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The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope
Item: The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Horror, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableOct 30, 2020

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSupermassive Games

Overview

Trapped and isolated in the abandoned town of Little Hope, 4 college students and their teacher must escape the nightmarish apparitions that relentlessly pursue them through an impenetrable fog.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope impresses with its gripping narrative and eerie atmosphere, drawing praise for its historical horror and impactful player choices. However, critics highlight significant flaws, including disjointed storytelling and underdeveloped characters, leading to mixed reactions—while some celebrate its ambition and twists, others find it lacking coherence and depth, leaving a divided reception overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope has garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly for its intriguing premise and thematic depth. Many reviewers, such as Game Informer and PlayStation Universe, highlight the game's captivating narrative, which intertwines multiple timelines and incorporates elements of horror rooted in historical witch trials. Critics like KeenGamer and COGconnected commend the well-crafted storytelling and the effective use of player choices that significantly impact the narrative outcomes. The atmosphere is often described as eerie and engaging, drawing players into a world rich with lore, as noted by Shacknews and Hobby Consolas. The twists and turns in the plot, especially the unexpected ending, have caught some critics off guard, leading to a sense of satisfaction in the resolution of the story's mysteries. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers, including ZTGD and SpazioGames, point out issues with the narrative coherence, describing it as disjointed and at times incoherent. The character development has been criticized for lacking depth, with IGN and Xbox Tavern noting that the characters feel underdeveloped and their backstories insufficiently explored. The ending has also drawn mixed reactions, with some, like Game Over Online and GamingTrend, labeling it cliché or disappointing, which detracts from the overall experience. Critics such as DarkStation and Multiplayer.it express frustration over unresolved plot points, suggesting that the narrative fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided reception of the story in Little Hope. While many appreciate its ambition and the engaging elements of horror and mystery, significant concerns about narrative coherence and character development persist. Critics like Game Informer and PlayStation Universe celebrate the game's potential and intriguing twists, while others, like IGN and ZTGD, emphasize the shortcomings that hinder it from achieving its full potential. This dichotomy suggests that while Little Hope offers a compelling experience for some players, it may leave others feeling disappointed by its execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope impresses with its narrative depth and meaningful choices, offering replayability and improved exploration mechanics. However, critics slam its linear gameplay, clunky controls, and excessive quick-time events, diminishing tension and player agency. Despite its storytelling strengths, the game struggles to provide a fully engaging and challenging experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

32%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope has garnered some positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding its narrative-driven approach and decision-making mechanics. Many reviewers, such as MondoXbox and The Games Machine, highlight the game's emphasis on choices that significantly affect character relationships and outcomes, contributing to a sense of replayability. Critics like COGconnected and The Digital Fix appreciate the improved quick-time events (QTEs) and the incorporation of a more free-roaming camera, which enhances the exploration aspect of the game. Additionally, the inclusion of accessibility features has been noted positively by Trusted Reviews, making the game more approachable for a wider audience. Overall, the blend of exploration, dialogue choices, and QTEs provides an engaging experience for players who enjoy narrative-heavy games. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out various shortcomings in the gameplay of Little Hope. TrueGaming and M3 express concerns about the illogical nature of some decisions and the clunky controls, respectively. Many reviewers, including GamePro Germany and Carole Quintaine, criticize the linearity of the gameplay, which restricts exploration and limits player agency. The over-reliance on QTEs has been flagged as a negative aspect by several critics, including Hardcore Gamer and IGN, who argue that the forgiving nature of these prompts diminishes the tension and challenge. Furthermore, some reviewers, like ZTGD and Game Informer, noted that the lack of genuine fear or stakes during gameplay detracts from the overall experience, leading to a sense of disappointment. In summary, while The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope offers an engaging narrative experience with meaningful choices and improved gameplay mechanics, it is hampered by issues such as linearity, clunky controls, and an overabundance of quick-time events. Critics like Gaming Nexus and LaPS4 point out that the game follows a familiar formula that may feel stale to some players. The overall consensus indicates that while the game has its merits, particularly in storytelling and character dynamics, it ultimately falls short in delivering a fully immersive and challenging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope impresses with atmospheric graphics and lifelike character models, winning praise for its haunting visuals and immersive environments. However, critics point to significant flaws like inconsistent animations, awkward transitions, and technical issues, including frame rate drops and glitches. While it offers a visually captivating experience, execution problems leave a mixed impression overall.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is largely positive, with many critics praising its atmospheric environments and character models. Reviewers such as Metro GameCentral and God is a Geek highlight the game's impressive graphics, noting the lifelike character models and the haunting setting that enhances the horror experience. Critics like Wccftech and PC Invasion commend the game's use of lighting and shadows, which contribute to the eerie ambiance of Little Hope. The attention to detail in environments, as noted by Gameblog.fr and Telegraph, creates a visually appealing experience that immerses players in the game's dark narrative. However, despite the praise, several critics pointed out significant shortcomings in the game's visual execution. Siliconera mentions issues with character models popping in and out of cutscenes, which disrupts the immersion. Game Informer and TheGamer echo similar sentiments regarding inconsistent animations and awkward transitions, which detract from the overall experience. GameCrate and TrueGaming also highlight the stiffness in character movements and facial expressions, leading to moments that feel less emotionally engaging. Furthermore, technical issues such as frame rate drops on the Nintendo Switch, as noted by Pocket Tactics, and glitches, as mentioned by Game Informer, further undermine the visual experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Little Hope excels in creating a moody and atmospheric setting with impressive graphics, it is marred by technical inconsistencies and animation issues. Critics like Cubed3 and Gamer.nl appreciate the strong character models and environments but also acknowledge the need for improvement in animation and fluidity. The game is a visual treat in many respects, with commendable art direction and cinematography, yet it struggles with execution in certain areas, leaving a mixed impression on its visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is praised for its chilling sound design and "stellar" music that enhances the horror experience, but suffers from uneven voice acting and overreliance on jump scares. Critics highlighted the immersive atmosphere, though some felt the scares became repetitive and marred by audio glitches. Overall, the sound design is a standout feature, despite significant flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

