Team up to escape a twisted fairytale
Little Nightmares III plunges players into a world of unsettling beauty and bone-chilling horror, continuing the series’ legacy of puzzle-platform adventure games. Developed by Supermassive Games, this installment follows two new protagonists, Low and Alone, as they navigate the surreal and dangerous world of the Nowhere.
Little Nightmares III distinguishes itself from its predecessors with a new online co-op mode, allowing two players to team up as Low and Alone, or for a single player to control both with an AI companion. The core gameplay loop remains the same: solve environmental puzzles, evade monstrous enemies, and navigate treacherous landscapes.
Little Nightmares III is a masterclass in environmental storytelling, with every crumbling ruin, creaking machine, and grotesque inhabitant contributing to a deeply immersive and horrifying atmosphere. The partnership between Low and Alone is central to the experience. They each possess a unique item — Low's bow and Alone's wrench — which are integral to solving puzzles. Cleverly designed, the puzzles require both characters to utilize their abilities in tandem.
Two friends lost in the dark
From the unsettling Monster Baby to the voracious Candy Weevils, Nowhere is a terrifying place full of heart-pounding enemy encounters and challenges. The tension is palpable, and the need to run, hide, and occasionally defend yourself keeps you on the edge of your seat. The game’s design forces players to be resourceful, using the environment to their advantage to outsmart their monstrous pursuers.
The AI companion is surprisingly capable, able to assist in most situations, though its occasional missteps can lead to frustrating moments. A core issue, especially for those who prefer to play alone, is that the game is heavily balanced around the co-op experience. While the AI is serviceable, it cannot fully replicate the seamless coordination of a human partner, leading to moments where a puzzle's intended flow is disrupted.
Beautifully grim
In summary, Little Nightmares III is a worthy successor to the series, delivering a stunning and terrifying adventure that builds upon its predecessors' strengths. The introduction of cooperative gameplay provides a fresh twist to the formula, while the new cast of characters and horrifying residents keep the experience exciting and unpredictable. The game promises a memorable experience, though the occasional AI companion hiccup can be a slight annoyance.
Pros
- Solid and compelling narrative
- Atmospheric world
- Clever co-op puzzles
- Varied enemy design
Cons
- AI companion can be unreliable
- Heavily balanced for co-op
