Little Nightmares

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 525 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 406 out of 525
  2. Mixed: 86 out of 525
  3. Negative: 33 out of 525
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  1. timmytime
    Jan 21, 2018
    6
    One of the saddest of all things - a game that deserves mechanics and execution as good as its design and art style. Almost throughout, this game is the pinnacle of "good ideas, poor execution". Anyone who played Inside and came to this looking for something to scratch that itch is going to be disappointed - this is way more repetitive, fiddly controls, less cohesive and interestingOne of the saddest of all things - a game that deserves mechanics and execution as good as its design and art style. Almost throughout, this game is the pinnacle of "good ideas, poor execution". Anyone who played Inside and came to this looking for something to scratch that itch is going to be disappointed - this is way more repetitive, fiddly controls, less cohesive and interesting narrative. Also, there's surprisingly few "puzzles" in the game - it is really just a series of finnicky chase sequences.… Expand
  2. BlakDak666
    Dec 1, 2017
    6
    I feel Little Nightmares is an interesting idea, but feels rushed and not utilized to its full potential in any way. Through my run I found some of the puzzles so confusing on how to solve them that I had to look up the wiki just to understand them. I don't mind a challenge, but you need to be able to communicate that better to players or you will have downtime, frustrations and evenI feel Little Nightmares is an interesting idea, but feels rushed and not utilized to its full potential in any way. Through my run I found some of the puzzles so confusing on how to solve them that I had to look up the wiki just to understand them. I don't mind a challenge, but you need to be able to communicate that better to players or you will have downtime, frustrations and even anger. The gameplay is a mess with clunky controls that often led to cheap deaths. In my 5 hour journey of this game, I died over 15 times and almost always was from poor communication of what to do next. The story itself is too rushed to feel much for what is going on and interesting places don't have enough to be memorable despite the odd and intriguing second half. The visuals look good, the creatures look creepy and unnerving and the music can add to the tension, but it can only get you so far when the previous issues feel so obvious and yet nonconstructive.

    Little Nightmares is not $20 worth. Some might go farther to say not even $10, and it doesn't help that the game boasts a season pass for an additional $10. Such a price feels like greed rather than a fully completed game. Perhaps if the DLC was already in the game and we played two different characters then maybe this would be a different story overall for the game's quality. Unfortunately, this is an overpriced frustratingly interesting game that doesn't feel as creative and unique as it thinks it is. Only the most ardent lovers of these types of games will like this. For everyone else this is a wait for half off or more and likely a pass on the DLC. A decent game with much disappointment.    … Expand
  3. shepard86
    May 3, 2017
    7
    The immersive and creepy art style is one thing, but if your idea of thrilling horror is to die or get caught by the enemy 40 consecutive times on account of extremely clunky and unresponsive/unintuitive controls, then that is a whole different story. Pure. Frustration. With. Those. Controls. Also, with the constant failing and retrying the playtime barely exceeds 5 hours. So it'sThe immersive and creepy art style is one thing, but if your idea of thrilling horror is to die or get caught by the enemy 40 consecutive times on account of extremely clunky and unresponsive/unintuitive controls, then that is a whole different story. Pure. Frustration. With. Those. Controls. Also, with the constant failing and retrying the playtime barely exceeds 5 hours. So it's extremely short altogether, with like 4 levels in total... really wish they'd add more levels further down the road, at no or almost no additional charge.… Expand
  4. imoviesreview
    Oct 10, 2017
    5
    A game I would want to like, but is faulted by 2 major problems. One, the controls are overdone and do not respond half of the time. Second, the check points are to far apart from each other. Often I would make it though a tough part only to be killed thanks to the control. I like the graphics and atmosphere but it's too frustrating to play. Play Inside instead of this.
  5. ourtimehascome
    Aug 28, 2017
    5
    Little Nightmares is, in many ways, less effective than its contemporaries. Limbo & Inside are also side-scrolling, puzzle/platformer, adventure games with an emphasis on horror. Little Nightmares feels like a cheapened version of these two, more successful titles, and for good reason. The horror is focused more on shock value, and the tense moments are few and far between. The real horrorLittle Nightmares is, in many ways, less effective than its contemporaries. Limbo & Inside are also side-scrolling, puzzle/platformer, adventure games with an emphasis on horror. Little Nightmares feels like a cheapened version of these two, more successful titles, and for good reason. The horror is focused more on shock value, and the tense moments are few and far between. The real horror is the controls, which perform to simply mock the player.

