Review Little Nightmares III: a co-op experience as beautiful as it is terrifying
The cult horror series Little Nightmares returns with a haunting new chapter developed by Supermassive Games. But does this eerie handover keep the magic alive?
A Dark Fairy Tale Reimagined
Four years after Little Nightmares II, the franchise emerges from the shadows with Little Nightmares III, developed by Supermassive Games, best known for Until Dawn. Despite the studio shift, the game remains loyal to its roots — an unsettling mix of childlike innocence and creeping dread.
Supermassive doesn’t try to reinvent the formula but rather to refine it visually and emotionally. The result? A world as poetic as it is horrifying, where every shadow hides a story.
A World of Shadows and Whispers
Visually, Little Nightmares III is stunning. Each environment — from flooded alleys to haunted libraries — feels like a nightmare painted in oil. The interplay of light and shadow, the damp textures, the grotesque shapes… everything breathes decay and tension.
Supermassive’s technical mastery shines through seamless transitions, no loading screens, and cinematic lighting that heightens claustrophobia. It’s not a reinvention but a magnification of the series’ visual identity. This artistic consistency is what keeps Little Nightmares so distinctive: it’s as beautiful as it is terrifying.
A Symphony of Silence
Sound remains one of the game’s strongest tools. The near-silence amplifies every creak, whisper, and distant laugh. Music appears sparingly — only in moments of terror — echoing like twisted lullabies.
Supermassive proves that horror doesn’t need volume; it needs tension. Little Nightmares III is a game you listen to as much as you play, a sensory experience that creeps under your skin.
Two Lost Souls, One Nightmare
The biggest change? Co-op gameplay. Players control Low and Alone — two children navigating the Spiral, a labyrinth of fears. Low uses a bow for puzzles and switches, while Alone wields a wrench to break walls or fight off enemies. This mechanic brings variety, forcing coordination and reflection, even if emotional depth between characters feels limited.
Unfortunately, there’s no local co-op, only online play. The “Friend Pass” feature softens the blow, allowing friends to join even without owning the game. Still, the AI companion performs well when playing solo, keeping the rhythm and tension intact.
Whatever little comfort you find, don’t let it slip away. The Nowhere leaves little room for more.
Pre-order #LittleNightmares III: https://t.co/nJJX5V0XfY pic.twitter.com/HwfISXxS0f — Little Nightmares III (@LittleNights) October 9, 2025
The Spiral: Where Nightmares Take Shape
Each chapter of Little Nightmares III explores a new corner of the Spiral — abandoned fairs, insect-infested ruins, and eerie dollhouses. Storytelling remains visual and symbolic, with no dialogue but plenty of meaning hidden in every flicker of light.
It’s a world that speaks in silence, urging players to interpret their fears rather than understand them. Supermassive plays it safe with the structure, sticking closely to what made the first two games work: exploration, puzzles, and desperate chases. It’s linear but never dull thanks to immaculate direction and atmosphere.
Short, Sharp, and Unforgettable
Clocking in at about five to six hours, Little Nightmares III feels more like an interactive horror film than a traditional game. Its pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish, and while it doesn’t innovate much, it delivers what fans love — dread, melancholy, and wonder.
Replay value is modest, but the difference between solo and co-op play gives it a second layer of discovery.
Verdict — Beautiful, Terrifying, but Too Safe
Little Nightmares III marks a successful handover from Tarsier Studios to Supermassive Games. It’s visually breathtaking, emotionally gripping, and terrifying in all the right ways. However, it also feels a bit too cautious, repeating familiar beats rather than daring to redefine them. The lack of local co-op and limited narrative surprises hold it back from greatness.
Still, it’s a must-play for anyone who loves atmospheric horror — a beautiful nightmare that lingers long after you wake.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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