Little Nightmares firmly established itself as a unique experience in the horror scene upon its release in 2017, and a sequel followed in 2021. Both games were developed by Tarsier Studios before being acquired by Embracer Group in 2019. Now we have the next installment, Little Nightmares 3, developed by Supermassive Games, creators of Until Dawn, The Quarry, and Dark Pictures Anthology.
Each game explores its own nightmare and unique approach, from co-op horror to the completely unexplainable. Although they are all relatively short games, they have earned a reputation for providing some of the creepiest and most immersive experiences. But which titles are the best and which aren't nightmarish enough?
little nightmare 3
Different studio, different feel
The third entry in the series is the first to be developed by Supermassive Games, and although it still looks and feels like Little Nightmares, there are distinct differences from the rest of the series in terms of understanding what Little Nightmares is.
Rather than being completely inexplicable, Little Nightmares 3 relies heavily on popular themes to create a creepy feel. That said, it's still weird and twisted, rest assured. It's a good horror game that you can play with a friend in online co-op. It is the first game in the series to introduce multiplayer as part of the experience.
Still, while it's fine in its own right, it can't stand up alongside the previous two Little Nightmares games, and is a bitter reminder of the developer's changes as the series continues.
little nightmare 2
A little less memorable, but still a little nightmare
In 2021, Little Nightmares 2 featured dual protagonists. Six returns as an NPC companion, including his yellow raincoat, but players take on the role of Mono, a young boy in a trench coat with a paper bag over his head.
The game featured slim antagonists and the eeriness of TV static to translate the horror to a school-like level of perfection. There's something horribly memorable about being chased by a teacher who has the ability to stretch his neck to terrifying lengths as he searches intently for you.
Not only was this game a great, creepy experience, it felt familiar to fans and expanded the story of Little Nightmares, serving as a sequel to the first game. This was expected with the appearance of Six, but it was nice to see the narrative being developed further through a meaningful sequel.
little nightmare
Six's debut is unlike any other
And of course there is the original. It's often easy to say that the original is the best, but what brought it to this point is the influence of the game. It's been eight years since the series was released, but most fans will deeply remember their first experience of the debut game and how iconic Six is as a character. Plus, you'll remember the game's twists and turns only in trauma, if nothing else.
The original Little Nightmares doesn't rely on the stereotypical horror or tropes you're familiar with. Because each moment is as unexpected and unsettling as the next. From the chefs, to the ravenous creatures they feed, to the women who run the entire ship, they are shown to be vulnerable unlike any other game. It felt closest to the theme of Spirited Away, which was an unexpected comparison compared to a horror game.
Throughout the series, there's been nothing like the first Little Nightmares, and with another studio now at the helm, it's unlikely anything will come close. As Tarsier continues his work on Reanimal and Supermassive seeks to continue the Little Nightmares series, fans will continue to remember their first outing with Six fondly.
