Supermassive Games has officially taken the reins from Tarsier Studios to deliver Little Nightmares III, a haunting new adventure that stays remarkably faithful to the series’ established, unsettling atmosphere four years after the release of its predecessor.
A Dual-Protagonist Nightmare
For the first time in the franchise, Little Nightmares III introduces cooperative gameplay featuring two distinct characters: Low, equipped with a raven mask and a bow for precision tasks, and Alone, who wields a heavy wrench to shatter obstacles. While their character designs are visually striking, the game misses an opportunity to flesh out their personalities or deepen their connection. Despite the cooperative premise, the mechanical reliance on teamwork feels surprisingly sparse throughout the journey.
The Co-op Conundrum
The implementation of co-op is a double-edged sword. While the inclusion of a “Friend’s Pass”—allowing a friend to join without owning the game—is a welcome touch, the lack of couch co-op is baffling. The design of the game screams for local play, yet users are restricted to online-only sessions. For those preferring a solo experience, the AI-controlled partner serves as a functional, if unremarkable, substitute.
Traversing The Spiral
Players guide Low and Alone through “The Spiral,” a collection of vignettes dripping with classic horror tropes, including grotesque baby dolls, abandoned carnivals, and skittering spiders. These environments are populated by hulking, Tim Burton-esque monstrosities that provide consistent, heart-pounding tension. While the encounters rarely offer genuine surprises, the visceral experience of fleeing these threats remains as effective as ever.
Refining the Horror Formula
The introduction of the bow and wrench suggested a potential evolution in gameplay, yet these tools remain largely underutilized. The core experience remains centered on the series’ signature feeling of helplessness: navigating platforming challenges, enduring high-stakes chase sequences, and solving repetitive environmental puzzles. Often, progression relies heavily on the familiar loop of moving boxes to reach higher ground.
Atmospheric Excellence
Despite the lack of mechanical innovation, the game’s aesthetic strengths carry the experience. The visual storytelling and meticulous sound design are exceptional, consistently creating an environment of awe and dread. Little Nightmares III succeeds as a horror-filled escape, and while Supermassive Games plays it safe with the established formula, the chilling journey of Low and Alone remains a compelling experience for fans of the genre.
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