Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes sounds like an exciting project from the outset. After all, the world of this IP is known for being atmospheric and creepy, with some iconic characters and disturbing creatures. The VR entry does not really do much to move its narrative forward, but as a spin-off, it is quite fun. As a VR game, it is also fairly competent compared to others in the genre.
The story of this spin-off centers on Dark Six, who might be unfamiliar to those who have never played the other games, but it still works well enough for newcomers. It focuses on the Thin Man, who has taken over Six’s body, leaving her other half, Dark Six, on a quest to retrieve it. Along the way, Dark Six solves puzzles and encounters familiar faces and creatures. First-time players might miss many nice callbacks to earlier entries, so it works better mainly for series veterans.
Just like the Little Nightmares series, the core gameplay here involves running and hiding from threats. I really liked how the perspective is set up, making the world feel larger than it is since Dark Six is a child. Object interaction is also quite impressive, with a fun physics system that works well with the puzzles and allows for some creative solutions. For example, early in the game, one puzzle had me pick up something sharp and throw it at a cracked window to hit a button.
While the game works well in VR, I do feel that the gameplay segments are quite repetitive and not very innovative. You go through the same familiar movements, hiding from spotlights that freeze you, avoiding enemies and distracting them with sound, or grabbing ledges and pulling drawers. In VR, it does not always feel as satisfying. The best part of the game is its chase sequences, which play out well and add some excitement, but they are few and far between the more repetitive sections. Stealth is my biggest issue, as it often turns into a simple pattern of learning enemy movements.
Just like other games in the series, environmental storytelling is key to understanding what is happening, as there is no spoken dialogue. While it stays faithful to the series, the slow-paced opening is a drawback, though the game does pick up after that initial stretch. There are some great set pieces, but reaching them requires patience, especially in the early sequences. I did appreciate how the developers made it feel like I was actually trapped in the world of Little Nightmares.
I do have a major issue with the visuals. They are often too dark, and the mix of bright lights with dark surroundings does not come together well, especially in VR. The world feels like it is in a dreamlike haze, and since the perspective is from a child, things appear larger than usual, which is a nice detail. There is very little incentive to replay the game, aside from going through some of the tense set pieces again with family or friends. Collectibles include music sheets and other secrets, but they do not feel very rewarding.
The game is also a bit too short and takes around 3 to 4 hours to finish, assuming you can figure out the puzzles, which are not very difficult. Sneaking around in stealth sections will take up most of that time. Since there is no difficulty mode, this feels more like an experience aimed at hardcore Little Nightmares fans. I also have to mention the sound design, which is excellent and perhaps the strongest aspect of the game. The developers have added all the small details of a nightmarish world, with footsteps, eerie sounds, and moody music that hint at what is coming next.
While it does fall short with gameplay that becomes fairly repetitive, the atmospheric storytelling, strong sound design, and the exceptionally crafted world of Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes still make it worth recommending. On the other hand, if you are prone to motion sickness in VR games, be cautious, as the dark visuals and bright lights can sometimes trigger it. I had to take multiple breaks to get through it.
Little Nightmares VR: Altered Echoes Game Information
- Price: $29.99
- Publisher: Bandai Namco
- Developer: Iconik
- Platform: PC, PS5 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
