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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

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk receives mostly positive reviews for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, particularly highlighting the bond between the Burned One and Potboy. Critics laud its exploration of themes like grief and hope within a beautifully crafted world. However, some feel the narrative lacks clarity and depth in character relationships, leaving emotional connections wanting. Despite these critiques, the game is praised for its immersive experience, making it a notable title deserving of attention.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

19%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding the narrative of The Midnight Walk is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its rich storytelling and emotional depth. Reviewers from outlets like COGconnected and Creative Bloq highlighted the game's strong characterization and engaging journey, emphasizing the relationship between the Burned One and Potboy as a central element that adds warmth and emotional resonance to the narrative. Critics such as IGN and Gamer.no noted the game's exploration of profound themes like grief, loss, and hope, weaving them into a beautifully crafted world filled with memorable characters and haunting tales. The game's structure, featuring self-contained stories across various chapters, was also appreciated by reviewers like Final Weapon and Adventure Game Hotspot, who found that this approach enriched the overall experience. However, not all critics were entirely satisfied with the narrative's execution. Some, like ComicBook and Metro GameCentral, pointed out that while the themes are compelling, certain relationships, particularly between the Burned One and Potboy, could have benefitted from deeper exploration. Critics such as Wccftech and Road to VR expressed concerns over the narrative's clarity and coherence, suggesting that the storytelling sometimes prioritizes atmosphere over a tightly-plotted structure. This ambiguity led to mixed feelings about character attachment and investment in the overarching narrative, which some found lacking in depth and emotional impact. Despite the criticisms, the consensus among the majority of reviewers is that The Midnight Walk offers a captivating and immersive narrative experience. Critics like My critic name is 4P.de and My critic name is Shacknews echoed the sentiment that the game successfully engages players through its exploration of darkness and the quest for light. The emotional weight carried by the journey of the Burned One and Potboy, as emphasized by critics from various outlets, resonates strongly, contributing to the game's overall acclaim. Ultimately, while there are areas for improvement, the narrative of The Midnight Walk is celebrated for its ambition and emotional depth, making it a standout experience for players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk impresses with its immersive sound and light mechanics and a strong narrative bond with companion Potboy, earning praise for its atmosphere. However, critics slam its simplicity, repetitive puzzles, and linear gameplay, leading to a lack of challenge and depth. While enjoyable for fans of narrative-driven experiences, it risks feeling more like a walking simulator than a true game.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

30%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

70%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of The Midnight Walk has garnered a variety of positive remarks from critics, highlighting its immersive qualities and unique mechanics. Many reviewers, such as Creative Bloq and Final Weapon, appreciate the innovative use of sound and light, particularly the mechanic of closing one’s eyes to evade threats and solve puzzles. Critics like COGconnected and But Why Tho? emphasize the tension created through stealth and avoidance, which enhances the narrative experience. The game is also noted for its atmospheric exploration, with several critics, including Gamer.no and CGMagazine, praising the engaging environments and the bond between the player and the companion character, Potboy, which adds depth to the gameplay. However, several reviewers point out significant shortcomings in the gameplay, primarily its simplicity and lack of challenge. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer describe the mechanics as basic and repetitive, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction due to the hands-off approach to puzzle-solving. The puzzles, while sometimes engaging, are often criticized for being too easy and not fully utilizing the game’s potential, as noted by Critical Hits and WellPlayed. Additionally, the linearity of the gameplay is a recurring theme, with reviewers like Push Square and Metro GameCentral highlighting how this limits player agency and exploration, making the experience feel contrived and unremarkable. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Midnight Walk offers a unique and atmospheric experience, it falls short in terms of depth and complexity. Many reviewers agree that the gameplay is enjoyable but simplistic, often feeling more like a walking simulator than a traditional game. Critics such as IGN and Game Informer encapsulate this sentiment, noting that although the mechanics are intriguing, they are ultimately unremarkable and familiar. The game appears to cater well to those who appreciate narrative-driven experiences but may disappoint players seeking more challenging and interactive gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk is a visual triumph, dazzling critics with its unique claymation and stop-motion artistry that creates a dark, fairy tale world. Reviewers hail its stunning handcrafted figures and grotesque creatures, drawing comparisons to Tim Burton's style. While some technical flaws like framerate issues and limited environment variety have been noted, the game's breathtaking visuals and emotional depth overshadow these concerns. Overall, it's celebrated as a masterpiece of artistic innovation in gaming.

