Inbetween all the running and screaming, Justin and Cole are just looking for someone to hug in the dark. Maybe a little food would help, too.

Previous Little Nightmares experience

  • Watched a trailer or two that didn't stand out.
  • Read something about the creature design being a focus during development that caught my attention.

Initial Expectations, Hopes, Dreams, Fears

  • I hope it's not boring or too slow.
  • Can it be scary from this side scrolling perspective?
  • Will the story be engaging at all?
  • Do I want to play another linear puzzle platformer?
  • I'm going to see some borderline disturbing moments.

What actually happened

I can't remember what made me try Little Nightmares as I though I had had my fill of abstract puzzle platforming games. I remember writing it off and then a week or so after release it just kind of stuck in my brain. I couldn't shake it. Maybe it was a screenshot or the feeling that got tied to it, but I kept finding myself looking at it on the store. I guess I just had to know, and I'm glad I now know that I really like Little Nightmares.

Little Nightmares

The last thing I expected from Little Nightmares was to be entertained. That may sound weird, but even on the high side of my expectations I thought I'd just be creeped out or some moment from the game would be so disturbing that it was seared into my memory forever. Instead I actually genuinely enjoyed playing the game and exploring its atmosphere. There's a lot of texture to the world and characters, especially for a game without any narrative/dialog to be read/heard.

Little Nightmares pulled me in immediately with clever moments that revealed its simple control scheme without taking me out of the moment with button prompts or pauses. I was able to figure things out as I explored it at my own pace. The swaying of the level as the boat you are on rocks back and forth gives everything a small but constant momentum even when you are meant to stand still. I found myself always wanting to press forward even when I was scared to death as to what was around the corner.

A couple hours in and all of the payoffs have been satisfying. Survival is earned without making the deaths and failures feel cheap. Every standout moment builds off of the previous one so that the swings between dread and elation feel organic and memorable. It makes me never want Little Nightmares to end.

Will I keep playing?

From what I've read, I've only got a couple hours left of Little Nightmares. The only reason I wouldn't finish it is so that I'd feel like I always had more to play. However, I really want to see what other enemies the game is going to throw in my way. I also have to get this girl off the boat, whatever it takes.

Horrible Night Videos