Goodnight Universe (PS5) from Nice Dream and published by Skybound Games is a quietly ambitious adventure that balances tender storytelling with inventive gameplay ideas. You step into the crib of Isaac, a six-month-old baby developing psychic abilities, and the game immediately asks you to see the world from his tiny, fragile perspective. While Isaac’s powers hint at playful interactivity, the narrative focus is firmly on the human relationships that shape his early life – the love, the misunderstandings, and the quiet tensions of family.
The story begins with gentle domestic observations, as Isaac experiences both affection and distance from his parents and sister. Even the looming presence of a secretive corporation feels secondary to the emotional weight of family bonds. Isaac’s inner monologue, full of wisdom and longing, frames the events in a surprisingly reflective way, making even the ordinary – a parent’s sigh, a sibling’s frustration – feel significant. Moments of humor, tenderness, and melancholy are interwoven carefully, giving the story a natural rhythm that carries it through its compact runtime.
Gameplay on the PS5 is built around traditional controls rather than the webcam-based mechanics seen in the PC version. Players interact with the environment and use Isaac’s powers through standard controller inputs, which are intuitive and responsive. Isaac’s abilities, from moving objects to subtle manipulations of the environment, are satisfying to use, though the most creative gestures are reserved for the PC version. On the PS5, the experience remains fully immersive, focusing more on exploration, dialogue, and the narrative flow than on physical gesture inputs.
The controls are generally accessible and rarely get in the way of the story, but some sequences require precise timing and placement, which can slightly interrupt the pacing. Still, the compact design ensures that frustration is minimized, and most challenges feel meaningful rather than artificially difficult. The pacing respects the short length of the game, allowing the narrative beats to land without overstaying their welcome.
Visually, the game opts for a soft, stylized look. Objects and characters are simple but expressive, creating a world that feels large from Isaac’s perspective while keeping the focus on emotional storytelling. The PS5’s hardware ensures smooth performance and crisp visuals. Audio design reinforces the intimacy of the experience: voice performances convey warmth and personality, ambient soundscapes complement the mood, and a gentle, often melancholic score underlines moments of reflection and discovery.
Narratively, Goodnight Universe shines in its handling of relationships and internal conflict. Isaac’s interactions reveal the complexities of care, affection, and unintended harm. Each character is grounded and human, with motivations and vulnerabilities that emerge naturally through both action and dialogue. Even minor moments like a fleeting expression or a whispered comment can carry weight, contributing to an overall sense of emotional authenticity.
Despite its strengths, the game is not without minor limitations. Some of Isaac’s psychic abilities feel underutilized in certain sequences, and a few environmental puzzles are simpler than expected. These are small blemishes on an otherwise rich and heartfelt experience, and they do little to diminish the game’s emotional resonance. The PS5 version delivers the core narrative intact, maintaining the charm, humor, and poignancy that define the title, while the unique webcam mechanics remain an optional enhancement on PC rather than a central feature.
Ultimately, Goodnight Universe is a short but memorable journey. Its brilliance lies not in flashy mechanics, but in the intimacy of its storytelling and the humanity of its characters. For players willing to engage with Isaac’s perspective, even in its limited time, it offers a reflective and emotionally satisfying adventure that lingers long after the game ends.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 