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, with many praising its unique claymation and stop-motion aesthetic. Reviewers from 4P.de and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the game's distinct visual style, which utilizes handcrafted figures to create a fairy tale world that is both dark and mysterious. The game’s visuals are described as “visually stunning” by critics like COGconnected and Creative Bloq, who noted the beautifully grotesque clay-sculpted creatures that enhance the horror elements. The attention to detail is further emphasized by Multiplayer.it, which mentions the use of over 700 clay miniatures, resulting in a tactile experience that immerses players in a captivating world. Many critics, including Game Informer and Metro GameCentral, draw comparisons to Tim Burton’s iconic animation style, reinforcing the game’s artistic merit and its ability to evoke a sense of eerie nostalgia. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some criticisms do arise, primarily concerning technical aspects. COGconnected noted framerate issues that could detract from the overall experience, while others like IGN mentioned that the unique stop-motion style sometimes limits player movement. Critical Hits pointed out a lack of variety in environments, which could impact the visual richness over extended gameplay. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment remains positive, with the game's artistic direction and handcrafted visuals often overshadowing the technical shortcomings. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Midnight Walk presents a visual masterpiece, with its claymation and stop-motion techniques creating a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that captivates players. Critics like Impulsegamer and WellPlayed emphasized the emotional weight these visuals bring to the narrative, while others, such as Shacknews and UploadVR, praised the immersive qualities of the game, particularly in virtual reality. Overall, the game is celebrated for its artistic innovation and unique aesthetic, making it a standout title in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk boasts exceptional sound design and music, earning rave reviews for its immersive 3D audio and emotional depth. Critics praise the campfire narrator's voice and Joel Bille’s orchestral soundtrack, which elevates the game's atmosphere. However, some argue certain music elements fall flat and might not cater to all players. Overall, the audio experience is a major highlight, enhancing gameplay and storytelling despite minor critiques.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the sound design and music of The Midnight Walk is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its immersive qualities and emotional depth. Reviewers like 4P.de and Checkpoint Gaming highlighted the deep campfire narrator's voice and immersive 3D audio, which significantly enhance the game's atmosphere. COGconnected noted the exceptional audio design, emphasizing haunting ambient sounds and well-timed music that amplify the emotional weight of the story. The soundtrack, composed by Joel Bille, received accolades for its orchestral elements, with critics like ComicBook and Game Informer remarking on how it captures the essence of the narrative and evokes a range of feelings. The use of spatial audio techniques, as mentioned by MeuPlayStation and Multiplayer.it, further contributes to the immersive experience, particularly in VR settings. Despite the overall acclaim, some criticisms emerged regarding specific elements of the sound design. For instance, while Critical Hits acknowledged the spectacular sound effects, they mentioned that the music was merely adequate. Additionally, KonsoliFIN pointed out that the sound design might pose challenges for players with certain cognitive limitations, suggesting that the audio experience could be tailored too specifically for certain audiences. Gamekult also provided a mixed review, noting that while the music was beautifully melancholic, the sound design lacked impact in some areas despite good spatialization. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Midnight Walk excels in its sound design and music, creating a rich and immersive experience that enhances the gameplay. Most reviewers, including Final Weapon and Push Square, emphasized the emotional weight and unique atmosphere brought forth by the audio elements, making it a standout feature of the game. While there are minor critiques regarding specific aspects of the sound design, the majority of feedback leans towards a strong appreciation for how the audio contributes to the overall storytelling and player engagement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk boasts impressive voice acting that enhances immersion and character depth, earning praise from critics for its rich performances. However, some main characters lack verbal dialogue, and certain accents can be hard to understand, raising concerns about clarity and engagement. Despite these minor flaws, the overall consensus is that the voice work significantly elevates the game's atmosphere and storytelling, making it a key highlight.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

