Goodnight Universe

Goodnight Universe is beautiful and heartwrenching, just like its developer's previous effort.

While it doesn't land with quite the impact that I felt from Before Your Eyes, Goodnight Universe still shows there's an impressive range of story and interactivity to explore in this space. Its hardware requirements and format justify themselves well through how the game utilizes those tools, creating truly moving moments through interactivity that you just don't see often. Goodnight Universe is a wonderful exploration of what's still possible with a simple webcam.

Goodnight Universe is an enjoyable and quirky narrative adventure game that feels like a satisfying follow-up to the deeply emotional experience of Before Your Eyes. Isaac's supernatural adventures are as entertaining as they are heartwarming, and though it isn't terribly long, it makes full use of every moment.The only major drawback here is that the Switch 2 doesn't support the eye and face tracking control style of the PC version at launch, which notably does take away somewhat from the core experience. All the same, I'd suggest you pick up Goodnight Universe if this one has already caught your eye. It provides a memorable narrative journey and is the sort of game that you'll still be thinking about long after putting it down.

Goodnight Universe is something special. It’s a narrative adventure that trusts its audience, respects their time, and isn’t afraid to be sincere. The optional webcam integration is one of the most thoughtful uses of technology I’ve seen in a game, and it adds real emotional weight rather than novelty. This won’t be for players looking for challenge, action, or traditional progression systems. But if you value storytelling, emotional depth, and inventive design, this is an experience you shouldn’t miss. It surprised me, moved me, and reminded me why indie games continue to push the medium forward in ways bigger productions often won’t.

A few pacing issues and action scenes take the best edge off the overall experience, but Goodnight Universe is still worth experiencing – on PSVR2 if such a rarity is still available – but even as a traditional game it's a pleasant experience.

Goodnight Universe features a wonderful story with great performances and a unique, competent control scheme.

The story of little Isaac and his family is sweetly told, and the mystical atmosphere and unusual perspective draw me into the action. However, the controls on the Nintendo Switch 2 are disappointing. While the PC version tracks my eyes and face, I have to do everything with the Joycons here.

For as basic and minimal as the gameplay feels at times, Goodnight Universe knocks it out of the park when it comes to its narrative structure and emotional storytelling.

The interactive story will keep you engaged from beginning to end as you experience this out-of-this-world emotional rollercoaster. Goodnight Universe is an absolute must-play that needs to be experienced.

A delightfully quirky and heart-warming adventure that will keep you smiling long after the credits roll.