Slimepress
The Little Nightmares series might be one of the most recognizable branches of the horror game family. It’s a simple enough formula: small kids + hostile environment. Yet this formula has become a multimedia juggernaut stretching games and even podcasts about its world. With that in mind, Supermassive Games has some big shoes to fill [...]
The Little Nightmares series might be one of the most recognizable branches of the horror game family. It's a simple enough formula: small kids + hostile environment. Yet this formula has become a multimedia juggernaut stretching games and even podcasts about its world.
With that in mind, Supermassive Games has some big shoes to fill with Little Nightmares III. The thing with simple formulas is that that also means they feel off just as easily. Little Nightmares III hinges on co-op as its main gimmick: now you get to have two people go through The Spiral, with all the typical Little Nightmares shenanigans.
According to game producer Coralie Feniello, a lot of care was specifically put into the multiplayer to make sure that they still created a Little Nightmares experience.
A Hospitable World In Little Nightmares III
"We always try to think about what would make sense for the game, and the lore, as having two children in a world that's very inhospitable will give you certain types of challenges", she says.
"We also ensured that the challenges would work both in online co-op and single player, as while we are happy to be able to introduce online co-op we want to make sure people who want to play solo have as much fun with the game."
That world would be the main stepping stone into making a game feel like Little Nightmares. Coralie had a very eloquent way of describing the exact brand of horror in Little Nightmares III:
"Similar to the two first games, Little Nightmares III is based on what we call charming horror, placing two children in a world that's not meant for them and that is frightening, basing locations and residents on some universal childhood or adult fears", she says.
"The themes we explore resonate with quite a lot of people, exploring childhood fears, or universal fears where people can relate", she adds.
"The Carnevale for example is not only something kids could be afraid of, even some adults can be frightened by the lights, the noise and overwhelming atmosphere. Obviously, as video games and especially Little Nightmares games are a very creative medium, various people from the team have infused part of their own fears and feelings into the game."
Connecting To Low and Alone
But what about feelings of attachment? The game's playable characters, Low and Alone, are more then just a stand-in for you and whoever you've got on Discord VC with you. Coralie says your journey through the Spiral is also about watching Low and Alone's relationship unfold- even if it's just you at the controls.
"Players will create a connection as they go through their journey, both physical and emotional, and get to know them. For both modes you will have several cutscenes showing you the evolution of their relationship and giving you more hints about the story", Coralie explains.
"In single player you will also be able to see some specific flavor animations which make them feel more alive and bring a bit more of their personality out. For the puzzles we have worked to ensure we would provide a balanced experience for both characters, no matter the way you choose to play", she adds.
From giant babies to carnival monsters, there's a lot to look forward to with Little Nightmares III before it launches this October. If you're in KL, a special demo of the game will also be available at Cos-Mic– so you can experience a taste of the dual-protagonist action for yourself.