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 among critics, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the game's immersive experience. Reviewers such as Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer praised the voice work for its ability to draw players into the dark environments, with Checkpoint Gaming specifically noting the narrator's "rich and raspy voice." Final Weapon echoed this sentiment, stating that the outstanding voice acting imbues each character with a distinct personality, further enriching the overall immersion. Critics like Impulsegamer and MeuPlayStation emphasized the high quality of the performances, which effectively convey the emotional depth of the characters and contribute to the game's rich narrative. Adventure Game Hotspot also noted the whimsical nature of the voice acting, which fits the game's tone and enhances character interactions. However, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Game Informer pointed out that the main characters do not speak, relying instead on music to express emotions, which may leave some players wanting more verbal interaction. Additionally, IGN Turkey and GamingBolt highlighted issues with certain accents being difficult to understand, suggesting that some players might require subtitles for clarity. Slant Magazine raised concerns about the extensive use of voiceover narration for tutorials, which they felt could be overwhelming and detract from the overall experience. This indicates a potential inconsistency in the execution of the voice work, which may affect player engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in The Midnight Walk is a significant strength, contributing to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. While some reviewers like Game Informer and Slant Magazine pointed out limitations, the majority found the performances to be compelling and immersive. Critics such as Loot Level Chill and Multiplayer.it emphasized how the voice acting enhances the emotional weight of the story and integrates seamlessly into gameplay. Despite some minor issues with accents and the absence of dialogue from certain characters, the overall sentiment is that the voice acting effectively enriches the experience, making it a standout feature of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"The Midnight Walk" impresses with its unique visuals on PS5 and PC, but suffers from notable technical issues. PS5's VR mode is particularly criticized for glitches and poor eye-tracking, while PC faces bugs and frame rate drops. Despite these flaws, many critics find the game’s aesthetic rewarding, but recommend caution due to its inconsistencies.

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" has garnered a mix of opinions across different platforms, particularly on the PlayStation 5 and PC. On the PS5, several critics noted that the game delivers a visually unique experience, with COGconnected highlighting the artistry despite minor framerate issues. Metro GameCentral praised the game’s performance in VR, suggesting it runs well overall, while IGN Spain acknowledged that the game runs smoothly, with only occasional frame rate drops. Critics like Multiplayer.it also mentioned that the game performs well outside of VR, indicating a generally stable experience that many players can enjoy. However, there are notable negatives associated with both platforms. On the PS5, reviewers consistently pointed out issues with the VR implementation, with Creative Bloq and Eurogamer commenting on problems with eye-tracking and basic actions being more intuitive with a standard controller. Push Square highlighted technical drawbacks in the VR version, including glitches and rough visuals during cutscenes. Meanwhile, on PC, critics reported various technical concerns such as bugs that can halt progress (Game8), frame rate drops, and texture loading problems (SECTOR.sk). Although some issues were minor and easily remedied, they still detracted from the overall experience, as noted by CGMagazine and Combo Infinito. Overall, the consensus among critics across both platforms suggests that while "The Midnight Walk" offers a compelling visual and immersive experience, it is marred by a range of technical issues that need addressing. The PS5 version is particularly criticized for its VR performance, with multiple reviewers noting that it feels less polished compared to standard gameplay. On PC, while performance is generally stable, the presence of bugs and technical glitches indicates that further updates may be necessary to enhance the experience. Despite these setbacks, many critics, including Wccftech and UploadVR, agree that the game’s aesthetic and overall design offer a worthwhile experience, albeit with caveats that potential players should consider.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

The Midnight Walk offers enticing collectibles and alternate endings that might tempt players to revisit it, but its short runtime (4-8 hours) and linear narrative structure significantly hinder replay value. Critics acknowledge some enjoyable aspects but generally agree that the game lacks compelling reasons for multiple playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

10%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

72%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

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 may entice players to revisit the game. Several critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and Final Weapon, highlight the presence of collectibles and lore that encourage exploration beyond the main narrative. This aspect is echoed by Impulsegamer, who points out that the existence of alternate endings and collectible items enhances the game's replay value. Critics like But Why Tho? and Combo Infinito also note that the game invites players to revisit memories and explore its evolving environment, suggesting a moderate level of replayability. These elements contribute to a rich narrative experience that some players may find worth exploring multiple times. However, a significant number of reviewers express concerns about the game's limited replay value. Critics like COGconnected and GamingBolt emphasize that the game lacks traditional replay incentives, citing its short runtime of around four to eight hours as a limiting factor. Eurogamer and Game Informer also mention that the brief nature of the game may deter players from engaging in multiple playthroughs. Additionally, the linear narrative structure is frequently criticized, with reviewers such as KonsoliFIN and Slant Magazine pointing out that it does not provide compelling reasons to return after completion. This sentiment is supported by IGN Italia, which notes the linearity and lack of complex challenges as barriers to replayability. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while The Midnight Walk offers some appealing elements that could encourage players to return—such as collectibles and alternate endings—its short duration and linear structure significantly limit its replay value. Critics like Gamer.no and Metro GameCentral acknowledge the game's strong initial impact but suggest that the brief experience may not warrant multiple playthroughs. In conclusion, while there are aspects that could draw players back, the general sentiment leans toward a recognition of the game's limitations in terms of replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

