Little Nightmares 3 Review – A Short Co‑Op Horror That Falls Short

Introduction

Little Nightmares 3 arrives as the third entry in the atmospheric, 2‑D horror series that has built a loyal fan base with its unsettling visuals and tight puzzle‑platforming. While the first two installments earned praise for their haunting mood and clever design, the newest title—developed by Supermassive Games—introduces online co‑op and a fresh duo of silent protagonists. This review breaks down the game’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether it deserves a place on your shelf.

Development Background

The original Little Nightmares games were created by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco. After Tarsier’s acquisition by Embracer Group, the franchise shifted hands. Little Nightmares 3 is now in the hands of Supermassive Games, a studio best known for narrative‑driven horror experiences such as Until Dawn, The Quarry, and the Dark Pictures Anthology.

• Supermassive’s pedigree brings cinematic horror sensibilities to the series.
• The shift in development explains the noticeable change in tone and design philosophy.

Gameplay Overview

Core Mechanics

Players control two child‑like characters—Low and Alone—each equipped with a distinct tool:

• Wrench – used to turn wheels, break objects, and perform melee attacks.
• Bow and Arrow – fires at switches, distracts enemies, and can stun foes.

The game is linear and built around cooperative puzzles. Typically, one player activates a mechanism with the wrench while the other clears a path with an arrow.

Co‑ Design

• Online‑only multiplayer – friends must connect via the internet; there is no local couch co‑op.
• Single‑player mode replaces the second player with an AI companion that mimics the bow‑user’s abilities.

While the co‑op concept aligns with the series’ emphasis on teamwork, the implementation feels limited. The puzzles rarely require creative coordination, and the AI’s occasional delays can interrupt the game’s flow.

Visuals and Audio

Running on a PS5 Pro in fidelity mode, Little Nightmares 3 delivers crisp textures, refined lighting, and an unsettling color palette that feels true to the franchise’s grim aesthetic. The environments are gritty and grotesque, with occasional set‑piece moments that showcase Supermassive’s flair for cinematic tension.

• Atmosphere – strong in key sections, especially during chase sequences.
• Creature design – varied from previous games; some feel less terrifying, but a few stand‑out encounters deliver genuine scares.

Strengths

• Atmospheric set‑pieces – certain areas blend Supermassive’s cinematic style with the series’ signature dread.
• Short runtime – a 4‑5 hour experience makes it a low‑commitment horror title.
• Collectibles and secrets – hidden items encourage exploration despite the linear design.
• Co‑op option – finally offers a way to experience Little Nightmares with a friend, albeit online only.

Weaknesses

• Lack of couch co‑op – a surprising omission in a genre where local multiplayer thrives.
• Pacing issues – AI lag and unclear visual cues create friction not present in earlier titles.
• Simplified puzzles – often reduced to trial‑and‑error rather than inventive problem‑solving.
• Monsters less impactful – many enemies fail to deliver the shock value that defined the series.
• Overall feel – the game feels the weakest of the three entries, missing the tight, rock‑solid engagement of its predecessors.

Storytelling

True to the franchise, the narrative is minimalist. The protagonists never speak, and storytelling is conveyed through environmental cues and brief cutscenes. While the plot is predictable, the simplicity works for those who appreciate atmospheric storytelling over dialogue‑heavy exposition.

Verdict

Little Nightmares 3 is a mixed bag. It offers a fresh co‑op experience and retains enough of the series’ eerie charm to be enjoyable in short bursts. However, technical shortcomings—especially the lack of local multiplayer and occasional pacing hiccups—prevent it from reaching the heights of the first two games.

If you are a fan of the franchise looking for a quick, spooky session, or if you enjoy playing horror titles online with a friend, the game may be worth a try—preferably when it’s on sale. For newcomers seeking a definitive Little Nightmares experience, the earlier entries remain the stronger choice.

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