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MONSTER

Little Nightmares II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Little Nightmares II
Item: Little Nightmares II
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2021

GenresAdventure, Third Person Perspective, Platformer, Horror, Side View Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableFeb 11, 2021

PlatformPlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperTarsier Studios

Overview

Little Nightmares II is a suspense-adventure game in which you play as Mono, a young boy trapped in a world that has been distorted by the humming transmission of a distant tower. With Six, the girl in a yellow raincoat, as his guide, Mono sets out to discover the dark secrets of The Signal Tower and save Six from her terrible fate; but their journey will not be straightforward as Mono and Six will face a gallery of new threats from the terrible residents of this world. Will you dare to face this collection of new, little nightmares?

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Critics mostly love Little Nightmares II's unique and suspenseful narrative set in a terrifyingly beautiful world. They praise its thought-provoking plot, minimalist approach, and immersive storytelling through visuals and sound. While some critics find the story lacking in clarity and depth, overall, it's lauded for its engaging twists, creepy atmosphere, and emotional depth.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Little Nightmares II are largely positive. Many critics praised the game for its unique and engaging narrative. They mentioned that the story was thought-provoking, suspense-filled, and filled with surprising twists and turns. Critics like TrueAchievements and PC Gamer highlighted the terrifying and strangely beautiful world that the story takes place in, while TheSixthAxis emphasized the core theme of escapism and interpretation. The narrative was also commended for its minimalist approach, with no text or dialogue, which added to the dark and eerie atmosphere of the game. The storytelling method, which relied on environmental details, sound design, and music, was particularly praised by The Guardian and IGN Portugal. The story was described as ambiguous and open to personal interpretation, allowing players to piece it all together and raising questions about the characters. However, there were some criticisms regarding the story of Little Nightmares II. Some critics felt that the narrative was underweight and lacked a clear sense of purpose. Screen Rant mentioned a pivot in the back half of the story that was hard to understand, while Xbox Achievements expressed disappointment in the lack of exploration of the relationship between the main characters, Mono and Six. Additionally, Shacknews mentioned that the story remained open-ended and vague, leaving some questions unanswered. Overall, the majority of the critics found the story of Little Nightmares II to be very good. The narrative was praised for its engaging and intriguing plot, creepy and unsettling atmosphere, and the way it expanded on the lore of the previous game. Critics like Press Start Australia and Game Informer recommended playing the original game and its DLC for a satisfying experience. The story was commended for its immersive and emotionally engaging nature, with many surprising twists and turns that kept players engaged. The wordless storytelling method, through imagery and environmental details, was also highlighted as a strong aspect of the game's narrative. Despite some criticisms regarding the lack of clarity and exploration of certain elements, the overall consensus is that the story of Little Nightmares II is a compelling and captivating experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics praise Little Nightmares II for its inventive puzzles and engaging cooperative gameplay with the AI companion Six, while also highlighting its clever worldbuilding. However, they criticize the clunky combat mechanics, frustrating trial-and-error design, and imprecise controls, which can lead to player frustration. Overall, the game offers an atmospheric experience with both positive and negative aspects, making it an enjoyable but flawed gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Little Nightmares II, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects highlighted by the critics. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the puzzle-solving mechanics of the game. Press Start Australia commends the puzzles for subtly guiding the player and providing a sense of accomplishment. Game Rant also mentions that the puzzles in Little Nightmares II are creative and fun to figure out. The inclusion of a second character, Six, as an AI companion, was also well-received by critics like TheXboxHub and DarkStation, who consider Six to be one of the best AI companions of all time. The cooperative element with Six adds freshness and complexity to the gameplay, as mentioned by KeenGamer. Additionally, the inventive puzzle design and clever worldbuilding were praised by GameSpot and Game Informer. However, there are some negative aspects to the gameplay that critics pointed out. One common criticism is the clunky and frustrating combat mechanics. Wccftech, PC Invasion, and AusGamers all mention that combat can be clunky and animations are not finely tuned. Vooks also highlights unreliable collision detection during combat, which adds to the frustration. The trial-and-error design of the game, as mentioned by Push Square, Press Start Australia, and Xbox Achievements, can also be a source of frustration for players. Some critics, such as GamesRadar+ and Noisy Pixel, mention instances of imprecise controls and moments of 'die to learn' design. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Little Nightmares II offers an engaging and atmospheric gameplay experience with its puzzle-solving mechanics and tense moments. The addition of new mechanics, such as combat and cooperative elements, adds freshness and complexity to the gameplay. The puzzles are generally praised for their creativity and sense of accomplishment. However, there are issues with combat mechanics, including clunkiness and unreliable collision detection. The trial-and-error design and imprecise controls can also lead to frustration. Despite these negatives, the gameplay of Little Nightmares II is generally well-received and provides an enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Little Nightmares II wows critics with its stunning graphics and haunting art style, praised for attention to detail and atmospheric environments. Despite minor complaints about resolution and controls, the game's grotesque visuals effectively convey a sense of dread and unease. Overall, reviewers agree that Little Nightmares II's visuals create a macabre and immersive experience that is visually stunning and atmospheric.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Little Nightmares II have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the game's attention to detail, atmospheric environments, and unique art style. Nintendo Life describes the graphics as impressive with rich detail, while Wccftech commends the game for its major visual leap forward and impressive lighting and weather effects. GameCritics also highlights the captivating art design, with a warped scale that allows players to appreciate the textures and gnarls in the game's world. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Little Nightmares II. Nintendo Life mentions that the resolution is low and the graphics can be blurry. Pocket Tactics notes that some details may be lost on smaller screens due to the game's distinct visual style with staticky visual noise. Vandal also mentions that the controls can be unresponsive in action sequences, which may impact the overall visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the graphics and visual design of Little Nightmares II are highly impressive. The game's grotesque visuals, attention to detail, and atmospheric environments create a palpable sense of dread and unease. Reviewers from various outlets, such as Digital Chumps, Guardian, and Pure Xbox, all praise the game's visuals for their ability to effectively convey the game's macabre and unsettling atmosphere. The variety of settings, nightmarish creations, and stunning art direction are also highlighted by critics like KeenGamer, Twinfinite, and DarkStation. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of Little Nightmares II have been widely praised by critics. The majority of reviewers appreciate the game's attention to detail, unique art style, and ability to create a haunting and immersive atmosphere. While there were some minor criticisms regarding resolution, blurry graphics, and unresponsive controls, these issues did not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the game's visuals. Little Nightmares II successfully combines impressive graphics with a macabre and unsettling aesthetic, resulting in a visually stunning and atmospheric experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praised the sound design and music of Little Nightmares II for creating an immersive and unsettling atmosphere. The atmospheric sounds, bone-crunching enemy sounds, and haunting soundtrack by Tobias Lilja were highlighted as key elements contributing to the game's tense and creepy vibe. While some critics had minor criticisms about certain puzzles and accessibility options, the consensus is that the sound design and music greatly enhanced the overall experience of the game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Little Nightmares II received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its immersive and unsettling atmosphere, with sound effects and music that effectively contributed to the overall experience. Critics such as Xbox Tavern, The Digital Fix, and Nintendo Enthusiast highlighted the sound design as a key element in creating a constant sense of fear and tension. They mentioned the atmospheric sounds, unsettling audio elements, and bone-crunching enemy sounds that added to the overall immersive experience. The soundtrack by Tobias Lilja was also highly praised by TheSixthAxis, GameWatcher, and God is a Geek, who described it as stunning, hauntingly beautiful, and emotionally overwhelming. The music was often mentioned as crucial in solving puzzles and enhancing the morose atmosphere of the game. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few who had some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of Little Nightmares II. GameCritics mentioned that the game did not heavily rely on sound design or music, except for one ill-conceived puzzle that required listening for distant music. GameSpot also suggested that more obvious visual cues or closed-captions would be necessary to make the game playable for players who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. These criticisms, however, were relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception from other critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Little Nightmares II were exceptional and greatly contributed to the immersive and creepy atmosphere of the game. The majority of critics praised the game's sound design for its ability to create tension, fear, and a constant sense of unease. The atmospheric sounds, unsettling audio elements, and bone-crunching enemy sounds were particularly highlighted as effective in enhancing the overall experience. The soundtrack by Tobias Lilja was also highly acclaimed for its stunning and hauntingly beautiful compositions. While there were a few minor criticisms regarding the reliance on sound for certain puzzles and accessibility options for players with hearing impairments, these did not detract significantly from the overwhelmingly positive reception of the sound design and music in Little Nightmares II.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Little Nightmares II on PS4, with some encountering bugs while others praised smoother gameplay. Nintendo Switch reviews were also mixed, noting positive aspects like auto-saves but mentioning occasional glitches. However, PC reviews were more positive, highlighting smooth gameplay and minimal technical issues. Overall, critics generally praised the game's technical performance across all platforms, with minor bugs and performance issues noted.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

