Little Nightmares
This October, I really want to play as many spooky/horror games as possible. So I decided to kick things off with Little Nightmares which was just absolutely fantastic. The game actually reminds me a lot of Limbo since they're both puzzle platformers that use physics based puzzles to get through obstacles. However, Little Nightmares is so much more than that. For starters, the game is fully 3D, has a unique diorama/doll house perspective, offers more gameplay variety with its stealth segments, and oozes with that dark whimsical Tim Burton charm.
The whole game is designed to look as if it's from a (demented) child's perspective. The environments and adults in the game are all gigantic and disturbing, while Six is so small. Even the puzzles make you think like a child by making something simple to reach like a doorknob hard to get to. So the only way to reach it is by pulling up a chair to the door. It's not a story driven game, but everything you need to know is mostly told through subtext and left up to you to interpret, giving you a lot to think about after you've finished the game and there's definitely a lot to process.
The game isn't too long and could actually be sped run in under an hour, which is an actual achievement in the game, which is also supposed to be done without dying. I love this game, but going for that has been a total b*tch and highlights the game's flaws big time. There are times when the camera zooms out and wants you to walk on a 2D plane, but with the gameplay being 3D and the lack of invisible barriers, it's quite easy to fall to your death during these moments, especially when you're trying to race through them to save time. Six can also feel wonky at times when you want her to grab onto things and can unnecessarily cause you time if you're not precise enough with your movements. Really minor issues overall when you're just trying to enjoy the game at your own pace, but a total pain when going for that achievement. I have yet to accomplish it, but someday it will be done.
It's not an expensive game but it's also a little too short which is shame because there really isn't much to do after you've beaten the game and collected everything, which can all be done in a fairly short amount of time. There's storied DLC out with more incoming, so hopefully when it's all released, it will be quite the worthwhile package. I still highly recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of horror, platformers, or movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline.