"[1] Players use the cursor and directional keys to explore a series of spaces connected by doors in an alien city, including train stations, bars and art galleries.

Whilst the city is occupied with alien inhabitants that wander the spaces at random, they are not interactable and do not respond to the player.

Shaun Prescott of PC Gamer praised the game for its "oddly hypnotic experience", stating that the lack of guidance and direction and minimal interface add to "the sense of place".

In the initial review for the publication, Alice O'Connor praised the game's impressionistic approach, stating "The lo-fi look, a forced low-res filter, blown-out sound, and simple AI drag Bernband so far into the abstract and imagination that it feels real and exciting.

"[7] The website proceeded to name the game as one of the "best of 2014", stating "Bernband is impressive over and above other walking simulators because it wrings atmosphere and a strong sense of place from such a small number of pieces," stating " it sucks you in and takes you to that place with music, lighting, and a pixellated filter that turns rough edges into an aesthetic.