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Imagine waking up enveloped in darkness. You rise, peer into the silent abyss, and begin to walk… and walk… and walk. You yearn for a sliver of light, something to grasp in the eternal black. But there’s nothing. Just as despair sets in, you feel it: a chilling sense of dread, your heart pounding, your breath quickening. You realize the sounds aren’t yours. It’s a nightmare.

Remember the nightmares that terrified you as a child? Those unsettling experiences etched into your memory. As adults, we believe we’ve conquered those fears, right? For those who believe they’re brave enough, or those who wish to revisit the chilling sensations of childhood nightmares, Tarsier Studios crafted a gift: Little Nightmares, released in 2017. A year later, three DLC packs completed the experience, culminating in Little Nightmares: Complete Edition. Wondering if you should embrace this gift? Let’s delve into the terrifying world of Little Nightmares.

A Descent into Terror

alt: Six navigating the dark and creepy depths of The Maw in Little Nightmares

You’re small, hungry, and alone, navigating the vast, shadowy halls of a mysterious vessel called The Maw. You crave solitude, but lurking within are grotesque creatures ready to extinguish the last embers of life within Six, the character you embody. Little Nightmares‘ strength lies in its masterful creation of a pervasively unsettling atmosphere. The Maw’s chilling, unnerving spaces haunt you, raising countless questions throughout your journey.

The game is a mind game, a constant push and pull between you and the environment. Each chapter presents unique challenges and enemies, always making you aware of their presence. They don’t always lurk in the shadows; sometimes, you must approach them, all while remaining undetected.

alt: Six hiding from a grotesque enemy in Little Nightmares

The game forces you to confront your fears. The oppressive atmosphere and eerie sounds make you hesitate, but you must push forward to find your way out. Just when you think you’ve reached safety, a dropped box or shattered plate alerts your pursuers. You’re exposed, hunted, and the only uncertainty is when they will find you.

Little Nightmares plays with your fears, sometimes startling you with jump scares, other times forcing you to face your dread head-on. It offers a false sense of security, only to snatch it away, turning you into prey.

The gameplay is surprisingly diverse, using shifting perspectives to create a 2.5D world with depth. You interact with objects, locations, and enemies from various angles, choosing your approach: running, tiptoeing, or using cunning to outsmart your foes. The puzzles are rarely complex, but the constant feeling of being hunted elevates the tension.

alt: Six running through a brightly lit area in Little Nightmares

Technical Considerations and Audio Design

Two technical aspects deserve mention. First, the camera angles can be challenging. Even on a straight path, diagonal viewpoints require precise button presses to prevent Six from falling. While this adds to the challenge, it can also feel clunky. Second, brightness significantly impacts the experience. Maximum brightness allows for easy navigation but sacrifices atmosphere. For the full chilling effect, play in the recommended darkness with headphones.

Speaking of headphones, the sound design is exceptional. Creaking floorboards, the clang of cleavers, and ominous music blend seamlessly to create an auditory landscape of dread. Every interaction and scene is meticulously crafted, immersing you in the world while simultaneously putting you on edge. Without the sound, the game would lose half its soul.

alt: Six observing the grotesque environment in Little Nightmares

Lingering Questions and the Mystery of Six

The story is a haunting enigma, clinging to you from the moment you enter The Maw. Even after completion, questions linger, prompting speculation and interpretation. What is the origin of The Maw? Who are the creatures you encounter? And the biggest mystery: who, or what, is Six?

alt: Six in a dark room with a single light source in Little Nightmares

Initially, Six appears as a small, vulnerable girl. But as you progress, you sense something amiss. She’s unique, unlike the other inhabitants of The Maw. When hunger strikes, eerie sounds emanate, and she devours anything: sausages, small pieces of meat, and… well, play to the end to witness her true nature. (Hint: the game’s original title was “Hunger.”)

The Complete Experience: DLC and Enhanced Gameplay

Released in April 2017, Little Nightmares received its final DLC in February 2018. These additions enhance the value significantly, adding 1-2 hours of playtime and more challenging puzzles. They also reveal details about the characters and events, deepening the game’s lore. The DLC addresses the original game’s shortcomings, offering a complete and unforgettable experience.

alt: Six standing in front of a locked gate in Little Nightmares

alt: Six hiding under a table from an enemy in Little Nightmares

The Complete Edition is highly recommended. It expands upon the core game, providing a richer and more fulfilling journey into the depths of childhood fears.

alt: A promotional image for Little Nightmares Complete Edition

Technical Specifications, System Requirements

• Developer: Tarsier Studios
• Publisher: Bandai Namco Entertainment
• Genre: Adventure
• Release Date: April 28, 2017
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Minimum System Requirements:

• OS: Windows 7 64-bit
• CPU: Intel i3
• RAM: 4 GB
• GPU: Nvidia GTX 460
• Storage: 10 GB

Tested System Configuration:

• OS: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• CPU: Ryzen R7 1700 @ 3.7 GHz
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: Gigabyte Rx 560 OC 2GB
• Storage: Samsung 950 Pro 256GB