    Sometimes you'll jump and you'll grab onto a ledge. Other times you won't, and you'll fall to your death. Which leads to a nonsensically long load time for such a simple game and a checkpoint that could be anywhere from five seconds to five minutes ago. This gamble is the true frustration. As for a story, you won't truly understand any of it until the end if you decide to stick with it. The piecemeal information isn't enough to add up to a worthwhile whole.

    Despite these shortcomings, Little Nightmares excels with its visuals and sound. Though the brightness can be a gamble, especially when navigating the environmental puzzles. It's best just to turn it all the way up, or you might find yourself stuck, only to find you were simply supposed to jump through a vent to continue. In that sense, the puzzles are non-existent. They're more like "visual identifiers," because all you have to do is know where you're supposed to go, and it's easy enough to figure out how to get there.

    Regarding its negative aspects, and the short length of 5 hours, I would only recommend Little Nightmares if it was offered cheap.    … Expand
  6. Klaww25
    Sep 11, 2017
    7
    A solid action adventure game with decent puzzles and a sense of exploration it gives me a feel of playing Zelda my favorite action adventure game. This looks like a good Tim Burton film. It is atmospheric and rewards exploration. One thing I didn't like was the fact that there is not much of a story and the fact that it felt like an action adventure game but don't worry this game will winA solid action adventure game with decent puzzles and a sense of exploration it gives me a feel of playing Zelda my favorite action adventure game. This looks like a good Tim Burton film. It is atmospheric and rewards exploration. One thing I didn't like was the fact that there is not much of a story and the fact that it felt like an action adventure game but don't worry this game will win my zelda mojo back.… Expand
  7. Britmatt81
    Sep 14, 2017
    7
    I wasn't sure about this game but decided to give it a go and downloaded it off the PSstore for £16. First i think this looks a gorgeous game and love the Erie feeling to it and basic controls. The start got a bit tedious walking through empty rooms and sneak around but does get better as you progress more. It really reminded me of a 3D version of Limbo where you die a lot. But it can getI wasn't sure about this game but decided to give it a go and downloaded it off the PSstore for £16. First i think this looks a gorgeous game and love the Erie feeling to it and basic controls. The start got a bit tedious walking through empty rooms and sneak around but does get better as you progress more. It really reminded me of a 3D version of Limbo where you die a lot. But it can get a bit boring at time and i think for £16 its a bit steep as it doesn't offer any replay value or different modes. Play once at that's it. But as a whole i did like it as a nice casual game and enjoyed the creepy characters.… Expand
  8. VTL
    Jan 14, 2020
    6
    Buen juego pero algo repetitivo en puzles... se me hizo un poco cuesta arriba... Su admosfera es brutal y su mundo igual. Lastima que podrian contar alguna historia mas que un escape a mi modo algo soso. Ahun asi un juego que has de jugar, y más con los precios a los que ahora (Ene-2020) ronda.
  9. pegasuss
    Nov 18, 2020
    7
    people these days really think that giving a game 7 or an 8 makes it automaticly bad...which is stupid ! this game is quite good but it has some flaws for example :
    one of the biggest draw backs are checkpoints ... if you want to make a cinematic experience you cant make the game frustrating to play ... how do you do that? well with stupid checkpoints that make you repeat the same level    people these days really think that giving a game 7 or an 8 makes it automaticly bad...which is stupid ! this game is quite good but it has some flaws for example :
    one of the biggest draw backs are checkpoints ... if you want to make a cinematic experience you cant make the game frustrating to play ... how do you do that? well with stupid checkpoints that make you repeat the same level 3-5 times which sucks you out of the experience . talking about repeating the same level , well that happens also because of bad hitboxes not so much with enemies but more so with interactible objects. its so anoying when you are at the end of the level and you just fail it because you charachter just stud there and did nothing .
