Game Review: Little Nightmares II

Little Nightmares is a series I am always happy to play more of. The first game really surprised me with how unique its major components were, especially its fantastic art design. The only major issue I had with the first entry in the series was there just wasn’t enough of it. What was there was so captivating that I felt all the sadder when the games levels grew shorter as it reached its rather abrupt ending. Imagine my delight when I learned there was another instalment of Little Nightmares to pick up called Little Nightmares II. 

Developed once again by Swedish developer Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco, Little Nightmares II serves as a direct prequel to the prior game. Utilising the same 2.5D platforming format, this game offers players a lot of new aspects to appreciate while keeping the same core foundation to build up from. It was released in February 2021 on most mainline consoles at the time. While being numbered as the next instalment this game takes a unique approach in taking place prior to the events of the first game through the lens of a completely new player-character called Mono. 

The premise behind this game is similar in style to the first game. A young boy called Mono awakens from a vivid dream about a door with a symbol of an eye in it. As he progresses further through the wilderness, he comes across a girl called Six being held captive in a hunter’s shack. After freeing Six and escaping the hunter, the pair must unite to explore a variety of deadly locations as they seek to reach a looming signal tower in the heart of the nearby city. Their journey together has them encountering all manner of creepy individuals who will be more than happy to cut their adventure short and all the while Mono continues to be plagued of visions within TV’s he comes across of the ever-looming eye door. 

I actually found myself enjoying the narrative component of this game far more than first game. There’s a clear attempt to layer the levels of this game with a substantial bit of plot. The best thing about this story is how it’s projected through the environment and key moments within it. I love how each location you explore tells a very distinct story as you progress further within them.  The relationship Mono and Six share is brilliant and the way it’s expressed is very clever. I like how smart the game is in showing Six’s darker nature which fans of the first game will be all too aware of. Her darker tendencies are teased in some major moments and it’s done in a way which helps make her relationship with Mono are the more memorable by the game’s end. Mono’s own story weighs heavily in this game and it too is delivered in a very smart fashion. In fact, the climax of his own storyline hits the hardest and it capitalizes on a number of teases made as you progress throughout the game. 

On the gameplay front, Little Nightmares II relies on the same principles of functionality as the prior game, with some very clever refinements added on top.. That’s not to say it’s free of any issues though as the way the new combat element is incorporated into this game doesn’t gel all that well with the control scheme in my opinion. Plus, there were a few moments where the game required a precise reaction from me and the game couldn’t read my controls all that quickly. Environments will constantly change up their challenges in order to keep you engaged along with a nice sense of variety. The puzzles littered throughout these levels all feel satisfying to work out too, bar a few minor ones which felt more tedious than enjoyable. It’s a minor blemish though because on the whole the gameplay offerings feel just as smart as they did in the prior entry with some much appreciated additions along with it. 

Along with its interesting narrative and engaging gameplay what else stands out with this game is its art and sound design. This game utilises it’s 2.5D setup to complete perfection, using camera panning in key moments to help add all the necessary focus to a scene. The way each environment in this game is designed to project a story was noted before but it’s aesthetic is what makes it all stand out for me. Despite it’s intended lack of colour, the game oozes it’s horrific themes and beauty in such distinct ways all throughout. Whether it’s the woods, a boarding school, or a hospital; this art team knew how to fully realise the games unique blend of horror all throughout these places. The first game was made popular due to its unique enemy design and that’s something this game continues to strive with too. The way some of these enemies are designed and programmed to get in your way is constantly terrifying; especially the Teacher enemy! The use of audio design is remarkable as well. Sound is often non-existent during most scenes so it makes the usage of it all the more noticeable. The way music and ambient audio plays into key sequences helps add a real sense of importance to their occurrences. 

Despite some minor issues with the games control scheme, I really adore everything else about this game. Tarsier Studios did an amazing job in fully delivering everything a sequel to Little Nightmares could be.  This game delivers such a compelling plot along with its meticulous environments and clever puzzle sequences. It all meshes together to deliver an experience well worth your time and money. I really hope this isn’t the last we see of the Little Nightmares series, there’s so much value and unique allure behind these games to have them end so soon after only two games.