Little Nightmares II
- February 9, 2021
- Tarsier Studios
- 6h median play time
Little Nightmares II builds on the original's macabre formula of unsettling imagery and clever puzzles by crafting more diverse environments and expanding the player's toolset for solving and escaping tense situations.
In Little Nightmares II, players control Mono, a boy trapped in a disturbing world filled with grotesque creatures. Aided by Six, a girl with a bag over her head, Mono must solve puzzles and evade horrifying enemies to uncover the truth behind the Signal Tower. This atmospheric horror-adventure game encourages stealth and exploration, providing a chilling and suspenseful experience.
Reviews
- story2,352 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Little Nightmares II" is widely praised for its haunting atmosphere and emotional depth, effectively conveyed through visual storytelling without dialogue. Players appreciate the intricate connections to the first game, with many noting the unexpected plot twists and the tragic arcs of the characters, particularly the relationship between Mono and Six. While some find the narrative ambiguous and open to interpretation, the overall consensus is that the game offers a compelling and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact.
“The storytelling is superb, even without dialogue. The story takes you through more creepy locations than the first game ever did, and the monsters are arguably more terrifying than the ones from the first game.”
“Little Nightmares II tells a beautiful yet fragile story of friendship, sadness, and searching for the light among the darkness. The story is compelling, keeping you engaged and you actually care about finding out all the mysteries in it.”
“The story is so good and it left me speechless, and the gameplay? It's a great game with great graphics and story, wish there were more DLCs though.”
“The story also went in a weird direction at the end, that character having no reason to act as such.”
“The plot twist leaves me speechless, was not expecting how Mono turned into in the end.”
“The story is much improved and the gameplay is great.”
- gameplay1,319 mentions
- 32 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Little Nightmares II" has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric design and new mechanics, such as combat and cooperative elements with the character Six. However, players have also noted significant frustrations with clunky controls, trial-and-error gameplay, and some poorly implemented mechanics that detract from the overall experience. While the game builds on the strengths of its predecessor, the inconsistencies in gameplay and occasional bugs have left some players feeling disappointed.
“The gameplay is fun and exciting; this is about my 3rd/4th playthrough as I used to play this series on Switch, and even still, this game still hits hard and the ending still hits me like it did in 2021.”
“The gameplay in Little Nightmares II builds upon the mechanics of the first game, introducing new elements that enhance the experience.”
“The puzzles are cleverly designed, requiring teamwork and coordination between the two characters, making the gameplay even more engaging and challenging.”
“The gameplay is riddled with bugs and very inconsistent, which is why I really can't recommend it.”
“The gameplay is a bit clunky, awkward, and demands far too much precision from the player for an atmospheric horror game.”
“The new fighting mechanics are clunky at times, and honestly feel more luck-based than anything.”
- graphics1,276 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Little Nightmares II" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visuals and atmospheric design, which enhance the game's eerie and immersive experience. Many reviewers noted significant improvements over the first game, highlighting the detailed environments, unique art style, and effective use of lighting that contribute to the overall haunting aesthetic. However, some players mentioned occasional issues with depth perception and gameplay mechanics that can detract from the visual experience.
“The graphics, sound, and game design are just perfection.”
“The visuals are absolutely stunning, one of my favorite worlds in any video game ever.”
“The graphics are amazing, the sound design is some of the best I've ever heard, and the story left me completely speechless.”
“The amount of times I had to replay a specific sequence is because of that; it ruins my experience playing the game even though I love the visuals and story.”
“The graphics would be nice if they weren't blurred into oblivion.”
“Some frustration will be had as some accuracy to gameplay gets slightly muddled with the consistency of the visuals, so expect a lot of mistimed jumps and hits on a first playthrough due to the lack of any graphic indicators.”
- atmosphere1,180 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Little Nightmares II" is widely praised for its haunting and immersive qualities, effectively blending eerie visuals, unsettling sound design, and a sense of dread that permeates the gameplay. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a uniquely creepy environment that enhances the storytelling without relying on cheap jump scares, making it a standout experience for fans of atmospheric horror. Overall, the game is noted for its stunning art direction and the emotional weight of its atmosphere, which captivates players from start to finish.
“It's a masterclass in atmosphere and storytelling, with visuals that are nothing short of breathtaking.”
“The atmosphere, the puzzles, the game play.”
“The atmosphere is haunting, with grotesque creatures and eerie environments that feel like they’re torn straight out of a nightmare.”
“The game's atmosphere is thick with dread, and the sound design is equally impressive.”
