Little Nightmares 3 Review: A Dive into the Abyss

As the spooky season approaches, fans of atmospheric horror have a new reason to celebrate with the release of Little Nightmares 3. This latest installment in the beloved franchise introduces new characters, eerie locations, and a fresh development team, breathing new life into the unsettling world of Nowhere. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this game tick.

Out with the Old, In with the New

The Little Nightmares series has garnered a dedicated following, thanks in part to its unique blend of horror and platforming. However, this time around, the development baton has been passed from Tarsier Studios to Supermassive Games, known for their work on narrative-driven titles like Until Dawn. This shift has sparked both excitement and trepidation among fans.

One of the most anticipated features is the introduction of full two-player cooperative gameplay. Players can team up as Low and Alone, navigating the twisted environments together. For those who prefer a solo experience, the game still accommodates this by allowing one player to control both characters, reminiscent of the mechanics in Little Nightmares 2. The addition of a Friends Pass feature also allows players to invite friends to join in the fun, enhancing the cooperative experience.

Feeling Low and Alone

In Little Nightmares 3, players primarily control Low, a young boy trying to escape the nightmarish Spiral, a collection of bizarre and terrifying environments. He is joined by Alone, his best friend, and their relationship adds depth to the narrative. While the game maintains the series’ signature storytelling style—minimal dialogue and heavy reliance on environmental cues—the plot feels somewhat disjointed compared to its predecessors.

Combat mechanics have evolved, with both characters now equipped with weapons: Low wields a makeshift bow and arrow, while Alone carries a half-broken wrench. This addition of player agency allows for more interactive gameplay, enabling players to solve puzzles and navigate challenges in new ways.

Trial and Error, Error, Error

The Little Nightmares series has always embraced a trial-and-error approach, challenging players to think quickly and adapt. However, this installment seems to amplify that frustration. Players often encounter poorly signposted visual cues, making it difficult to discern what actions are required. Inconsistent animations and unpredictable enemy behaviors can lead to moments of sheer frustration, especially in cooperative play.

While the game retains its core mechanics, the lack of clear guidance can detract from the overall experience. Players may find themselves repeatedly attempting the same sections, leading to a sense of irritation rather than the intended tension.

Bad Dreams

Visually, Little Nightmares 3 excels, with Supermassive Games successfully capturing the grimy, unsettling aesthetic that fans have come to love. The environments are rich in detail, filled with unnerving creatures that players must outsmart. New gameplay mechanics are introduced, alongside familiar elements like the torch, which adds to the atmosphere.

However, the game is not without its issues. While character responsiveness has improved, players may still experience moments where controls feel unresponsive. Depth perception in the 3D environments can also be problematic, leading to misjudged jumps and frustrating deaths. These technical hiccups can overshadow the otherwise captivating experience.

A Frustrating Journey

Despite its shortcomings, Little Nightmares 3 offers a compelling continuation of the franchise. The introduction of cooperative play and new mechanics adds freshness, but the game struggles to reach the narrative and atmospheric heights of its predecessors. The journey through Nowhere is filled with potential, yet the frustrations encountered can detract from the overall enjoyment.

As players navigate the twisted landscapes and encounter bizarre inhabitants, they may find themselves yearning for the seamless experience that characterized earlier entries in the series. The bond between Low and Alone is intriguing, but the cooperative aspect may dilute the intended emotional impact, prompting some to consider a solo playthrough for a more immersive experience.

Little Nightmares III

Played on: PC

Pros

• Great atmosphere and art, worthy of the franchise
• Some cool new game mechanics
• Spooky audioscape
• Felt more responsive to play

Cons

• Trial and error gameplay rears its head far too often
• Some frustrating animation events seemed random
• Poor player signposting

In summary, Little Nightmares 3 is a hauntingly beautiful addition to the franchise, offering both thrills and challenges. While it may not fully capture the magic of its predecessors, it still provides an engaging experience for fans and newcomers alike.