Little Nightmares III PAX West 2024 Preview
Following the successes of Little Nightmares and Little Nightmares II, Little Nightmares III follows two new protagonists, Low and Alone, as they look to escape the Nowhere. Armed with a bow and a wrench, players must navigate a disturbing world full of puzzles and horrors.
Little Nightmares III: Low and Alone’s Frightening New Journey
At PAX West 2024, we were fortunate enough to go hands-on with two different demos of Little Nightmares III. Now developed by Supermassive Games and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, the third entry in the Little Nightmares franchise continues to build upon the formula laid in the first two games.
Perhaps the biggest change in Little Nightmares III is the introduction of cooperative play, allowing players to play alongside an AI companion or another player online. Little Nightmares II did not actually have a co-op mode; it was just a companion despite co-op being discussed, allowing Little Nightmares III to flesh out the feature fully. For those wanting to play with a friend online, a Friends Pass feature will exist, allowing two players to play online if only one owns the game. In the two demos that we were able to experience, we had the opportunity to play with both an AI companion as well as a human player.
Introduction of Cooperative Play: A New Dynamic
With an AI companion, we found the experience in line with the first two games, with our partner acting when commanded and otherwise staying close by and assisting with puzzles when prompted. Where we found the game to shine was in the demo with a human-controlled companion. Communication went from non-existent to almost a necessity in the cooperative experience. Puzzles now had a second opinion in real time and solutions had to be agreed upon. In one instance, however, our indecisiveness actually resulted in accidental patience which subsequently solved the puzzle.
What stood out the most about the title was the impressive settings of the two sections. The game is aesthetically impressive and imposing, but also from a gameplay standpoint, there are enough visual cues to help push players forward without being too overbearing with hints. Puzzles and situations require thinking, trial and error, and coordination (if playing with another person) in order to succeed.
Impressions and Anticipations for Little Nightmares III
Our time with the two demos ultimately came down to an experience full of wonder, exploration, and excitement. The world of Little Nightmares III feels alive in perhaps the worst way possible, which in this case is the best way possible. The atmosphere is heavy, but the various shenanigans and potential co-op action leave a lighthearted taste that keeps the game from becoming too morose.
Little Nightmares III is expected to be released in 2025 on the Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X/S. With the game’s continuous iterations and journey into the mainstream, we anticipate that this could be the biggest game of the franchise yet.
