Belgian indie developer Eye Blink Twice is preparing for Steam Next Fest with a newly updated demo for its psychological thriller, Time To Wake Up. Following a strong reception from players and a 100% positive review rating, the studio is making final adjustments before the game’s planned full release later this fall.
One of the most notable additions to the demo enhances the game’s signature blinking mechanic. Players will now experience changes not only to the visual environment when blinking, but also to the surrounding audio and music, creating an even more immersive and unsettling atmosphere.
Time To Wake Up places players inside a dream-like world where reality bends and memories become distorted. You step into the mind of Alan Malone, exploring surreal school environments filled with endless classrooms, towering hallways, and strange locker mazes. Along the way, you’ll uncover clues tied to Alan’s past while avoiding unsettling classmates whose constant stares add to the tension.
The story begins when Alan finds himself trapped inside a dream and hears a mysterious voice asking for his eyes. Together, they embark on a journey through fragmented memories to uncover what happened during his school years. Players must decide whether they can escape the nightmare or become consumed by the shadows of the past.
A central gameplay mechanic revolves around blinking. Rather than serving as a simple visual effect, blinking actively transforms the world around you. It can alter environments, reset moving objects, flood rooms, rotate spaces, and reveal new paths forward. This mechanic is woven directly into both the puzzles and narrative, creating a unique approach to exploration.
The game’s environments lean heavily into surrealism, featuring twisted libraries, bizarre playgrounds, winding school bathrooms, and other dreamlike locations inspired by memories that have become distorted over time. Throughout the adventure, the mysterious voice acts as both a guide and companion, helping players unlock new areas and piece together the story.
Players will also need to stay alert when encountering former classmates. Their unnerving presence can become a threat, forcing players to use the blinking mechanic strategically to avoid dangerous encounters and continue progressing through the dream.
With Steam Next Fest approaching and additional refinements arriving in the demo, Time To Wake Up is shaping up to be an intriguing psychological thriller for players who enjoy atmospheric horror, surreal storytelling, and puzzle-driven exploration.