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The Midnight Walk

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of The Midnight Walk
Item: The Midnight Walk
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Indie, Action, Horror, Single Player

AvailableMay 8, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperMoonHood Studios

Overview

Embark upon The Midnight Walk in this reverent dark fantasy adventure built in clay, from the minds behind Lost in Random and Fe. Become The Burnt One, befriend a lost lantern creature named Potboy, and use his flame to light your way through a conflicting world of wonder and horror. Survive and outsmart the many monsters eager to devour your little friend’s flame as you experience five tales of fire and darkness, featuring an incredible cast of odd characters. Marvel at every disturbing detail in a landscape painstakingly handcrafted with real life clay and animated in a stop motion style. Fully playable in both flatscreen and with a VR headset.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk impresses with its rich themes and emotional depth, praised for its compelling characters and dark fantasy setting. Critics celebrate the journey of The Burned One and Potboy as a poignant exploration of light and darkness. However, significant flaws in narrative structure and character relationships leave some reviewers feeling disconnected and craving deeper coherence. While it creates an immersive experience, the storytelling execution needs refinement for maximum impact.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the narrative of The Midnight Walk is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its rich thematic content and emotional depth. Reviewers such as 4P.de and Creative Bloq highlight the journey of the Burned One and Potboy as a compelling exploration of light versus darkness, symbolizing personal growth and resilience. Critics like COGconnected and Gamer.no commend the storytelling for its rich characterization and emotional resonance, noting how the interactions with various characters enhance the narrative experience. The game’s dark fantasy setting is frequently described as beautifully crafted, with IGN and But Why Tho? emphasizing the poignant themes of impermanence and connection, which resonate deeply throughout the journey. However, several critics also point out notable shortcomings in the narrative structure and depth. For instance, ComicBook mentions that while the game explores significant themes like power and identity, it lacks depth in certain character relationships, particularly between The Burned One and Potboy. Eurogamer and Metro GameCentral argue that while the individual stories are engaging, they often lack coherence and emotional impact, suggesting that the overarching narrative does not resonate as strongly as intended. Additionally, Wccftech and Road to VR criticize the narrative for being somewhat unclear and lacking a tightly-plotted structure, which detracts from the overall experience and may leave players feeling detached from the story. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Midnight Walk offers a captivating and immersive narrative experience, marked by its exploration of profound themes and emotional storytelling. However, there are significant critiques regarding the depth and coherence of the narrative, with some reviewers feeling that the game could benefit from a more structured approach. Overall, while the game succeeds in creating a rich atmosphere and engaging world, the execution of its story leaves room for improvement, as noted by critics like Slant Magazine and Game Informer.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk impresses with its unique mechanics and immersive atmosphere, particularly the innovative gameplay of closing one's eyes to navigate. Critics praise its focus on stealth and emotional engagement with companion Potboy, but many highlight significant flaws, including simplistic, repetitive mechanics and linear gameplay. The game feels more like a walking simulator with basic puzzles, potentially disappointing players seeking depth and challenge. While creative, it ultimately struggles to deliver a fulfilling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