    I also want to say something that i think it would make the game 10 times more immersive .
    what im talking about is making the game in one take ... no loading screens but replace that with cutscenes like god of war 4 . this would make the game a instantly better and more cinematic . it also has some bugs but these arent so noticable .
    the horror in game depends more on making you feel like prey and running away from the big bad boiz or hiding from them ..which is good is something fresh from all the jumpscares in other games , it makes your back shiver when they are an inch away from your back . story is actualy pretty good if you know whats going on but i wont spoil it ... its recommended to watch a ending explained after you finish !
    None of the less the game has one of the best atmospheres in 2d indie genres of games . the sound design is wicked and the visuals are great !
    after all that im giving this games a solid 7.5 . Its still a great game ! but one with flaws..    … Expand
  10. zach_grech
    May 7, 2022
    7
    This game is defiantly an experience video game. The visuals are excellent and the sequences are intense. The story is cryptic but very good. The puzzles in this game are quite uninspired and boring.
  11. MaxieZeus
    Sep 5, 2022
    5
    Great concept but boring gameplay and not really that scary. Plus it is too short for its price tag.
  12. wesker2012
    May 4, 2017
    7
    Cute, short game. I enjoyed figuring out the puzzles. Overall, I really liked the atmosphere and visuals. Some parts were frustrating to get through and right when it started to get interesting, it was over.
  13. Underpants158
    Jun 7, 2021
    7
    I enjoyed taking turns playing this game with a friend. Its pretty straight forward. "Puzzles" are just figuring out how to proceed to the next part. The mechanical challenges are just chase scenes. So nothing is too demanding and you always feel you are progressing with the small satisfactions of feeling like you have overcame something even if it wasn't all that daunting in reality. II enjoyed taking turns playing this game with a friend. Its pretty straight forward. "Puzzles" are just figuring out how to proceed to the next part. The mechanical challenges are just chase scenes. So nothing is too demanding and you always feel you are progressing with the small satisfactions of feeling like you have overcame something even if it wasn't all that daunting in reality. I don't like horror really but this was a solid good time. However for me I mostly enjoyed it because I played it with a friend. I don't think I'd enjoy it as much playing it alone.… Expand
  14. chr1so
    Oct 12, 2019
    6
    A few creative scenes/areas but overall a bit meh. Puzzles were fairly basic and it felt like a bit of a chore to get through to be honest.
  15. njja02
    May 15, 2018
    7
    The art-style and enemy encounters were all great. Sadly the game fails in some platforming and definitely in its ending.
  16. mikepatyaev
    Aug 28, 2022
    7
    Immerse yourself in Little Nightmares, a dark whimsical tale that will confront you with your childhood fears.
  17. takotako
    Mar 16, 2020
    7
    I know indie game but is too short.
    However a storytelling and atmosphere was fantastic.
  18. Ruzaky
    Aug 6, 2020
    7
    Art and music in game is very good. But play this not very interesting. Mostly you go from left to right maybe jump here and there and hide.
  19. elolugo
    Mar 5, 2023
    6
    Has potential but it's frustating at times. At times you don't know what to do so you resort to a trial and error approach. Also, it's super short game. Only play it if you have the PS+ Extra subscription
  20. Crysouls
    Dec 1, 2022
    5
    Prós:
    - Atmosfera do game é sensacional
    - Direção de arte Contras: - Jogabilidade - Lentidão (é um game mt lento apesar de curto) - Bugs (tive bugs de travar e ser cataputado, travar itens etc) - Repetição, achei o game no geral bem repetitivo com puzzles sem muita criatividade Conclusão: game é bacana mas tive mts momentos de raiva com ele além de que sua jogabilidade lenta me    Prós:
    - Atmosfera do game é sensacional
    - Direção de arte

