Summary
- Introduces co-op gameplay but feels too familiar despite lacking the memorable monster design of the original.
- Features excellent audiovisual presentation but relies heavily on repetitive puzzles and instant-fail sequences.
- Plays safe with few innovative moments and sticking to the series’ trademark, making a solid but unfortunately unremarkable sequel.
Little Nightmares franchise introduced its third entry during the Halloween season, featuring cooperative play for the first time. Will Supermassive Games’ Little Nightmares 3 surpass previous installments? Or will it just stick with its familiar gameplay? Delve into Little Nightmares 3 with this game review!
Co-Op Brings New Life to Familiar Gameplay
A new two-player cooperative mode spiced up Little Nightmares’ latest entry. It marked a welcome evolution to the series, where the two previous entries are fixed with solo play. To play the game, you have to choose between Low (armed with a bow and arrow) or Alone (who wields a heavy wrench).
Low can shoot distant buttons and sever ropes; meanwhile, Alone smashes through obstacles and cranks mechanisms. This co-op works seamlessly with the current gameplay between Low and Alone. However, it is only available in online mode, which disappoints players who hope for local couch co-op experiences.
Plus, it lacks drop-in, drop-out functionality once your partner leaves mid-session. But the generous friend pass system allows a second player to join your game without purchasing their own copy. Also, solo players might actually have a smoother experience with competitive AI companions.
A World Built on Nightmare Logic
Certainly, Little Nightmares has not disappointed in creating a unique atmospheric world. Little Nightmares 3 operates on dream logic, where nothing quite makes sense, but everything feels threatening. It takes players through four distinct chapters: the Necropolis, Carnavale, Candy Factory, and The Institute.
Each location is unsettling on its own, from grotesque carnival patrons to disturbing magicians’ tricks gone horribly wrong. More so, its audiovisual presentation remains the game’s strongest asset. Playing with headphones reveals the game’s layered sound design, where you hear every noise detail. From echoes of ghosts and rhythmic metal clanking to a stalking monster.
However, Little Nightmares 3 uses less music than previous entries and reserves twisted lullaby-like tunes specifically for chase sequences. Among the chapters, Carnavale stands out with its wooden dolls styled as sideshow barkers. You’ll need Low to shoot off their heads while Alone smashes their skulls.
Playing It Too Safe
Despite its strengths, nothing appears outstanding for Little Nightmares 3. Rather, it suffers from an overwhelming sense of familiarity that rarely challenges you. The solutions to puzzles feel obvious due to context-sensitive character abilities.
There aren’t many brain teasers that will require serious thought or experimentation, which makes the runtime long. Also, the monster designs weren’t as terrifying as the Janitor or fleshy-masked chefs. The towering baby doll in Necropolis looks intimidating but pretty plain to bring intense terror.
Little Nightmares 3 favors plastic dummies and wooden dolls over organic horrors that made the first game disturbing. The mechanics were repetitive as well, having you constantly ripping through wooden beams, pushing crates, and timing jumps. All these actions were already seen in previous games.
The Verdict: Good But Not Great
Supermassive Games did a decent job of taking over the Little Nightmares franchise. As seen in this Little Nightmares 3 review, their visual presentation lived up to the standards. However, they barely get innovative with the mechanics and monsters, making everything feel familiar.
The puzzles also lacked challenges to take hours from your day to accomplish. They are too easy, especially with the aid of AI companions. While allowing cooperative gameplay, it is limited to online mode only. Overall, the experience feels like a safe sequel with a resemblance to Little Nightmares 2.
Writer’s Recommendations
Hi there, it’s Stal! If you loved that article, make sure to check out these other articles I’ve written just for you. See you there!
