Game Review: Little Nightmares II (Xbox Series X)

Little Nightmares II is a puzzle-platform horror adventure game developed by Tarsier Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, releasing in 2021.

The story follows Mono, who must work together with Six; the protagonist from the previous game. Only together can they survive the horrors of the Pale City and discover its dark secrets.

Little Nightmares II is similar to its predecessor; it takes place in a 2.5D world. The player must explore the world, occasionally encountering platformer-like situations or being blocked by puzzles that must be solved to proceed. Unlike the first game, the player is not completely helpless; Mono has the ability to grab certain items and swing them to break objects or to fight back against smaller foes.

The player is also given the ability to call out to Six and hold her hand to make sure they stay together. They must often work together to solve environmental puzzles and defeat or evade enemies.

Details surrounding the plot are better kept firmly under wraps to avoid any potential spoilers.

Little Nightmares II is one of the finest video game horror experiences available today. The side-scrolling 2.5D platforming may not be the style of game that you’d usually go for but I implore you to set that bias aside and play this game.

Many of the positive aspects within this game carry over from the original. Everything that made the first game great is here as well. However, this feels like a far more refined experience with little added details that really enhance things even more.

Much like the original; the melancholic, twisted nature of the world and its horrific inhabitants are as grotesque as ever. As a horror fan I can’t help but delight in the dark nature of everything. The game takes you to a variety of spooky environments that are filled with intricate details. I often found myself in awe for the creativity within the game.

The gameplay as a whole has a delightful flow to it. There are a few simple puzzles but nothing that damages the momentum. There are a number of tense set pieces involving stealth or chase sequences that really get your blood pumping.

Thankfully, the game is extremely forgiving with its checkpoint system. In fact, possibly a little bit too forgiving at times. Still, I can understand why from an immersion perspective. This game is all about momentum and keeping your heart racing so having to replay a section a dozen times could definitely affect that experience. That’s not saying that the game isn’t at all challenging. There were times when I struggled to progress. The window for success can be very tight in certain moments and you almost have to fail a few times to know what you’re meant to do.

Little Nightmares II generates a wonderfully tense atmosphere, making you never feel safe. This is partly thanks to the soundtrack that only helps ramp up the intensity. Additionally, it’s a game that doesn’t overstay its welcome at all. Little Nightmares II feels like a concise experience that gets the point with little to no filler. The ending is all sorts of spectacular and WTF moments that really leave you in deep contemplation and wanting more.

Overall, I really loved my time with Little Nightmares II. It does such a delightful job of enriching the story and world, I can’t wait to see what comes next in the already announced continuation.