When we talk about those video games that cover the horror genre, the first thing that usually comes to mind are names as iconic as silent Hill, resident Evil, Survive to, The evil inside O Amnesia among others. As it is a rather niche genre, it must be recognized that the passage of the years has suited it very, very well. More and more users are taking the plunge to embark on these experiences, also having other very diverse proposals for all types of players. However, if there’s anything we haven’t seen at these levels yet, it’s what he achieved. Little nightmares.
Tarsier Studios, from the hand of Bandai Namco, has managed to shape a nightmarish universe and immerse it in an unusual style. With platforms, we’re used to seeing colorful landscapes, more dynamic and agile gameplay, as well as stories that tend to shy away from the darkest terror. Well, Tarsier Studios has done the opposite, bringing to life a terrifying world, full of dangers and with a character who can do little less than try to survive by fleeing the beings that inhabit it. In this Halloween special, we review the work of Tarsier Studios and the journey of Six and Monkey, get ready to run!
Little Nightmares and its impressive artistic section
Little nightmares It’s special for a lot of things, but without a doubt one of the most remarkable is its visual section. Both in its first part and in its sequel, Tarsier Studios has given its platforms an overwhelming atmosphere. I remember when I played the first game I did it for the first time that day, with the sun bathing my walls and not caring about what I might find on the screen. Shortly after you start, you realize that this really isn’t a game for kids, and it doesn’t fit into even the smallest of gamer-friendly details, either. Playing at night, in the dark, and with headphones is what makes it such a terrifying experience.
The two titles are very similar, the second being an excellent continuation of what we already see in the first adventure of Six. Already in the first few bars, these dark settings are appreciated, with a muted color palette and lighting that barely leaves a flash strong enough to subtract the immersion of the experience. Incidentally, the environments are a little more varied in the second part than in the first, although that’s not a problem either. It is purely a question of script, and the truth does not affect anything.
Little nightmares and its sequel are after all very “dark”, literally and metaphorically. The stench of death and fear with every step we take is perfectly breathable, and you never know what the next danger will be. We get really blind, like those doors we walked through first resident Evil, without knowing what would be behind. It is after all a horror game, and on a stage level, the atmosphere could not be more successful.
Little Nightmares bets on puzzles and spooky enemies
I have already commented on how the directing and artistic section grabs the player when they start their journey in Little nightmares (either I or II). But as I always say, a game earns the right to be seen as such by being fun and giving the user an active role with it (with exceptions). The, Tarsier has given his work the right balance to make the experience engaging enough, combining side scrolling and its platforms with a few puzzles and a few other surprises.
In fact, the title presents different consecutive screens one after the other, so that the player moves from one stage to another in a natural way, no loading time. At times we will have to complete the puzzles already mentioned, and while they are not too difficult, they more than do their job to give a distinctive touch. You may need a key hanging high on a shelf, or you may need to drop a certain item to cause a whole new situation. At the end, interaction with the environment is essential, and even the physics with these less relevant objects denote the quality and commitment put into these video games.
For their part, it must be said that the enemies are size, fulfilling their role of “final bosses” so to speak. Six, our little protagonist, makes us feel particularly vulnerable, a feeling that will accompany us during both adventures. And for this reason, generally we will limit ourselves to dodging and escaping these enemies, because defeating them will not be within our reach
The story of Six and Mono
The enigmatic character of Six He is already well known in the world of video games. In her own right, this girl of about 9 has carved out a place for herself among fans of the platform genre, as well as horror enthusiasts. Its characteristics make the player particularly vulnerable throughout the adventure, but not because of it, he will get caught. Dressed in her signature yellow raincoat, Six tries to survive the dangers of this nightmarish world as she faces these monsters who seek to destroy her.
With a lighter as the only tool of defense, in Little Nightmares I, Six awakens in the depths of the Maw. Alone and hungry, she must set out as quickly as possible to escape her nightmare. As you progress, you will realize that you are not the only victim, as there are others who have suffered the same fate. In his sequel, Six awakens in an unknown location, and although he has seen countless atrocities so far, his rescue appears to have been a mere illusion.
As the main novelty, this time Six will have the possibility of having a travel companion but … will he entrust his life to Mono? This new protagonist will be able to face new dangers and enemies with the help of Six. This is a boy whose face is hidden under a paper bag with two eye holes. Despite his raincoat, and like Six, he wears his hands and feet bare. Message from Little Nightmares II
Out of curiosity, I will tell you that Mono is the first protagonist of the saga who speaks, in addition to showing greater compassion in different situations. For his part, Six is cooler, and is the only character who appears in all installments, including Very little nightmares, the mobile game designed for IOS and Android.
A very accessible and fun universe
The horror genre has always been very influential, with great sagas that have created a minority but very loyal audience. The classics silent Hill O resident Evil they monopolized a good part of the protagonism at the time, and today they are still very present. Even with a niche audience, they were able to grow and reach more players. And despite this, it is difficult to find truly original and different proposals. Especially for those indecisive people, who have not just taken the plunge to get into this genre.
Little nightmares adapt this terror to platforms and get another version of the most classic horror of video games. Its first and second installments, as well as the mobile version, are fantastic proposals for a horror experience that doesn’t require too much. well it’s true that the difficulty is not too high, and its puzzles are relatively straightforward, but in return it is very satisfying to control Six or Mono and interact with the scene. Added to this is a large sound section, which immerses the player from the first minute, managing to create this feeling of tension with every step.
What this saga offers is more than enough, but that said, you have to rely on a reduced duration of your campaigns. Fortunately both Little nightmares like its sequel, they offer expansions that help further develop their travels. Over time their prices have come down and you can even buy both Complete edition of the first as the deluxe edition of the second. If you want to have a spooky Halloween visiting Monkey and Six’s worst nightmares, this is a good chance.
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About the Author
I have traveled to worlds you would never believe, finished with enemies that escape all mysticism. I felt my pulse quicken with each battle, and the sigh of who knows he will have to get up. There is always a villain waiting and an adventure around the corner.
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