Little Nightmares II

Little Nightmares II is a puzzle-platformer horror adventure game from Tarsier Studios, which released this title on PC and other platforms in early 2021. This game is a prequel to the critically acclaimed title Little Nightmares from 2017.

However, while the original title was focused only on the adventures of small girl Six who found herself in the dark dreamlike world of Maw, this title adds more action and adventure into the mix by introducing a new main character called Mono.

The expanded move set of Mono allows players to finally get more active in various exploration, platforming, action, and puzzle moments, making this game much more dynamic and engaging than the last. Of course, the game still manages to properly scare its users with masterful audio/visual design, oppressive atmosphere, tense moments, and scary monsters that hide behind every corner.

Not much has changed with the core gameplay systems when compared to the original game. Little Nightmares 2's biggest gameplay addition is the ability of Mono to grab and throw objects (which can be used throughout the game in many puzzles, platforming, and combat situations).

Another thing is the presence of Six, our small girl hero from the original game, who is controlled by the game, and the player can interact with her by taking her hand and leading her through the levels. Many game sequences are more complicated and engaging because of this, forcing players not only to make themselves safe but also to ensure that Six is protected from various environmental dangers, platforming deaths, or monsters who prey on the weak.

To maximize the playtime and discover all of the game secrets, players can elect to gather all of the collectible hats that are hidden throughout the 5-6 hour long single-player campaign, managing to expand it to around 8 hours. This will also unlock an additional reward scene. While the original game received numerous DLC add-ons, Little Nightmares II is a bigger and more competent game that tells the majority of its story inside its base package. The only announced DLC pack for it is The Nome's Attic DLC which comes bundled in with the “Digital Content Bundle” available on the game launch.

Due to its more impressive visuals and eye-catching special effects, Little Nightmares II requires a bit more capable PC than its predecessor. Still, many modern desktop and laptop PCs will not have much trouble running this title if they have a modern quadcore CPU. Similar to its predecessor, the game can only run on 64-bit versions of Windows OS (Win 7 and newer).

PROS

Atmospheric and Creepy: Little Nightmares II excels at creating a haunting and unsettling atmosphere. The game's dark and eerie world, coupled with its unsettling characters and sound design, can give players a real sense of dread.

Engaging Puzzles: The game features a variety of puzzles that require logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Figuring out how to progress through the levels can be both challenging and rewarding.

Unique Art Style: The game is known for its distinctive art style, with detailed and grotesque character designs set against a backdrop of a decaying, nightmarish world. The art direction adds to the overall unsettling experience.

Well-Crafted Sound Design: The audio design, including the eerie music and ambient sounds, contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere and immersion.

Compelling Story: It offers a mysterious and engaging narrative that unfolds as players progress through the game. It leaves players with questions and a desire to uncover the secrets of the world.

CONS

Short Playtime: One common criticism of the game is its relatively short length. Some players may find that they can complete the main story in just a few hours, which can be disappointing for those looking for a longer gaming experience.

Some Pacing Issues: While the game's atmosphere is a strong point, some players have noted pacing issues, with moments of intense horror followed by slower, more methodical segments.

Limited Replayability: Once you've completed the main story and uncovered its secrets, there may be limited reasons to revisit the game, which can impact its replayability.

Minor Technical Issues: Some players have reported minor technical issues, such as occasional glitches or performance problems, although these may vary depending on the platform and system specifications.