51%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope have received considerable praise from various critics, highlighting their effectiveness in creating an immersive and chilling atmosphere. Many reviewers, such as 3DJuegos and Carole Quintaine, noted that the sound design plays a crucial role in building tension and enhancing the horror experience. Critics like COGconnected and Malditos Nerds emphasized the quality of the music, with COGconnected calling it "stellar" and Malditos Nerds stating that it perfectly complements the atmosphere, elevating tension as the game progresses. The use of jump scares, while sometimes criticized, was often described as effective in catching players off guard, with CGMagazine and GamingBolt acknowledging their contribution to the overall horror ambiance. However, not all feedback was positive, as several critics pointed out significant issues with the voice acting and the reliance on jump scares. Critical Hit criticized the voice acting as ranging from "decent to completely flat," particularly highlighting the performance of the character Andrew. Similarly, IGN and Press Start Australia noted that the incidental dialogue felt wooden and disconnected, which detracted from the immersion. Additionally, some reviewers, such as GamePro Germany and MGG Spain, indicated that the sound design suffered from bugs and glitches, including audio inconsistencies and issues with dubbing, which undermined the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Little Hope excels in creating a tense and eerie atmosphere through its sound design and music, it is hampered by inconsistencies in voice acting and a reliance on jump scares that some found repetitive. Critics like Digitally Downloaded and The Digital Fix highlighted the game's ability to immerse players in a horror-filled environment, yet others, such as BaziCenter and Press Start Australia, felt that the effectiveness of the scares diminished over time. Despite the mixed reviews, the sound design remains a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's horror elements, as noted by multiple reviewers.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope features strong voice acting from actors like Will Poulter and Pip Torrens, enhancing the game's horror and storytelling. Critics praise the performances and motion capture technology for adding depth, but some note inconsistencies and lackluster portrayals that detract from engagement. Overall, while the voice acting significantly contributes to immersion, its uneven quality highlights the need for improvement in future titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope has garnered a generally positive reception from various critics, particularly praising the performances of notable actors such as Will Poulter and Pip Torrens. Reviewers from 3DJuegos and COGconnected highlight the "notable performances" that enhance the game's narrative and contribute significantly to its immersive experience. Critics like Impulsegamer and PlayStation Universe emphasize that the voice acting is excellent and brings the characters to life, with a commendable use of motion capture technology that enhances the believability of the performances. Overall, the cast's ability to portray complex emotions and deliver engaging dialogue has been recognized as a strong point of the game, with many reviewers noting that these performances elevate the horror elements and storytelling. However, not all opinions are favorable, as some critics have pointed out inconsistencies in the voice acting quality. Critical Hit and IGN express concerns about certain performances being "flat" or feeling "divorced from the material," which detracts from the overall engagement with the characters. GameCrate and Games.cz also mention instances of weak voice acting and forgettable performances, indicating that while some characters shine, others do not leave a lasting impression. Additionally, issues such as awkward writing and stilted dialogue have been noted by reviewers like Siliconera and GameSkinny, suggesting that the script may not always align well with the actors' delivery. The overall consensus among critics reflects a mixed yet predominantly positive sentiment regarding the voice acting in Little Hope. While standout performances from actors like Will Poulter and Pip Torrens have been universally praised, issues with inconsistency and some lackluster performances have been highlighted as areas for improvement. Critics such as Cultured Vultures and The Digital Fix affirm that the voice acting plays a crucial role in enhancing the game's narrative, while others caution that not all characters are equally compelling. Ultimately, the voice acting serves as a significant aspect of the game's immersive experience, but its uneven quality suggests room for growth in future installments.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope showcases improvements in technical performance over Man of Medan, with PS4 and Xbox One receiving mixed reviews. While some praise its smoother gameplay and fewer glitches, performance issues like long load times, audio drops, and freezes remain, especially on PS4 and Xbox. PC players report better stability but still encounter flaws. Overall, it’s a step up but still needs significant polishing to eliminate lingering bugs and enhance immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

