This Bed We Made review (PS5)

Lowbirth Games’ new noir mystery game This Bed We Made weaves an intricate narrative set in 1950s Montreal. Playing as Sophie, a hotel maid entangled in a web of secrets, players navigate through a tale of love, murder, and mystery that unfolds over the course of a very engaging 3 to 6 hours. We played the PlayStation 5 version.

Sophie’s day at the Clarington Hotel takes a mysterious turn when she encounters a strange glow emanating from room 505. Before long, Sophie stumbles upon a dark secret, and the game carefully unfolds a narrative where every decision matters, shaping the story and leading to multiple endings. This happens through a mix of mystery and human experiences, where multiple playthroughs can reveal different outcomes. It’s a story that flows well, though at certain times some obtuse puzzles and a lack of direction can momentarily hurt the flow.

As Sophie, players traverse the Clarington Hotel, exploring three atmosphere-rich floors over the course of the story. The game blends neo-noir investigation with solving puzzles that unlock hidden messages and safes, where most puzzles offer a satisfying challenge without becoming overly frustrating. The cleaning tasks that you also perform add an immersive layer to the gameplay as well.

Set in the 1950s, the game captures the era’s essence, portraying the Clarington Hotel’s etiquette and atmosphere as an old timey hotel meticulously. The visuals paint a vivid picture of the societal norms and challenges of the time, transporting players to a different era. Character models are decent, but a closer examination of facial expressions reveals a relative lack of detail and differentiation between characters there.

The voice acting, featuring a diverse cast that delivers solid performances, breathes life into the characters. The ambient music that plays complements the narrative, providing a fitting backdrop to the 1950s setting with its French Canadian tunes – though the soundtrack is a bit limited in terms of the number of tunes that play.

This Bed We Made stands out as an excellent narrative-driven mystery from a smaller studio that offers a good blend of suspense and intrigue. While it may have a few rougher edges, the overall experience is a testament to the developer’s passion. With its multiple endings and engaging storytelling, this noir mystery is a commendable addition to the genre and an easy recommendation from our end.

Score: 8.1/10