#Little Nightmares 3 assessment – All model with an absence of substance – Destructoid

Following the borderline flawless entries of Six’s story in Little Nightmares, I knew Supermassive Video games would have huge sneakers to fill now that Tarsier Studios has moved on from this otherworldly dream. However how would the interactive horror powerhouse fare when it got here to cute miniature characters trapped in a violent, unforgiving world?

We’ve moved on from Six after that spectacular ending in Little Nightmare‘s prequel. Now, two new and equally cute characters are trapped in a contemporary model of bedtime horrors, the place Low and Alone should leap by way of mirrors and throughout decrepit lands with the same old solid of hostile monsters.

Little Nightmares III was excessive up on my listing as one in every of my most anticipated video games of 2025, and whereas Supermassive Video games acquired the look excellent, one thing was lacking—the nightmare of all of it.

The premise is straightforward: Escape

You wouldn’t suppose Little Nightmares III was made by one other developer, as I felt proper at house within the immersive, atmospheric areas with fluid, linear degree design. The intricate particulars within the attractive colour grading, creepy sound design, efficient use of lighting, and plausible heroes and villains make Nowhere really feel like an actual place we should always all concern.

The place it begins to falter is inside its pacing and storytelling. Somewhat than the same old feeling of following each the protagonists on a precarious endeavor, the place every location behaves very similar to an ecosystem or big entity housing extra terrifying residents inside, Little Nightmares III as a substitute performs like an arcade recreation. You leap from degree to degree, totalling 4 chapters which are loosely held collectively by a single, slowly-unravelling cutscene, the focus you retain revisiting.

The scripted horror missed the mark this time

Priced at $39.99 and taking me roughly 5 hours to finish, I discovered myself spending most of my time trying to find collectibles moderately than having fun with the story. I rapidly observed a sample in how Little Nightmares III‘s 4 chapters labored: Transfer from level A to B utilizing vents and platforming, sometimes outsmart an enemy, and flee from the chapter’s antagonist to conclude the part. Whereas that is just like what the earlier titles did, the sequel’s downside lies in its repetitiveness and the way there’s a vital ingredient lacking: its overarching antagonist.

With no new mysterious antagonist to ponder over, it felt just a little stop-start. The Girl had theories centered across the iconic Six, and the Skinny Man delivered nice storytelling with out the necessity for ambiguity. They’re vastly completely different, however every had a big influence within the sequence. But a number one antagonist was nowhere to be seen, and was as a substitute changed by a important antagonist per chapter.

The attitude of Nowhere’s monsters will get a bit messy, for nothing makes a lot sense. There’s no uniform or clear aesthetic, since every monster has its personal guidelines and design, making the band of monsters a complete mismatch. Some match, others didn’t. No monster was notably memorable, particularly because you both fought off a random wave of smaller enemies or ran from the antagonist till finally defeating them. This meant the chapters felt extra like particular person nightmares Low and Alone needed to overcome, moderately than exploring the expansive world the place Six, Mono, and plenty of different kids had been as soon as held captive.

The Janitor, Chef, Hunter, Trainer, Viewers, Friends, and even the Sufferers instantly come to thoughts once I consider Little Nightmares. But, I don’t suppose I’ll bear in mind anybody other than the Kin and Supervisor, who exist already by way of the tabletop and audio-fiction sequence. The habits of monsters largely referenced earlier titles, thereby missing something new to make them stand out.

Little Nightmares III desires to constantly remind you that Nowhere is a hellscape manifestation of kids’s greatest fears

There aren’t many references to the earlier video games both, other than the Nomes, televisions, work, and chapter-exclusive collectible figurines. In fact, that all-seeing eye makes its return in a number of varieties—which you possibly can theorize is the overarching antagonist of this title—however that much-needed intrigue to drag you into its dream as soon as extra is weakened. This might clarify why the sequel feels so completely different as a standalone story.

The underutilized mechanics and monsters

I strongly consider this recreation isn’t catered to the solo expertise. Somewhat, Little Nightmares III is a multiplayer recreation with a singleplayer choice. Every chapter left me wanting extra, and I felt unfulfilled by the ending, assuming satisfaction is just assured by way of the Growth Move.

There have been a number of gaps, each in its gameplay and content material. There’s the shout function that you need to use in singleplayer to get the AI to do something, however this, alongside the throw mechanic, is used solely as soon as and to distract a monster. Many of the frustration got here from the fiddly platforming, the place I discovered myself dying far more than I ought to have. This clearly lowered the general scariness of the entry, elevated the frustration, and prolonged the time I spent on an in any other case quick part as a result of I needed to wait till the sport needed me to maneuver.

My greatest qualm with this title, nonetheless, is how there’s no sofa co-op. Little Nightmares II labored as a solo expertise as a result of Six adopted you round. This time, each characters are equally essential due to the distinctive instrument every carries. The AI is sensible sufficient to hold key gadgets and to struggle with out being advised, however this is able to work infinitely higher in co-op. Having to run to at least one spot and name your companion over so that they don’t get hit by a monster or particles will get previous very quick, whereas co-op would take away this impediment altogether.

Little Nightmares III is price your time should you’re enjoying with somebody

One of these horror recreation is the proper place to start out for gaming novices or for individuals who scare simply. Its immersive environment is one you may rapidly lose hours in, and in an odd manner, you’ll by no means wish to go away, which solely makes saying goodbye to Little Nightmares all of the extra painful. Whereas it’s a fast recreation to get by way of, this sequel expands on Little Nightmares’ primary platforming gameplay. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t decide this entry aside for symbolism, secret lore, or make it greater than it’s.

Low and Alone’s story takes place in Nowhere, and sadly, that’s the place the story finally ends up.