68%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope has received a mixed reception across various platforms. On the PlayStation 4, several critics noted improvements over the previous title, Man of Medan. Areajugones found the game performed well overall, with only a minor crash, while Game Rant and GameSpot praised it for being more polished, with fewer noticeable technical issues and a seamless storytelling experience. Malditos Nerds also highlighted minimal loading times and a smooth experience. On Xbox One, some reviewers, like Stevivor, reported that the game runs well on Xbox One X, with improved stability compared to its predecessor, and Xbox Achievements noted that while visual bugs were present, they did not significantly detract from the experience. On PC, critics like GameSpew and PC Games found the performance to be impressive, with smoother controls and fewer glitches than previous installments. However, the negatives cannot be overlooked. On PS4, many critics pointed out lingering technical issues, including long load times, audio drops, and glitches in character animations and dialogue. Game Informer and DualShockers highlighted problems like freezes and instances of missing dialogue, indicating that the game still suffers from some technical hiccups. Similarly, on Xbox One, BaziCenter and TheXboxHub mentioned performance issues such as freezes and stuttering, while ZTGD experienced a crash during the final cinematic. For PC, while the performance was generally good, TheGamer and We Got This Covered noted flaws in character presence during scenes and abrupt dialogue cuts that could disrupt immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while Little Hope shows marked improvements in technical performance compared to its predecessor, it still faces a variety of issues across platforms. The PS4 version received mixed reviews, with some praising its smoother experience while others pointed out significant technical flaws. Xbox One users experienced a blend of stability and performance issues, while PC players generally enjoyed a better experience but still encountered some technical hiccups. Critics like GameSpot and PlayStation LifeStyle noted that although the game is more polished, it still has room for improvement, particularly in addressing the lingering bugs and glitches that can detract from the overall experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope offers a mixed bag of replay value. Critics praise its branching storylines, engaging co-op mode, and hidden collectibles that encourage exploration, with some celebrating the Curator's Cut for refreshing narratives. However, many lament the linear nature of the game, noting that player choices have minimal impact on the storyline, leading to a lack of significant divergence in multiple playthroughs. This dichotomy creates a divided reception: while some see replay potential, others feel the game falls short in delivering meaningful choices, leaving players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

