Dream a little nightmare
The first Little Nightmares was a pleasant surprise when it was released in 2017. It combined straightforward puzzles with some nightmarish imagery that left an impression on everyone who played it. When I heard the sequel was coming I was curious how they could match the intensity of the original while also improving upon the original formula. Little Nightmares II delivers on what made the original great by dialing up the horrific imagery, but also adds a questionable combat mechanic and goes to the well perhaps one too many times. Still it doesn’t stop this from being a must-play.
Little Nightmares II stars a brand new protagonist named Mono. The game begins with him waking up in a forest loaded with traps. Along his journey he quickly comes across Six, the yellow raincoat-wearing girl from the original. Their dynamic progresses throughout as she helps him reach new heights as well as moving larger objects. The game moves through various macabre areas such as a school and of course plenty of dark areas full of horrific imagery.
MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, PC
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
The sequel revisits a lot of the same mechanics of the first. It is a pseudo 3D game in that the character moves from left to right with a little freedom to move in and out of certain backgrounds. Most of the time it is solving environmental puzzles not unlike a game like Limbo or Inside. These can involve moving blocks or objects to perform actions. There are a few more intricate puzzles that had me stumped for a few seconds, but for the most part they are all straightforward.
What this game does introduce though is minor combat that crops up on occasion. It is not my favorite part of the game at all. This is not a hack and slash, and instead the game offers up Mono a simple weapon such as a bar or hammer that he has one shot at hitting. Miss the hit and it is an instant game over. This can be tricky and serves as more of a roadblock to progression than an addition to the game play. I hated these segments and it was the only time I stopped playing the game. They just do not fit well with the rest of the tension the game delivers.
The chase sequences also return and are a bit overused. The first couple are extremely intense and I loved them. Problem is, by the time the fourth one rolled around it had worn out its welcome. I just wanted to get through it. Instead of the tension the first couple produced, these final ones felt like they were recycling content to extend the campaign. Still they are all well done and I did enjoy their inclusion.
Where Little Nightmares II excels is where the first one made its mark. The game is genuinely creepy and unsettling. Developer Tarsier Studios has once again crafted the stuff of nightmares. Each area has this soft matte look and feel that creates a sense of disbelief of reality. The creature designs are horrifying. From the large chase enemies to the school filled with Pinocchio-style marionettes the game fills players with a sense of dread. The sound design is also exquisite. Little nuance here and there, the slight swelling of ambience fills each scene and the proper score at the right time makes this game increase blood pressure. This team is a master of its craft and this sequel really delivers on the creep factor.
Little Nightmares II is a wonderful sequel that adds unnecessary combat to the mix. The journey is still worth pushing through just to experience the horrors the team has delivered. I love these type of games as it stimulates that certain part of my brain that creates a sense of discomfort while also letting me solve puzzles to stay alive. The lighter price point and promise of next-gen updates also make it worth your time. Don’t miss out on the first genuinely disturbing game of 2021.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.