31%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PS4, the reviewers generally had mixed opinions. CGMagazine and COGconnected both mentioned encountering bugs and glitches, such as disappearing characters and animation loops, but they also expressed hope that these issues would be resolved with a patch. On the other hand, GAMES.CH, Gaming Nexus, Impulsegamer, M3, PlayStation LifeStyle, Screen Rant, and Trusted Reviews had more positive experiences, with mentions of smoother gameplay, quick load times, improved checkpointing, and near faultless presentation. However, some critics did note occasional AI bugs, finicky controls, and perspective issues that could lead to frustration. Overall, the consensus among the critics for the PS4 version of Little Nightmares II leans towards a positive technical performance, with some minor hiccups. Moving on to the Nintendo Switch platform, the reviewers had a similar mix of positive and negative feedback. GameSpace, Hey Poor Player, Nintendo Enthusiast, Nintendo Insider, Nintendo Life, NintendoWorldReport, Switch Player, and Vooks mentioned positive aspects such as auto-saves at key checkpoints, improved loading screens, and smooth performance with rare frame drops. However, Hey Poor Player, Nintendo Enthusiast, and Vooks did mention occasional glitches, performance dips, visual bugs, and one instance of the game crashing. Nintendo Insider and Nintendo Life also noted issues with judging distances and trial and error encounters, which they attributed to the genre rather than specific technical problems. Overall, the technical performance on the Nintendo Switch is generally considered good, with some minor bugs and performance issues. For the PC platform, the critics had a more positive consensus regarding the technical performance of Little Nightmares II. Game Revolution, GameGrin, GameWatcher, IGN Portugal, Noisy Pixel, and The Digital Fix all mentioned smooth gameplay, fast loading times, and minimal technical issues. Game Revolution did note some glitches and bugs that could disrupt immersion, but overall, the PC version seemed to run smoothly for most reviewers. This indicates that the developers have optimized the game well for the PC platform, resulting in a seamless experience for players. In conclusion, the overall consensus among the critics for Little Nightmares II's technical performance is generally positive across all gaming platforms. While there were some reports of bugs, glitches, and performance issues, they were mostly minor and did not significantly hinder the gameplay experience. The game received praise for its improved loading times, generous checkpointing, and smooth performance on all platforms. However, there were occasional mentions of AI bugs, finicky controls, and perspective issues that could lead to frustration. Overall, Little Nightmares II seems to have delivered a satisfactory technical performance, with the potential for further improvements through patches and updates.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics are split on the replay value of Little Nightmares II. Some praise its hidden endings, tension, and collectibles, while others find its puzzles lacking. The game's short length is a common concern, but some appreciate its brevity to maintain a creative experience. Overall, while there are positives like collectibles and achievements, not all critics are sold on its replay potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

