Reviews for Little Nightmares 2 are now out, and the game is being praised by critics as an evolution of what the first title offered, improving on its strengths and shoring up some of its weaknesses in the eyes of some analysts. Little Nightmares 2 is the follow-up game to Little Nightmares from developer Tarsier Studios, a title that made waves in 2017 for its unique, horror-infused presentation and puzzle-platforming chops.
While the style of game is still popular, Little Nightmares 2 is entering at a time where it and others like it - free during a Steam promotion ahead of the sequel's launch. Given the high bar set by Little Nightmares, expectations were suitably ambitious for Little Nightmares 2, which is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PS4 tomorrow, February 10, 2021.
So far, things look good based on Little Nightmares 2 reviews - the game is sitting at a strong 84 average review score on Metacritic at time of writing, with critics largely impressed by the evolution of the franchise in its sophomore effort. There are certainly differing opinions on its quality, however, and anyone looking to get a better sense of what to expect from Little Nightmares 2 before a potential purchase would benefit from reading some of those analyses. Here's a quick Little Nightmares 2 review round-up to help make that easier:
Leo Faierman - 3.5/5 - Screen Rant
"Anyone who bounced off the first game won’t really find a more compelling package presented here, but Little Nightmares II is a smart, slick horror platformer that’s easy to pick out of the crowd."
Dalton Cooper - 4.5/5 - Game Rant
"Horror fans that enjoyed the first Little Nightmares game and weren't turned off by the short playtime will likely find a lot to like about Little Nightmares 2. It is a very similar game, but with some major quality of life improvements and new gameplay features that help to make it a more engaging experience. It's an easy recommendation for horror fans as well as those who are seeking out a unique puzzle-platforming game to play."
Jamie Latour - 4.5/5 - The Gamer
"If you're someone who can't stand seeing children in danger, I'd probably recommend you stay away from this one because that's going to happen. A lot. Otherwise, you should check this out as soon as possible. Little Nightmares will haunt your dreams, but you won't be able to look away."
Austen Goslin - Polygon
"When Little Nightmares 2 sticks to the things it does best, it’s a great horror game that feels entirely unique in its scares. Almost everything, from Mono’s perspective as a tiny, almost-powerless character in a giant world, to the grotesque monster designs, to the mysterious city that’s been taken over by its televisions, combines to create a wonderfully upsetting world that I didn’t want to stop exploring, even after the game ended."
Vikki Blake - Recommended - Eurogamer
"While my every instinct is to tell you that Little Nightmares 2 is a frustrating encounter that's likely better watched than played, I can't help but it I love it - fervently and ferociously - even if it was such an unmitigated ballache to play to completion."
Most Little Nightmares 2 reviews seem unified in praising the game's atmosphere and general sense of horror, as it appears to stick the landing on following up on its predecessor's creepy, unsettling aesthetic. Where critics appear more split is in the gameplay, with some finding the puzzles and movement fascinating and in-line with the broader presentation, while others found Little Nightmares 2 mechanics tiresome or outright frustrating.
Overall, though, reviews appear quite favorable for Little Nightmares 2, which seems to have found its niche and played into it well. Fans interested in the horror genre and looking for something different than zombies, vampires, or ghosts would do well to check out Little Nightmares 2, while those who found little to love in the first game appear likely to encounter the same problem according to Little Nightmares 2 reviews as they stand now.
