Summary
When it was first announced that Supermassive Games would be handling development onLittle Nightmares 3,many fans of the fans of the franchise were somewhat taken aback. While Supermassive has a well-earned reputation for releasing some of the most spine-chilling horror titles in the industry, it initially seemed like an odd fit for the third entry in the popular puzzle-platformer series. But with a proven track record for delivering games that deftly balance decidedly dark settings with simple but engaging gameplay mechanics, Supermassive is uniquely positioned to do justice toLittle Nightmares 3.
After original developerTarsier Studios left theLittle Nightmaresseriesin 2021 to pursue other projects, the future of the franchise seemed uncertain. Luckily for fans of the twisted puzzle-platformers, though, publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment has found an accomplished developer to take the reins in Supermassive Games. Not only should Supermassive’s background in all things horror let it capture the right tone forLittle Nightmares 3, but its knack for delivering satisfying gameplay without relying on overly complex mechanics makes a perfect pairing for the similarly straightforward series.
Supermassive’s Horror Bona Fides Should Serve it Well with Little Nightmares 3
One of the biggest strengths Supermassive has when it comes to taking the reins onLittle Nightmares 3is its extensive experience with horror titles. Beginning with 2015’s acclaimedUntil Dawnand continuing through to its upcomingsci-fi horror game,The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020, Supermassive excels at giving gamers thrills and chills.
While players shouldn’t expectLittle Nightmares 3to feature the same sort of grisly, gory scenes seen in its more mature titles, Supermassive’s horror-heavy background should allow it to perfectly capture the eerie, often unsettling atmosphere the series is known for.
It will take more than just an appropriately spooky setting forLittle Nightmares 3to live up to the legacy of its predecessors, though; the gameplay will also have to be up to par. TheLittle Nightmaresserieshas never been particularly complex in terms of mechanics, choosing instead to deliver tightly focused gameplay centered around a limited number of player actions, and Supermassive should ensure thatLittle Nightmares 3follows this trend. Luckily, Supermassive has shown over the years that it is more than capable of giving gamers enjoyable, engaging experiences without bogging them down with complicated controls.
Supermassive Should Ensure Little Nightmares 3’s Gameplay is Straightforward But Satisfying
Although Supermassive is most well-known these days forcinematic horror gameslikeThe Quarry, the UK-based developer has worked on a wide range of titles over the years. From DLC for the iconic PlayStation platformerLittleBigPlanetto its arcade-style VR shooter,The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR, Supermassive has dabbled in multiple genres. While its games have sometimes lacked complexity in terms of mechanics, Supermassive’s less-is-more approach should pair well with the fairly straightforward gameplay of theLittle Nightmaresseries.
The decision toadd co-op toLittle Nightmares 3will likely introduce some unavoidable complexity to the gameplay, but Supermassive should still strive to ensure the series’ mix of simple stealth and environmental puzzle-solving remains intact. Thankfully, its work on 2021’sLittle Nightmares 2: Enhanced Editionshows that it is more than capable of capturing the unique spark that has made the dark, quirky series a hit with both players and critics. If Supermassive can carry on this work withLittle Nightmares 3, franchise fans should have nothing to worry about.
The surreal, side-scrollingworld ofLittle Nightmares 3may seem like a far cry from Supermassive’s usual style of game, but the multi-faceted developer has shown over the years that it is capable of much more than just interactive slasher films. And while it clearly has big shoes to fill following original developer Tarsier’s departure from the franchise, Supermassive’s gift for blending unsettling settings with simple but satisfying gameplay could makeLittle Nightmares 3the series’ most interesting entry yet.
Little Nightmares III
WHERE TO PLAY
Embark on a new adventure in the unique world of Little Nightmares.In Little Nightmares III, you follow the journey of Low & Alone, as they search for a path that could lead them out of the Nowhere.Trapped within the Spiral, a cluster of disturbing places, the two friends will have to work together to survive in a dangerous world full of delusions and escape the grasp of an even greater threat lurking in the shadows.For the first time in the franchise, face your childhood fears together with a friend using online co-op, or solo with an AI companion.Face your childhood fears togetherChoose from two brand-new characters, each equipped with their own iconic items.Play solo with an AI or with your friend using online co-op and work together to solve intricate puzzles and defend yourself against smaller enemies .Navigate through a brand-new world of delusionsEmbark on an adventure through the Spiral, a cluster of dystopian lands.Discover places as diverse as the mysterious desert of Necropolis, an unsettling fun fair, a gloomy factory, and who knows what else.Run away from a new cast of foes ranging from ominous beetles to a giant baby, and so many more.
