During a recent Bandai Namco media preview session, we had the opportunity to spend roughly an hour with Little Nightmares III, split between 25 to 30 minutes each of solo and cooperative play across PS5 and PC platforms.

The latest entry in the atmospheric horror series brings significant changes while maintaining its signature eerie charm. The game introduces two new protagonists: Low, a character wearing a Raven’s mask who wields a bow and arrow, and Alone, a pig-tailed girl armed with a hefty wrench. Players must commit to their character choice for the duration of their playthrough, as mid-game switching isn’t an option.

Co-op in Horror

One of the most notable additions is the inclusion of online cooperative play, supported by a Friend Pass system that allows two players to experience the game together with just one copy. Solo players do not need to worry – the game features AI companionship that proves surprisingly competent at puzzle-solving, though this efficiency sometimes comes at the cost of tension, as your AI partner tends to bolt at the first sign of danger.

During the playthrough, “The Supervisor,” a multi-armed entity whose presence adds a layer of urgency to puzzle-solving sequences was encountered. The game introduces chapter-specific tools that must be utilized creatively to progress, while camera control becomes crucial for discovering environmental hints and solutions.

The cooperative experience, while entertaining, notably reduces the fear factor that made previous entries so memorable. The in-game communication system feels somewhat limited, potentially hampering coordination between players. However, puzzle-solving takes on a new dimension when working with another player, especially under the pressure of prowling enemies.

Visuals

Visually, Little Nightmares III maintains the series’ distinctive atmospheric design. The new tools assigned to each character – Low’s bow and arrow and Alone’s wrench – add fresh depth to puzzle mechanics while staying true to the franchise’s core gameplay elements.

While the addition of cooperative play might alter the traditional horror experience, it introduces new ways to experience the game’s haunting world. The inclusion of the Friend Pass system makes this new feature particularly accessible, allowing friends to share in the frightening journey without both needing to purchase the game.

For fans of the series concerned about solo play, the game appears to maintain its single-player integrity while offering new cooperative possibilities. Whether played alone or with a friend, Little Nightmares III seems poised to deliver another unsettling adventure in its uniquely disturbing universe.