48%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope reveal a mix of positive sentiments among critics, particularly regarding the game's potential for multiple endings and branching storylines. Critics like Game Rant and God is a Geek highlight the engaging co-op mode that allows players to control different characters, enhancing the fun factor and providing unique experiences during playthroughs. Additionally, PC Games and Cubed3 emphasize the presence of hidden collectibles and secrets that encourage exploration, while TheSixthAxis notes that multiple playthroughs are necessary to fully uncover the story's intricacies. The inclusion of a Curator's Cut mode is also praised, as it offers alternate scenes that can refresh the narrative experience. Conversely, many critics express dissatisfaction with the game's overall replayability due to its linear nature and the limited impact of player choices. For instance, Siliconera and Game Revolution assert that the choices made throughout the game do not significantly alter the storyline, leading to a sense of stagnation in subsequent playthroughs. IGN echoes this sentiment, noting that the lack of significant divergence discourages replayability, despite the game's best experience being in co-op mode. Other critics, such as TrueGaming and Gameblog.fr, also mention that while there are multiple endings, the core narrative remains largely unchanged, which can lead to feelings of limited player agency. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided sentiment regarding the replay value of Little Hope. While several reviewers, including Wccftech and GamingBolt, argue that the game offers ample opportunities for replay through its branching paths and multiplayer modes, others like GameSkinny and Screen Rant feel that the lack of meaningful choices and the repetitive nature of the gameplay diminish its appeal for multiple playthroughs. This dichotomy suggests that while the game has features that could enhance replayability, the execution may leave some players wanting more, ultimately leading to a mixed reception in terms of replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope reflects a mixed reception, with several critics praising its engaging atmosphere and horror elements. Reviewers like Cubed3 and PlayStation Universe highlight the game's thrilling drama and polished atmosphere, suggesting that it successfully delivers a compelling horror experience. Critics such as Noisy Pixel and COGconnected commend the improved multiplayer mode and user interface, indicating that the game has made strides in gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor. The visuals and sound design receive positive remarks from multiple sources, with some reviewers noting that the game can be particularly enjoyable when played in co-op mode, enhancing the horror experience with friends and family. Conversely, many critics express disappointment with Little Hope, citing significant narrative and gameplay shortcomings. Game Revolution and Metro GameCentral describe the game as bland and boring, pointing out its weak script and uninteresting characters. The repetitive jump scares and a lack of meaningful player choices are recurring criticisms, with IGN and DarkStation mentioning that the story's conclusion feels cheap and undermines the overall experience. Additionally, several reviewers, including TrueGaming and Gamer.nl, argue that the game fails to learn from the mistakes of its predecessor, leading to a feeling of stagnation rather than progress in the series. In summary, the consensus among critics is that while Little Hope offers some entertaining moments and improvements over its predecessor, it ultimately falls short of the heights reached by Until Dawn. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Cultured Vultures acknowledge the game's potential and the direction it is heading, but many agree that it lacks depth in storytelling and character development. Overall, Little Hope is seen as a mixed bag, appealing to fans of the genre but leaving many others feeling underwhelmed by its execution and narrative choices.

TL;DR

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope presents a mixed reception; praised for its atmospheric horror and improved multiplayer, yet criticized for a weak narrative, bland characters, and repetitive jump scares. While it offers some fun moments, many feel it fails to build on its predecessor, leaving fans wanting more depth and engaging storytelling. Overall, a decent horror experience but ultimately underwhelming.

MONSTER

Reviews

158 reviews found

Malditos Nerds

PlayStation 4

Nov 4, 2020

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

Little Hope establishes The Dark Pictures Anthology as a standout in interactive horror storytelling, with a perfect balance between script, acting, and interactivity.

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CGMagazine

PlayStation 4

Nov 4, 2020

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

The game is worth investing in, offering a nearly perfect horror experience with immortal monsters, ghosts, Witch Trials, and an unsolvable mystery.

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The Digital Fix

PlayStation 4

Oct 29, 2020

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

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is a promising and terrifying horror experience. It successfully builds on the ideas introduced in the first Dark Pictures title and refines the developer's signature playstyle. It feels closer to the Until Dawn experience and offers a satisfying horror movie experience.

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Oct 29, 2020

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

The game improves on the previous game in the series in almost every aspect. It offers a spooky story, immersive graphics, good sound design, likable characters, and replay value. It is a recommended horror game.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Oct 29, 2020

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

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is a gripping continuation of the horror anthology, with a polished atmosphere and brilliant twists in its narrative. It is recommended for horror fans looking to expand their collection on PS4.

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PC Invasion

Oct 29, 2020

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

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is a thematic game that will delight horror fans, with a deeper story and rich lore.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 4

Oct 29, 2020

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

Little Hope is an excellent adventure with a well-executed horror feel. The branching narrative, well-written dialogue, and solid camera selection make it a standout title from Supermassive Games.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 4

Jan 12, 2021

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

The reviewer highly praises Little Hope, stating that it improves upon its predecessor and rekindles their excitement for The Dark Pictures Anthology. They also express hope for the future of the series and recommend the game to horror fans.

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Noisy Pixel

Oct 29, 2020

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

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is a terrifying adventure game that utilizes the atmosphere and setting to deliver the scares. The upgraded UI and improved multiplayer mode show just how far this developer has come in terms of game-making and storytelling.

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Wccftech

Oct 29, 2020

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

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope is a brilliant game with a compelling story, interesting characters, and a high level of replay value, despite some issues with controls and quick-time events.

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