“The atmosphere is neither scary nor tense.”
- music786 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, blending beautifully with the visuals to create a haunting and immersive experience. Many reviewers highlighted the soundtrack as a standout feature, praising its emotional depth and ability to evoke feelings of tension and nostalgia, often comparing it favorably to the first game. Overall, the music is described as both chilling and beautiful, significantly contributing to the game's eerie ambiance and storytelling.
“The music, the art style, and the characters are all very well done and memorable, and it is the perfect blend of terrifying and cute.”
“The soundtrack is just as good as the game itself.”
“The music, the atmosphere, the game cinematography and the sound design are all just perfect.”
“The overall feeling is that the studio wanted to make the game feel 'creepier' with music/visual choices, sprinkled in with average to bad jumpscares.”
“The music does what it's supposed to do, keep you on edge and scare you when things are happening.”
“The music is way better and more noticeable than the first game in my opinion.”
- emotional172 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Little Nightmares II" is widely praised for its hauntingly beautiful storytelling and the deep connection players feel with the characters, particularly through the relationship between Mono and Six. Many reviewers noted that the game elicits a strong emotional response, culminating in a shocking and heartbreaking ending that left them in tears. The combination of dark themes, immersive environments, and poignant moments creates a powerful emotional rollercoaster that resonates with players long after the game concludes.
“The developers have truly outdone themselves in creating a world that is as visually striking as it is emotionally impactful.”
“The bond they develop as they face their fears together is both heartwarming and tragic, providing a compelling narrative that keeps players invested in their journey.”
“The emotional connection it draws between Mono and Six with absolutely no dialogue is powerful.”
- stability158 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 97 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting game-breaking glitches that often require restarting levels or checkpoints to progress. Many reviews highlight issues such as unresponsive controls, characters getting stuck, and various bugs that disrupt gameplay, leading to a frustrating experience. While some players enjoyed the game despite these issues, the consensus is that the stability problems significantly detract from the overall enjoyment and polish of the title.
“Runs great on Linux.”
“Ln2 also has less bugs than the first one; not saying that it's 100% bug free, but it does better this time.”
“[i] runs great, like native on KDE Neon / Ubuntu Linux using Proton.”
“The negative reviews were correct, a potentially great title has been destroyed by the most sluggish, unresponsive, buggy controls I have seen since the 8-bit microcomputer days.”
“I can't believe this game released years ago and up until now, there's a truckload of game-breaking bugs like, I kid you not, you can't progress the story type of in-game bugs (you need to restart the whole stage to get through some buggy parts of the level, worse you need to restart your whole progression) it ruins the storytelling which is nice btw and it's such a huge letdown.”
“The game is a broken and buggy mess.”
- grinding99 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- 24 % neutral mentions
- 73 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has been widely criticized for its tediousness, with many players expressing frustration over repetitive tasks, challenging puzzles, and clunky controls that detract from the overall experience. While some found certain sections manageable, the consensus is that the game often feels like a chore, requiring excessive repetition that undermines immersion and enjoyment. Overall, players suggest that the grinding elements can be overwhelming and detract from the game's potential.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy... sometimes.”
“One long, tedious grind.”
“It's frustrating to the point of ruining the immersion, making what should be an intense moment feel like a tedious chore.”
“The puzzles often feel like a tedious task more than a relaxed little break in between the tension of confrontations.”
“This game was quite tedious at times, and the combat system was very clunky due to the fact that you have to perfectly time an attack to not immediately die, and there was a fair amount of small bugs.”
- character development79 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 34 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
Character development in "Little Nightmares II" is noted for its intriguing and rich storytelling, particularly through the evolving relationship between the protagonists, Mono and Six. While the character designs are widely praised for their creativity and ability to enhance the game's unsettling atmosphere, some reviews suggest that the actual character development is minimal, with a desire for deeper backstories and interactions. Overall, the game excels in visual and atmospheric design, contributing to a memorable experience, though it leaves some players wanting more in terms of character growth.
“The character designs and sense of fear in some areas are fantastic.”
“If like me, you enjoy wordless storytelling and character development then you'll love the tenuous relationship between Mono and Six as they make their way through (seemingly) abandoned buildings on their way to the mysterious signal tower.”
“I felt the character development was way better in this game compared to the first and the new villains in this game are really interesting just like the first game!”
“Very little character development.”
“Little Nightmares II feels more trial and error, which is a shame since everything else is fantastic. You can see the love and passion put into the art direction, music, character designs, and even the gameplay at times isn't bad at all; it's just mainly the controls and your character getting stuck or failing to pick up an item in time during sections where doing so would be your death over and over again.”