28%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Midnight Walk has garnered some praise from various critics, particularly for its unique mechanics and immersive atmosphere. Reviewers like Creative Bloq and IGN highlighted the innovative use of closing one's eyes to navigate and interact with the environment, which adds a distinct layer to the gameplay experience. Critics such as COGconnected and But Why Tho? appreciated the focus on stealth and exploration, emphasizing how these elements contribute to a narrative-driven journey. The game’s ability to create tension through vulnerability and the bond between the player and their companion, Potboy, was also noted as a positive aspect, enhancing the emotional engagement during gameplay. However, a significant number of reviewers pointed out the shortcomings of the gameplay, particularly in terms of depth and challenge. Many critics, including Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer, described the mechanics as simplistic and repetitive, with puzzles that often lack complexity. The linearity of the gameplay was a common criticism, with Game Informer and Slant Magazine mentioning that the experience feels guided and restricts player ingenuity. Additionally, some reviewers like Push Square and Game8 noted that the gameplay can feel unengaging, especially in the early stages, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction due to its basic mechanics and limited interactivity. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Midnight Walk offers an intriguing and immersive experience through its unique mechanics and atmospheric design, it ultimately falls short in terms of gameplay depth and challenge. Many reviewers agree that the game feels more like a walking simulator with simple puzzles, as noted by Shacknews and IGN Italia, which may not appeal to players seeking a more traditional gaming experience. The mixed opinions suggest that while the game has potential and creative ideas, it may not fully realize them, leading to a basic and linear experience that could benefit from more engaging and complex gameplay elements.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk is hailed as a masterpiece for its groundbreaking claymation art style, earning rave reviews for its enchanting visuals that blend beauty and horror, reminiscent of Tim Burton. Critics praise its meticulous detail and immersive atmosphere, though minor framerate issues and limited environments are noted. Overall, it’s celebrated as a stunning artistic achievement that captivates players and stands apart in the gaming landscape.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of The Midnight Walk have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, many of whom describe it as a masterpiece. Reviewers such as 4P.de and Checkpoint Gaming highlight the game’s unique claymation art style, which creates a visually distinct experience that stands apart from typical high-gloss graphics. Critics like Creative Bloq and Push Square praise the hand-sculpted aesthetic, noting the impressive attention to detail and the tactile quality it brings to the overall atmosphere. The stop-motion effect, as noted by COGconnected and Eurogamer, enhances the horror elements and immerses players in a dark, fairy tale world reminiscent of Tim Burton's iconic style. The combination of beautiful, grotesque creatures and charmingly distorted characters creates a captivating visual narrative that many reviewers found enchanting. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics pointed out minor drawbacks. COGconnected mentioned framerate issues that could detract from the overall experience, while Critical Hits noted a lack of variety in the game’s environments. Additionally, IGN pointed out that while the visual design is arresting, it sometimes limits player movement, which may hinder gameplay fluidity. These concerns, however, appear to be overshadowed by the overall visual appeal, as most critics focus on the artistry rather than technical shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Midnight Walk excels in its graphics and visual design, creating a stunning and immersive experience that resonates with players. Many reviewers, including those from GamingBolt and Metro GameCentral, draw comparisons to Tim Burton's work, emphasizing the game's unique blend of beauty and horror. The handcrafted, stop-motion aesthetic has left a lasting impression, with critics like But Why Tho? and Shacknews celebrating its ability to evoke nostalgia and contribute to a living storybook atmosphere. In summary, The Midnight Walk stands out as a visually striking title that has captivated the gaming community, with the majority of critics lauding it as a true artistic achievement.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk wows critics with its stunning sound design and evocative soundtrack, enhancing the game's emotional depth and immersive atmosphere. While most praise its 3D audio, haunting narration, and orchestral score, a few concerns arise about accessibility for players with cognitive limitations. Overall, the game's audio elements stand out as a key strength, solidifying its place as a must-play in the gaming world.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

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 Midnight Walk have garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics, highlighting its ability to enhance the overall gaming experience. Reviewers such as 4P.de and Checkpoint Gaming praised the immersive 3D audio and the deep, captivating narration that contributes significantly to the game's atmosphere. COGconnected emphasized the exceptional audio design, noting how haunting ambient sounds and well-timed music amplify the emotional weight of the story. The soundtrack, composed by Joel Bille, received accolades from multiple sources, including ComicBook and Game Informer, for its orchestral elements that evoke a range of emotions, further enriching the narrative experience. Critics like Gamer.no and Creative Bloq also pointed out how the melancholic jazz influences and atmospheric scores effectively complement the gameplay, creating an immersive and emotionally impactful environment. Despite the largely favorable reviews, a few critics expressed reservations regarding certain aspects of the sound design. For instance, KonsoliFIN noted that while the sound design is crucial for gameplay, it might pose challenges for players with cognitive limitations, suggesting that the audio experience could be tailored to specific player types. Additionally, Gamekult mentioned mixed reviews regarding the sound design's impact, indicating that while some elements excelled, others lacked the desired effect despite good spatialization. This suggests that while the majority of the sound design is commendable, there are areas where it could be improved to cater to a broader audience. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Midnight Walk features a remarkable sound design and music score that significantly enhance the gaming experience. The majority of reviewers, including Push Square and PC Games, highlighted the effectiveness of the audio in bringing the game's atmosphere to life and contributing to its emotional depth. The combination of immersive sound effects, compelling narration, and a beautifully composed soundtrack has left a strong impression on players, solidifying the game's auditory elements as one of its standout features. The positive reception indicates that The Midnight Walk successfully uses sound to create an engaging and atmospheric experience, making it a noteworthy title in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The voice acting in The Midnight Walk is widely praised for enhancing its immersive atmosphere, with critics highlighting a compelling narrator and strong character portrayals. However, concerns about main characters lacking spoken lines, unclear accents, and overwhelming tutorial narration have been noted. Overall, despite some drawbacks, the voice performances are deemed a standout feature that enriches the game's storytelling.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

