A few moments into my introduction to The Midnight Walk, I found myself questioning if I was truly seeing the gameplay or just a cinematic sequence. The visuals were stunningly reminiscent of a stop-motion film, and I quickly realized that the team at MoonHood Studios was presenting actual gameplay footage rather than a pre-rendered scene.
The Midnight Walk cleverly adopts a style akin to Phil Tippett’s Mad God or old Tool music video aesthetics—primarily because its characters, monsters, and scenes are crafted from real-world materials. Klaus Lyngeled from MoonHood explained that the team sculpted around 700 items, which were then 3D-scanned to transform them into digital assets. The animations maintain that classic stop-motion jitter, and the camera work uses a shallow depth of field to enhance the illusion.
Described by creators Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm, the game is a first-person, narrative-rich puzzle adventure with a flavor of “cozy horror,” introducing players to a world filled with quirky characters and endearing monsters. The plot weaves through various fairy tale-inspired chapters, focusing on themes of warmth and illumination reclaiming the darkness.
The game kicks off with the protagonist, known as the Burnt One, unearthed from a grave. With Potboy as their whimsical companion—a peculiar little being with a brazier for a head—players embark on a journey along the Midnight Walk. Potboy’s firelight, coupled with matches, allows players to light torches and fend off foes along the way.
As players navigate the landscape, they will encounter puzzles and stealth elements, with a unique mechanic dedicated to listening through closed eyes. MoonHood recommends enjoying the game with headphones to appreciate its binaural sound design. An interesting gameplay feature includes acquiring a match-firing weapon, extending your reach in both combat and problem-solving scenarios.
The Midnight Walk marries comfort and creepiness innovatively. While Potboy brings an undeniable charm, the monstrous inhabitants are anything but sweet. Expect to encounter unsettling creatures, from one-eyed mutants and spider-like horrors to grotesque figures with sewn-shut eyes and livid, slug-like beasts.
Influences like Over the Garden Wall, The Nightmare Before Christmas, David Lynch, and Half-Life 2 clearly resonate throughout the game, yet The Midnight Walk stands apart as a unique creation, merging these inspirations into something original. It wasn’t on my radar until recently, but now it certainly has my attention.
The good news for those eager to dive in? You don’t have long to wait. The Midnight Walk will launch on May 8, available on PlayStation 5 with PlayStation VR2 support, as well as on Windows PC through Steam.
