Back to Bed

Lore & Background

In Back to Bed, the player controls Subob, the apparent guardian angel of a sleepwalker named Bob. The goal is to steer Bob through isometric, dreamlike levels back to his bed, preventing him from falling off edges or hitting hazards. Players use objects such as blocks, ramps, and platforms to create a path, and must consider Bob's movement speed and obstacle placement. As the game progresses, new mechanics like rotating platforms, teleportation portals, and environmental hazards are introduced. The art style draws from surrealist works, creating a dreamlike visual experience. The game has no time limits or competitive elements, focusing solely on puzzle-solving and exploration.

Reader's Guide

Back to Bed received mixed or average reviews according to Metacritic, with only 12% of critics recommending it on OpenCritic. Critics noted both strengths and weaknesses. Eurogamer.it rated it 6/10, finding levels individually interesting but lacking a compelling reason to proceed. GameRevolution gave it 5/10, calling it endearingly quirky yet fundamentally dull. Hardcore Gamer gave the PC version 3/5, noting respectable puzzle design but uncreative use of the aesthetic, while the PS4/Vita version received 2.5/5 for being underwhelming. IGN Spain rated the iOS version 6.5/10, citing repetitive mechanics and short duration. Nintendo Life gave the Wii U version 7/10, calling it a satisfying puzzle game with a fitting surreal art style. Nintendo World Report rated the Wii U version 6/10, noting a great look but only about two hours of content. Pocket Gamer gave 3/5, citing cumbersome controls. Push Square rated it 6/10, describing it as a well-developed prototype. TouchArcade gave 3.5/5, noting a small target audience and rote gameplay. CD-Action rated it 6/10, wishing for more variety in the 30 basic challenges. 148Apps gave 3.5/5, saying it wasn't as special as it wanted to be. Game Rant rated it 2/5, criticizing it for flirting with good ideas but never committing. Softpedia gave 3/5, calling it refreshing at first but succumbing to poor execution. Overall, the game is seen as a visually striking but uneven puzzle experience that divided critics.

Did You Know?

• The game was originally released as a browser game in 2011 before coming to multiple platforms.
• The art style was inspired by surrealist artists Salvador Dalí and M. C. Escher.