57%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in The Midnight Walk has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its significant contribution to the game's immersive atmosphere. Checkpoint Gaming praises the narrator's "rich and raspy voice," which effectively draws players into the game's dark environments. Similarly, Eurogamer notes that the "exceptional" voice work enhances the overall immersive experience, while Loot Level Chill describes the voice acting as "incredible," emphasizing its role in creating an unsettling atmosphere. Critics like MeuPlayStation and Gamekult echo this sentiment, commending the high-quality performances that add emotional depth and bring characters to life. The diverse voice cast, as noted by Game8, further enriches the narrative experience, showcasing a range of strong performances that effectively embody their characters. However, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Game Informer points out that the main characters do not speak, relying solely on music to convey emotions, which may detract from the traditional voice acting experience. Additionally, GamingBolt and IGN Turkey highlight issues with certain accents being difficult to understand, suggesting that some players may need subtitles for clarity. Slant Magazine raises a concern about the extensive use of voiceover narration for tutorials, which can feel overwhelming and disrupt the flow of the game. These critiques indicate that while the voice acting is generally strong, there are aspects that may hinder the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in The Midnight Walk is a standout feature that significantly enhances the game's atmosphere and storytelling. While there are some notable drawbacks, such as the reliance on music for character expression and occasional issues with accent clarity, the majority of reviewers, including those from Checkpoint Gaming, Eurogamer, and MeuPlayStation, affirm the high quality and effectiveness of the voice performances. The combination of a charming narrator, strong character portrayals, and a diverse voice cast contributes to an engaging and immersive experience, solidifying the voice acting as a key component of the game's appeal.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk impresses with its visual artistry and smooth gameplay, particularly in VR, on PS5 and PC, but significant VR issues like tracking problems and bugs hold it back. Critics are split; while the aesthetic appeal shines, persistent technical flaws and limited accessibility detract from the overall experience. Improvements are needed to enhance VR functionality and stability on both platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

100%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of The Midnight Walk across different platforms has garnered a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers. On the PlayStation 5, critics like COGconnected and Metro GameCentral acknowledged the game's overall solid performance, highlighting its unique visual artistry and effective VR implementation, respectively. Despite some minor framerate issues noted by Wccftech and Loot Level Chill, many reviewers felt that the aesthetic qualities of the game helped to mitigate these concerns. Similarly, on PC, several critics, including UploadVR and CGMagazine, reported a generally smooth experience, particularly in VR, with minor technical issues that were easily remedied, such as tracking problems and calibration issues. However, the negatives for both platforms cannot be overlooked. On PS5, Creative Bloq and Eurogamer pointed out significant VR issues, such as eye-tracking and hand-tracking problems, which detracted from immersion and indicated a lack of polish. KonsoliFIN also raised concerns about accessibility and frustrating gameplay mechanics stemming from the VR-centric design. On the PC side, Game8 highlighted bugs that could halt progress, suggesting stability issues that need addressing. Additionally, Combo Infinito mentioned calibration problems with sensitivity, which, while not game-breaking, were still a concern for players. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment regarding the technical performance of The Midnight Walk. While both platforms have their strengths, particularly in visual fidelity and general gameplay experience, the VR implementation has been a recurring point of contention. Critics like Push Square and GamingBolt noted that the game's design choices may limit the experience for non-VR players, while others pointed to stability issues and minor bugs that need to be addressed in future updates. Ultimately, while the game offers a compelling experience, the technical performance leaves room for improvement, particularly in its VR capabilities across both PS5 and PC platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk offers some enticing aspects like exploration, collectibles, and alternate endings that could draw players back. However, critics largely agree that its short runtime (4-8 hours), linear narrative, and repetitive progression limit replay value, leaving many unconvinced of its long-term appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

