“Little Nightmares III” Review by Nick Navarro
There’s a special kind of unease that only the “Little Nightmares” series can conjure. That silent dread that seeps in through the corners of every dimly lit corridor, where you feel more like prey than a protagonist. When I first stepped into “Little Nightmares III,” I immediately felt the familiar pulse of that anxiety, yet there was something new stirring beneath it. For the first time, I wasn’t alone. Developed by Supermassive Games, this third entry in the series marks the first time someone other than Tarsier Studios has taken the reins. Given Supermassive’s track record with narrative-driven horror, from “Until Dawn” to “The Dark Pictures Anthology,” I was curious how their touch would reshape this quietly terrifying universe. To my relief, they didn’t try to reinvent it; they expanded it, and the result feels both faithful and refreshingly different.
This time around, the story follows two young friends, Low and Alone, who are desperately searching for a way out of the Nowhere, a nightmarish realm that feels stitched together from forgotten dreams and half-remembered fears. Their names might sound symbolic, and in a way, they are. The bond between these two characters defines the entire experience, transforming what was once a lonely journey into one of shared survival. You can play solo with an AI companion or online with another player, and both options work surprisingly well. I spent time with both modes, and while the AI occasionally hesitates or stumbles, it never broke the immersion. In co-op, the emotional weight of depending on another person truly shines through. You and your partner will constantly need to communicate, plan, and occasionally take a leap of faith, both literally and figuratively.
Low wields a bow and arrow, while Alone carries a wrench, and their distinct tools aren’t just for show. The puzzles are built around cooperation; one player might need to shoot down a rope while the other smashes open a mechanism, or they might have to coordinate precise movements to evade the gaze of something monstrous lurking just off-screen. These moments of collaboration make every escape, every solved puzzle, feel like a small miracle. The environments remain the true stars of the show. Each chapter of “Little Nightmares III” feels like a twisted diorama of childhood trauma. From the sand-filled ruins of the Necropolis, haunted by the grotesque Monster Baby, to the sticky halls of a decaying Candy Factory crawling with insatiable Candy Weevils, every setting feels both dreamlike and disturbingly grounded. There’s a tactile quality to everything: the way floorboards creak, how shadows flicker just a second too long, and how the smallest details whisper stories of past victims.
Supermassive has always been known for their cinematic presentation, and here, that sensibility translates beautifully. The camera shifts dynamically during key sequences, creating moments that feel like carefully orchestrated horror scenes. There were times when I’d stop moving altogether just to soak in the eerie compositions, shafts of light cutting through dust, reflections bending across puddles, and the distant sound of something heavy dragging across the floor. It’s pure, unnerving artistry. Sound design continues to be a major part of the experience. The subtle groans of distant machinery, the muffled cries echoing through walls, and the way silence itself feels alive, it all amplifies the tension. I recommend wearing headphones if you dare; it turns each level into a living nightmare where you’re constantly second-guessing what’s real.
Where “Little Nightmares III” occasionally falters is in its precision. Controls can feel a touch rigid, particularly during moments that demand quick movement or exact timing. Checkpoints aren’t always generous either, which can make repeated deaths a bit more frustrating than they should be. Yet even in these moments, I found myself too engrossed in the world to stay upset for long. The game’s atmosphere is so compelling that each retry felt less like a setback and more like another attempt to outsmart the unknown. Narratively, this entry digs deeper into emotion than ever before. The theme of companionship adds layers of vulnerability that the previous games only hinted at. It’s not just about surviving monsters anymore; it’s about what happens when you have something, or someone, to lose. The fear of being separated, of failing to protect your friend, becomes just as haunting as any creature that stalks you.
By the time I reached the game’s conclusion, I was left with that signature “Little Nightmares” feeling: unsettled, curious, and oddly moved. The ending lingers, not because it offers clarity, but because it leaves space for interpretation, just like every good nightmare does. “Little Nightmares III” doesn’t rewrite the series’ rulebook, but it evolves it in meaningful ways. Its cooperative design, stunning atmosphere, and emotional storytelling show that the series can grow without losing what made it special. Even with a few technical bumps, Supermassive Games has managed to carry the torch with confidence, crafting a haunting experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. For me, it’s proof that even nightmares can grow, so long as they’re treated with the care they deserve.
8/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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