Goodnight Universe
Released: 11/11/2025
Score Breakdown
84.1
Critic Average
16 reviews
97
Steam User Score
1,053 reviews
N/A
Metacritic User Score
Disparity Breakdown
84 vs 97
Average of both sources
Review Disparities
Each point represents a critic review. Hover for details. Positive = critic higher than users. Negative = critic lower.
12/26/2025
Launch Window“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.”
95
95/100
12/23/2025
Launch Window“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.”
80
80/100
12/14/2025
Launch Window“Goodnight Universe features a wonderful story with great performances and a unique, competent control scheme.”
80
80/100
12/11/2025
Launch Window“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.”
80
80/100
12/7/2025
Launch Window“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.”
85
85/100
12/6/2025
Launch Window“"Despite its shallow gameplay and lack of traditional 'game' features, Goodnight Universe delivers a surprising, engrossing narrative experience. It's a testament to powerful storytelling that the game's unfolding plot will keep you glued to your screen, making it one of the finest, most compelling narrative experiences of its type."”
80
80/100
12/5/2025
Launch Window“"An innovative, emotionally resonant, interactive experience" Goodnight Universe offers a rare blend of cutting-edge technology and deeply human storytelling. Relying on visual interaction to generate a personal and moving experience, it succeeds in delivering a short but intense tale brimming with human moments. Its strength lies in its art style, voice acting, and the way it uses the camera to connect the player directly to Isaac's world. Despite some limitations in length and tracking accuracy, it remains a worthwhile experience for anyone seeking a story that stands out from the crowd.”
85
85/100
11/30/2025
Launch Window“Intriguing adventure, where you practically don't came out outside the baby bed.”
80
80/100
11/26/2025
Launch Window“Family is complicated, messy, and growing up isn't a linear path. Parental expectations can drag you down like cement boots if not managed accordingly. Despite it all, the fights, the miscommunications, and the people we've left behind, Goodnight Universe's greatest message lies in learning to tell people how you feel, however you can, while you're still here.”
80
80/100
11/20/2025
Launch Window“Goodnight Universe is a fantastic take on the "interactive story" genre. It features a beautiful story, a great cast of characters, and a beautiful art style. Even if the gameplay is limited, the few segments that are present only add to the strength of the narrative, as you get to step into the world of a psychically-powered baby and all that entails. At such a small price and with a short runtime, Goodnight Universe is great if you're looking to immerse yourself in a science-fiction look at the wonder of childhood.”
90
90/100
11/11/2025
Launch Window“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.”
70
70/100
11/10/2025
Early Review“I don’t care about the lack of fancy camera tracking on my Xbox. What I do care about is having an uplifting and emotionally twisted story that makes me consider the lives of all those found in-game. I also care about game mechanics that surprise, allowing the player to do things they may not have necessarily done before in their gaming sessions. Goodnight Universe does all of this and much more. Get it downloaded.”
100
100/100
11/10/2025
Early Review“On the face of it, Goodnight Universe is a far-fetched, comedic tale about a baby with telekinetic powers. But really, this is a very touching tale about love and familial bonds. For fans of narrative-driven adventures, this is not to be missed.”
80
80/100
11/10/2025
Early Review“Goodnight Universe is beautiful and heartwrenching, just like its developer's previous effort.”
90
90/100
11/10/2025
Early Review“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.”
80
80/100
