories and artifacts connect gameplay to each child’s personal story, enriching emotional engagement.

Cons

High Difficulty: This is a hardcore platformer — expect frequent deaths, trial-and-error sections, and precision challenges.
Rhythmic Hazards May Frustrate: Sync-based traps can feel unforgiving, heavily penalizing mistimed jumps or actions.
Repetitive Audio: Early demo feedback noted repetitive music loops — soundtrack variety may remain limited.
Niche Appeal: Fans of accessible, casual gameplay may find the punishing level design off-putting.
Unproven Multiplayer/Replay: No multiplayer modes and uncertain replay value once all secrets are uncovered.