77%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

23%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding The Midnight Walk is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its artistic vision and emotional depth. Reviewers like 4P.de and Final Weapon highlighted the game's stunning visuals and engaging narrative, emphasizing its creativity and unique aesthetic. Critics such as IGN and Gamer.no echoed these sentiments, describing the experience as deeply affecting and a standout in the indie horror genre. The combination of beautiful art direction, masterful audio design, and a heartfelt story has resonated with many, making it a memorable experience for players who appreciate immersive storytelling. Creative Bloq and WellPlayed also noted the game's ability to invite players into a darkly comic world, further enhancing its appeal. However, despite the acclaim, several critics pointed out notable shortcomings, particularly in gameplay mechanics and narrative depth. Checkpoint Gaming and Eurogamer mentioned that the game stumbles in its gameplay design, with some reviewers like Slant Magazine and Road to VR criticizing its linearity and simplistic mechanics. Critics such as KonsoliFIN and Gamekult echoed these concerns, suggesting that while the visuals are stunning, the gameplay and pacing issues detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviewers like Critical Hits and IGN Italia indicated that the game's price point might make it less accessible, recommending potential players to wait for discounts. In summary, the consensus among critics is that The Midnight Walk is a remarkable artistic achievement that successfully combines stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and a unique atmosphere, making it a worthwhile experience for many. While there are criticisms regarding its gameplay limitations and narrative depth, the majority of reviewers agree that the game's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. As noted by critics like Impulsegamer and Shacknews, it stands out as a captivating adventure that leaves a lasting impression, solidifying its place as a must-play title for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

The Midnight Walk receives widespread acclaim for its stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and unique aesthetic, with critics praising its artistic vision. However, gameplay mechanics and narrative depth face criticism for being linear and simplistic. Despite these shortcomings, the game's strengths make it a standout indie horror experience worth exploring, though some recommend waiting for discounts due to its price. Overall, it's a captivating adventure that leaves a lasting impression.

MONSTER

Reviews

61 reviews found

Final Weapon

PlayStation 5

Jul 29, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is a remarkable debut that captivates players with its story, visuals, and sound, leaving a lasting impression and proving MoonHood as a studio to watch.

Adventure Game Hotspot

Jun 6, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is a stunning achievement in visual, audio, and narrative design, offering a memorable journey despite its lack of challenge. It is highly recommended for those who appreciate artistic storytelling.

But Why Tho?

May 14, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is described as a living storybook that blends emotional resonance with striking visuals, making it an unforgettable experience.

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Gamer.no

PlayStation 5

May 8, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is praised as a unique and essential experience, blending art and storytelling in a way that stands out in the gaming landscape.

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Game8

May 8, 2025

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

Despite its gameplay limitations, The Midnight Walk is a visually and audibly stunning experience that offers a unique narrative and artistic presentation, making it a worthwhile purchase.

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SECTOR.sk

Jun 13, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is a beautifully crafted game that combines deep storytelling, unique visuals, and engaging gameplay, despite some technical shortcomings, making it a standout title worth experiencing.

Loot Level Chill

PlayStation 5

May 8, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is praised as one of the best adventure games of 2025, combining stunning visuals with engaging gameplay and a compelling story.

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Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

May 27, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is hailed as one of the best VR games of the year, offering a captivating and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after playing.

IGN

PlayStation 5

May 8, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is a deeply affecting experience with a rich story and captivating visuals, despite some gameplay frustrations. It leaves a lasting impression and is worth experiencing for its narrative depth.

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Combo Infinito

May 10, 2025

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

The Midnight Walk is praised as an artistic game with an engaging narrative and unique aesthetics. However, the lack of Portuguese language support is seen as a significant drawback.

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