    Contras:
    - Jogabilidade
    - Lentidão (é um game mt lento apesar de curto)
    - Bugs (tive bugs de travar e ser cataputado, travar itens etc)
    - Repetição, achei o game no geral bem repetitivo com puzzles sem muita criatividade

    Conclusão: game é bacana mas tive mts momentos de raiva com ele além de que sua jogabilidade lenta me irritou mt, a personagem é fraca e eu entendo a sua dificuldade em certas ações mas realmente chega a incomodar tamanha lentidão.    … Expand
  21. Alentejano
    Jun 21, 2020
    7
    Great atmosphere and worldbuilding (especially through visual storytelling). The bosses were entertaining and each section was well paced. However the controls felt a bit off since you had a 3D type of movement on a 2D dollhouse like view making it more difficult to do certain things.
  22. soooB
    Mar 21, 2021
    7
    Wonderfully atmospheric, great design and styling but massively hindered by the fixed side on view which adds the only real difficulty to the game - terrible perspective when platforming or trying to dodge enemies. The sequel doesn't improve this but both games are still bargains/
  23. sergio123456
    Nov 3, 2020
    7
    Juego muy bonito gráficamente, que juega con las luces y el sigilo para pasar las fases, también cuenta con algunos sencillos puzzles, bastante recomendable, peca de ser bastante corto.
  24. alank8704
    Apr 13, 2021
    7
    This game is really unique. I know many indie games are like that and I have seen many of them but never really play them but from what I have seen this is a unique game out of other indies but I did not enjoy the gameplay.
  25. adbulamadim
    May 29, 2021
    6
    I liked the game but it squeezed the deficiencies after 2 hours but hope they fix it in the 2nd game
  26. Alikhshm
    Jul 29, 2023
    7
    wow this game is just scary & depressing in a good way man.
    but the gameplay is not good enough and sometimes anoying.
  27. Gosticouilles
    Jul 25, 2022
    6
    If you want to replay the same part over and over and over again because of dumb mistakes and bad controls, play this game. Controls are so clunky that the left joystick hurts my thumb. It's a shame because I really enjoyed the second entry of little nightmares. This one is just straight up unplayable and frustrating. This goes without mentionning the "no death playtrough". That beingIf you want to replay the same part over and over and over again because of dumb mistakes and bad controls, play this game. Controls are so clunky that the left joystick hurts my thumb. It's a shame because I really enjoyed the second entry of little nightmares. This one is just straight up unplayable and frustrating. This goes without mentionning the "no death playtrough". That being said, I really love the story and ambiance of these games.… Expand
  28. awar_7
    Dec 20, 2021
    7
    Juego corto y disfrutón con un apartado artístico sobresaliente. Muy recomendable
  29. JG00
    Sep 18, 2022
    7
    La verdad es que el videojuego cumple con su cometido, que es entretener y mantener al jugador en tensión durante el transcurso de la partida. Sin embargo, hay muchas cosas que son mejorables en varios aspectos, como por ejemplo la jugabilidad. Además, la historia no queda del todo clara (en mi caso apenas la entendí), y todo queda a merced de lo que el usuario haya podido entender.La verdad es que el videojuego cumple con su cometido, que es entretener y mantener al jugador en tensión durante el transcurso de la partida. Sin embargo, hay muchas cosas que son mejorables en varios aspectos, como por ejemplo la jugabilidad. Además, la historia no queda del todo clara (en mi caso apenas la entendí), y todo queda a merced de lo que el usuario haya podido entender.
    Aunque no todo es negativo. Como dije al principio, el juego mantiene la tensión en todo momento gracias al ambiente que genera con los personajes y cada una de las zonas por las que vamos pasando. Además, el estilo artístico del videojuego también me parece bastante acertado.
    En definitiva, un juego que cumple con su objetivo, pero que un gran margen de mejora.    … Expand
  30. Xenomorph121
    Nov 24, 2022
    6
    El juego es por momentos bueno, pero también muy corto por el precio algunos podría considerar que esta bien, pero yo no, tiene buenos momentos, pero le falta implementar más mecánicas, siento que pudieron poner algo más para meternos en la mejor en la historia, algún texto o un personaje que no dijera algo.
  31. MisamoAlex
    Jan 13, 2023
    5
    Me aburrí bastante, algunos puntos de control horribles, no hay físicas, la difuminación es horrible, lugares extremadamente oscuros que ni sabes dónde estás, gameplay muy simple, solo está bien la ambientación e historia

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best PS4 Game of 2017
41
#41 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 52 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 52
  3. Negative: 2 out of 52
  1. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Jul 7, 2017
    70
    Not exactly taxing in the puzzles department, and its price-to-runtime ratio is a little out of whack. But gorgeous, memorable and oozing with atmosphere and love. [July 2017, p78]
  2. Let's Play Video Games
    Jul 1, 2017
    95
    Little Nightmares stands head and shoulders above its peers it terms of its true innovation, beautiful, atmospheric design, and a truly terrible tale. For any horror fan, Little Nightmares is the stuff of dreams.
    Read full review
  3. games(TM)
    Jun 17, 2017
    80
    We've waited a while to see Tarsier strike out on its own and it's gratifying to see it succeed with a game as good as this. [Issue#187, p.70]
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