I've spent the majority of my teenage years playing osu! and other rhythm games like the Project Diva series, but I never played Rhythm Heaven. I wasn't too familiar with the source material apart from acknowledging its existence, but when I heard this game was inspired by it and had Lo-Fi music, as well as a clean hand-drawn artstyle, i couldn't help but give it a try. And its one of the most wholesome games I have ever played. My name's Angel and today we're taking a look at Melatonin.


“Your body produces melatonin naturally. It doesn’t make you sleep, but as melatonin levels rise in the evening it puts you into a state of quiet wakefulness that helps promote sleep,” - Luis F. Buenaver, Ph.D., C.B.S.M.

For those who don't know, "Melatonin" is the name of the hormone in the brain that helps you fall asleep. As such, the game naturally will have elements that are deliberately designed to make you feel relaxed and could potentially make you fall asleep. It is a short and concise story about a sleep deprived man who struggles with insomnia and the only way we can get through the night is to help him in his dream sequences.


Each level is smoothly hand-drawn with themes that match their dreamy visuals. From dreaming about food, to dreams about work, stress and other surprises. The game also has some pop culture references which I believe are a self-insert of the developer (like the Followers level where you see popular apps like YouTube, Twitch, Reddit, etc or in the Tech level where the character is seen playing VR with a PC Rig, accompanied by a PS5 and a PS4). As for the challenge, this is not a game that would ever be considered for that type of experience primarily. Although it is easy to follow with tutorials being straightforward and making Practice mode mandatory, there is a Hard Mode and Perfectionist options and achievements available for those who seek a challenge. But as for its main purpose, It is purely relaxing, which encourages you to chill out if you're having a bad day. I picked this game up when I was having a rough one and I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome, as it became one of my favorite rhythm games I've ever played.

The gameplay consists of following sound cues and pressing the right keys/buttons on the beat, which play out like an interactive album with minigames. However, the way the game implements these cues is similar to that of the Rhythm Heaven franchise in everything but presentation. At the end of the level, you are awarded stars (or rings in hard mode or P's for Perfect) based on your performance. The better you do, the higher the score you get and thus more stars/rings. You have two kinds of levels in this game, for the sake of simplicity i'll name these Singles and Mashups. Single levels essentially play a song that is befitting of the theme. which can either speed up or slow down as it experiments with one consistent mechanic. There are 4 Singles each Chapter, while Mashups are a compilation of all the levels in that Chapter. In other words: Mashups are a combination of the 4 levels inside a chapter and each of them have their own individual song. The game runs smoothly without any bugs.


I feel like the soundtrack of this game has been scientifically approved by a doctor to be the most relaxing music you'll ever listen to, accompanied with its visuals. It is filled with tons of catchy tunes and melodies that will keep you hypnotized. With enough plays you'll practically memorize each of the songs and eventually come back to listen to them more. It's very reminiscent of its source material in a way, but stands out on itself and it is the kind of game that will have you listen to the soundtrack in your subconscious.



Melatonin helps us sleep, it is a much more needed reprieve that can aid us to continue a brand new day, and it is now a game that can help with both, whether in soundtrack or the gameplay. it is a must play for those who are a fan of rhythm games or looking for a game to chill out after a tough one.


8.5/10