97%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Little Nightmares II are varied. Several critics, such as CGMagazine and Comicbook.com, highlight the potential replay value of the game. They mention the possibility of discovering secret endings, exploring more of the world, and the desire to uncover more about the franchise as reasons to replay the game. They find the tension and the collectibles to be worth revisiting the game for. Easy Allies and JeuxActu also mention the presence of collectibles and incentives for a second playthrough, adding to the replay value. Metro GameCentral and Screen Rant mention the cleverly hidden hats and secret collectibles as factors that contribute to the replay value. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the replay value of Little Nightmares II. Game Rant states that due to the nature of its puzzles and encounters, there is not much replay value in the game. Guardian and Worth Playing also express a lack of motivation to revisit the game once it's completed. Trusted Reviews mentions the punishing difficulty and occasional frustration as potential deterrents to replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Little Nightmares II offers some replay value through collectibles, secret endings, and hidden areas to explore, the game's relatively short length is a common concern. Critics such as Daily Star, Press Start Australia, and Cubed3 mention the game's short duration, ranging from three to ten hours, as a drawback. However, some critics, like WellPlayed and Destructoid, appreciate the brevity of the game, as it prevents ideas from overstaying their welcome and maintains a creative and satisfying gameplay experience. The presence of collectibles, achievements, and the ability to replay chapters are seen as positive aspects by critics such as Gamers' Temple and TrueAchievements. Ultimately, while the replay value of Little Nightmares II is acknowledged by many critics, it is not unanimously praised, with some expressing reservations about the game's length and lack of motivation for replay.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Little Nightmares II received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics, with many praising its creepy atmosphere, inventive gameplay, and impressive visual design. Critics such as Pure Xbox and WellPlayed commended the game for building upon the foundations of the first game and delivering a visually striking experience with a powerful emotional connection between the characters. The game's dark and twisted atmosphere, intelligent mechanics, and effective gameplay were also highlighted by Carole Quintaine and TrueAchievements. The immersive and imaginative experience, along with its ability to terrify and creep players out without relying on gore, was praised by AusGamers and Nintendo Enthusiast. However, there were some criticisms raised by certain critics. Xbox Achievements and Stevivor found the game to be frequently annoying, obtuse, and lacking a new experience. Screen Rant and GameByte mentioned issues with the controls and camera, while GameSpot pointed out that the game can be occasionally frustrating and has a section that is inaccessible for players who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Some critics, such as GameCritics and New Game Network, also mentioned that combat and chase sequences can be unforgiving and intolerant of minor errors. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Little Nightmares II is a highly recommended game that successfully builds upon the first game and delivers a compelling and unsettling experience. The game's ability to capture the unsettling essence of the original, along with its terrifying and lonely atmosphere, was praised by M3 and Vooks. The inventive puzzle design, original levels, and improved quality of life features were highlighted by Game Rant and Gamers' Temple. The game's memorable encounters, engaging storytelling, and great puzzles were commended by Hey Poor Player and Push Square. The majority of critics agree that Little Nightmares II is a must-play game for horror fans and those seeking a unique and disturbing experience.

TL;DR

Little Nightmares II wowed critics with its eerie atmosphere, creative gameplay, and stunning visuals. While some critics found it frustrating and lacking in new elements, most praised its immersive experience, terrifying vibe, and captivating storytelling. Overall, the game is highly recommended for horror fans looking for a chilling and unforgettable experience.

MONSTER

Reviews

155 reviews found

100

GameGrin

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares II surpasses its predecessor and sets a high benchmark for games in 2021, with its atmospheric and tension-filled gameplay.

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100

DarkStation

PlayStation 4

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares II builds greatly upon the first game and succeeds in every area. The 4-5 hour experience keeps players on the edge of their seats, and the creepy yet beautiful settings are captivating. Fans of the first game will love this installment, and newcomers should play both games. The reviewer hopes to see more from Tarsier Studios in the future.

100

The Digital Fix

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares II expands on the original game, offering a bigger world, cosmic horror elements, and a sense of constant danger. It is a bold and ambitious sequel that makes sense in terms of storytelling choices. The game's scares are perfectly paced and never overstay their welcome.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares 2 is a strange, creepy delight of a game. It is entertaining, with creepy visuals and audio, smart puzzles, and well-paced set pieces. While some sections can be slightly annoying, they are short enough to not make the player want to stop playing. It deserves to stand out as one of the best releases of the year.

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App Trigger

PlayStation 4

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares 2 is a beautifully terrifying game with a captivating story, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design. The melee controls could be improved, but overall, it is a great start to the year for game releases.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares II is a testament to horror in games, with a gripping story, atmospheric visuals, and immersive sound design. Despite some wonky controls and combat, it is a must-play for fans of the genre.

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Game Informer

Xbox One

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Little Nightmares II as a masterfully executed sequel that retains what makes the formula excellent. It recommends the game to fans of macabre and sinister environmental storytelling.

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Player 2

Feb 10, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares II stands out with its charm, macabre sense of whimsy, and attention to detail, making it a solid recommendation for fans of the genre or those who enjoy feeling terrified and tense

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Gaming Age

Feb 18, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares II is a wonderful follow-up to the original, with amazing world-building and a great overall experience.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 4

Feb 9, 2021

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Little Nightmares II is a true evolution from the first game, with a magnificent and macabre atmosphere.

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