“I felt the character development was way better in this game compared to the first, and the new villains in this game are really interesting, just like the first game!”
- replayability75 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed, with many players noting that while the initial experience is enjoyable, there is limited incentive to replay once the story is completed. Some players appreciate the collectible and achievement aspects, which can provide additional motivation for a second playthrough, but the short runtime (around 5-8 hours) and lack of significant gameplay variation diminish its overall replay value. While a few players find it engaging enough to revisit, the consensus leans towards a lack of substantial replayability beyond the first playthrough.
“Collectibles and achievements give this game replay value if you're into that.”
“The atmosphere is perfectly tense without feeling like you are going through the same thing over and over, the animation is the perfect balance between creepy and cute, the game dynamics are easy to understand but challenging to complete (in a good way) and the replayability is so much better than I ever expected it to be.”
“It has a high replayability value since the scares, the atmosphere, and even the gameplay doesn't get old.”
“There is not much replay value unless you may want to go for all the achievements.”
“This is a ~5 hour game with a lot of polish and minimal replay value.”
“The only replay value happens while you are playing the game for the first (and only) time, when you happen to miss a ledge, or a jump, or a slide by a hair, causing you to have to replay an entire level over, and over (and over!) again.”
- humor59 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a notable aspect, often described as unexpectedly charming and funny, even amidst its horror elements. Players find amusement in glitches, quirky character designs, and humorous deaths, which lighten the otherwise tense atmosphere. While some reviews mention a decline in humor in the sequel, many appreciate the blend of dark themes with comedic moments, making the experience enjoyable and entertaining.
“The puzzles are as twisted as my sense of humor, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, the game threw a curveball that left me scratching my head and chuckling nervously.”
“I spent more time laughing at the game than actually being remotely scared, and I am a coward when it comes to horror games.”
“Considering the dark and funny tries-to-be-scary perception, it's quite an enjoyable game!”
- optimization31 mentions
- 35 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is a mixed bag; while many players appreciate the stunning visuals and decent performance, several report issues such as stuttering, lag, and poorly optimized controls for mouse and keyboard. Some users experienced significant performance improvements compared to the previous installment, but others encountered frustrating bugs and inconsistencies that detracted from the experience. Recommendations lean towards using a controller for a smoother gameplay experience, as the game appears to be better optimized for that input method.
“Graphics and audio are outstanding, the game is well optimized, gameplay is quite good, characters are kind of engaging even though they don't speak.”
“In terms of optimization - definitely better: I was getting around 200fps on ultra settings, while the first game was rarely reaching 60.”
“It's nicely optimized and PC requirements are also lower than the first game; even my worse-than-average potato laptop was able to run it fine most of the time.”
“The only downside is all the stuttering/lag issues.”
“Things like audio/video randomly deciding not to work, incompatibility with common sound drivers, low performance, characters getting stuck on terrain, unresponsive controls are all constant problems that blemish an otherwise outstanding experience.”
“Controls are not optimized for PC at all and were much worse on the PC than the original.”
- monetization5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy primarily relies on microtransactions and in-game purchases, which some users perceive as a cash grab. Additionally, there are concerns about excessive advertising and spoilers in promotional materials.
“Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
“The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
“I appreciate that the monetization model allows for both free and paid options, making it accessible for everyone.”
“Honestly, this feels somewhat like a cash grab.”
“Probably more advertising.”
Critic Reviews
Little Nightmares II Review
Little Nightmares II offers another dive into its twisted horror-filled world with satisfying puzzles and enough new mechanics and monstrosities to keep things fresh.
85%Little Nightmares 2 Review – Glued to the Screen
Little Nightmares 2 makes every single moment count to craft a truly unsettling experience and to wordlessly deliver an expertly paced and impactful story.
90%Little Nightmares II Review
Little Nightmares II delivers a terrible experience. Terrible has retained the connotation of something bad, but it can also mean inspiring fear, dread, and awe. It's clear that's what Tarsier Studios was going for: an experience in delving through a terrible darkness. That experience is not terrifying, not scary, but creeping disquiet. An unsettling experience. Best of all, though, that experience is memorable. Those who have the opportunity to experience this best version should do so. The world and its presentation are huge highlights, and this gives a shine of polish to enhance that. It's just a shame it clocks in at such a short runtime, and leaves so many questions left unanswered. Even heading back to see it all still offers a short playtime. The world of Little Nightmares deserves a third entry to explain it all. Hopefully, one day it will get one.
70%