24%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of The Midnight Walk reveal some positive aspects that could entice players to revisit the game. Several critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and Loot Level Chill, highlight the game's emphasis on exploration and collectibles, which can enhance the overall experience and encourage players to delve back into the game's world. Critics like Wccftech and But Why Tho? also mention the presence of alternate endings and evolving spaces that provide additional layers of engagement, suggesting that there are elements worth exploring beyond the initial playthrough. The potential for discovering lore and collectibles, as noted by Creative Bloq and Combo Infinito, can create a sense of curiosity that may drive players to return for a second look. However, a significant number of reviewers express concerns regarding the game's limited replay value. Critics such as COGconnected and IGN Italia point out that the linear narrative structure and lack of complex challenges may deter players from wanting to experience the game multiple times. Many reviewers, including Eurogamer and GamingBolt, emphasize the game's relatively short runtime—often cited as lasting between four to eight hours—which they believe restricts the incentive for replayability. Additionally, the repetitive nature of chapter progression, mentioned by Combo Infinito, further contributes to a sense of stagnation that could dissuade players from revisiting the game after completing it. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed sentiment regarding the replay value of The Midnight Walk. While some reviewers appreciate the potential for exploration and collectibles, as noted by critics like Gamer.no and MyPlayStation, the overarching sentiment leans towards a recognition of the game's limitations. Many critics, including KonsoliFIN and Slant Magazine, echo the sentiment that the game's short length and linear design significantly undermine its replayability. Thus, while there are elements that may invite players back, the general feeling is that the experience may not be compelling enough to warrant multiple playthroughs for most players.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding The Midnight Walk is largely positive, with many critics praising its unique artistic vision and emotional storytelling. Reviewers like COGconnected highlight the game's "deeply affecting story" and "stunning art direction," while Checkpoint Gaming notes its "moody experience" and "captivating setting." The visuals receive consistent acclaim, with critics such as Creative Bloq calling it a "remarkable debut" and praising its "stunning visuals." The game's atmosphere also resonates well with players, as evidenced by IGN's description of it as a "deeply affecting experience" that leaves a lasting impression. The combination of art, narrative, and audio design creates a compelling experience that many reviewers find memorable and engaging. However, despite its many strengths, The Midnight Walk is not without its shortcomings. Critics frequently point out the game's simplistic gameplay mechanics and lack of challenge, with Eurogamer mentioning it "falls short in storytelling and gameplay depth." Others, like Slant Magazine, highlight issues with linear gameplay and narrative constraints. While the aesthetic elements are celebrated, the gameplay and puzzle design are often seen as lacking depth, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and KonsoliFIN, who suggest that the game may be better experienced at a discount due to its gameplay limitations. The absence of combat and basic mechanics are recurring themes in the critiques, indicating a consensus that while the game excels in certain areas, it falters in others. Overall, the consensus among critics is that The Midnight Walk is a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience that stands out for its artistic qualities but is hampered by gameplay issues. Critics like Gamer.no and IGN Italia encapsulate this sentiment, praising the game's unique blend of art and storytelling while also acknowledging its limitations in gameplay complexity. The game is recommended for fans of immersive experiences and those who appreciate visual storytelling, but many suggest that potential players should be aware of its gameplay shortcomings. Thus, while The Midnight Walk is celebrated for its creativity and emotional depth, it may not satisfy those seeking a more challenging or intricate gameplay experience.

TL;DR

The Midnight Walk garners praise for its stunning visuals and emotional storytelling, offering a captivating artistic experience. However, it struggles with simplistic gameplay and linear mechanics, leaving some critics recommending it only for those who prioritize aesthetics over challenge. Fans of immersive narratives may enjoy it, but gameplay enthusiasts might find it lacking.

MONSTER

Reviews

57 reviews found

Game8

May 8, 2025