Bedlam is an action first-person shooter developed as a tie-in to Christopher Brookmyre's novel of the same name. It places players in a series of interconnected virtual worlds that echo classic gaming eras from the 1980s and 1990s while using modern visuals and controls on Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on fast-paced first-person shooting that emphasizes constant movement and evasion over cover-based tactics. Players navigate levels that shift between different classic game styles, all viewed through the same first-person lens. Environments draw inspiration from older shooters with fast projectiles and open arenas, alongside segments that incorporate real-time strategy elements and arcade-style challenges. Movement feels responsive yet carries the floaty quality of older titles, requiring players to circle strafe and dodge while managing limited ammunition and health pickups. The protagonist's dialogue and observations add personality to the otherwise straightforward gunplay, highlighting the game's roots in Brookmyre's satirical writing.
Game Modes
Bedlam consists entirely of a single-player campaign divided into roughly twenty chapters. These chapters progress through varied virtual game worlds without any branching paths or alternate routes. There are no competitive multiplayer options, co-operative modes, or additional side activities beyond the main story sequence. Progression relies on completing objectives within each level, such as eliminating enemies or navigating genre-specific challenges, before advancing to the next interconnected area.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows a character trapped inside a vast digital network called Starfire, where different game genres serve as distinct zones. Players move between FPS-inspired battlefields, RTS command perspectives viewed from ground level, and retro arcade shooters, all unified by the first-person viewpoint. Humor arises from the protagonist's reactions to these familiar yet twisted game tropes, creating a meta commentary on gaming history without requiring prior knowledge of the source novel.
Technical Aspects and Presentation
Graphics update the retro aesthetic with higher-resolution textures and lighting effects suitable for Xbox hardware, while retaining the blocky character models and simple environments that evoke 1990s design. Audio features voice acting that delivers the game's comedic lines clearly, paired with sound effects that mimic classic weapon feedback. Controls support standard Xbox layouts with options for sensitivity adjustments, though the underlying mechanics remain unchanged from the original release.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception for Bedlam has been mixed, with praise directed at the writing and concept while criticism focuses on stiff shooting mechanics, occasional bugs, and a short campaign length of around six hours. The game appeals most to players interested in retro gaming nostalgia and humorous storytelling rather than polished modern shooter action. On Xbox platforms it remains available as a complete single-player experience with no ongoing updates or seasonal content. Those who enjoy first-person shooters that experiment with genre shifts may find the level variety engaging despite dated gunplay, whereas players seeking competitive modes or refined controls will likely find the experience frustrating. Overall the title suits patient gamers looking for a brief, idea-driven campaign over extended replayability.
