Through the Nightmares, from the Sandman Team, is an action-adventure platformer game. You play as Sandman, tasked with rescuing children from a dream world twisted by Morpheus, the dream god. This adventure is crafted to push your skills if you enjoy demanding precision platforming like Super Meat Boy or Celeste.

Through the Nightmares combines an engaging narrative of hope with overwhelming fear. This title promises to immerse you in a challenging dreamscape where every move counts. Prepare for a rigorous test of your platforming skills as you strive to free the trapped children and confront the source of their endless nightmare.

Free the children from the dream realm

In Through the Nightmares, players wield three unique Dream Master abilities. Size-shifting alters form, affecting movement and environmental interaction. The Downward Strike smashes obstacles and activates mechanisms, with persistent changes. A Checkpoint Flask offers temporary respawn points up to three uses, mitigating frustration and rewarding skillful progression through demanding platforming challenges. These abilities are crucial for navigating the cruel, nightmarish map.

Players explore 45 handcrafted levels across six haunting locations, each reflecting a child's fears. The reactive dream world transforms ordinary objects into traps and foes. Environmental threats sync to the soundtrack and overall music themes, demanding precise timing and rhythm. Towering creatures relentlessly pursue players, requiring evasion. The game constantly introduces new mechanics, ensuring a demanding yet fair challenge with instant respawns.

Aesthetically, the low-poly art is good, but for fans of modern games, it can be a tougher sell. Players uncover Morpheus's past by collecting items, culminating in a final confrontation to save the children. While its high difficulty and guaranteed deaths akin to Elden Ring may frustrate some, its fluid mechanics offer a rewarding experience for those embracing demanding precision platforming, despite potential repetitive sections.

Ruthless, yet great

Through the Nightmares offers players innovative mechanics like size-shifting and a checkpoint flask, set in handcrafted, reactive dreamscapes. Its immersive visuals and compelling narrative are strong pros. However, the game’s high difficulty and guaranteed deaths may lead to repetitive sections and frustrate some players. This ruthless yet rewarding platformer caters to those seeking a demanding, niche challenge despite its low-poly aesthetic.