Step into a mesmerizing dreamscape, accessible both in traditional gameplay and VR, but be prepared for a narrative that doesn’t always strike the emotional chords you might crave.
With summer wrapping up, my son’s school is gearing up for their rendition of *Alice in Wonderland*. To build some excitement, I thought it would be fun to watch a film adaptation together. While he shot down the classic cartoon (major bummer!), we opted for Tim Burton’s vibrant yet quirky 2010 outing, where Alice returns to Wonderland, blissfully unaware of her previous escapades. I’m not here to critique a movie that you’ve probably seen, but I’d say it pleasantly exceeded my expectations—visually stunning yet oddly lacking in substance, much like enjoying a beautifully plated pizza with uneven toppings. This brings me to *The Midnight Walk*, a game that mirrors that culinary experience in both its highs and lows.
*The Midnight Walk* emerges from the creative minds at Moonhood, a budding studio linked to the talents behind *Fe* and *Lost in Random*. This first-person, folkloric horror adventure throws you into the shoes of the enigmatic Burnt One, accompanied by a quirky, flaming companion named Potboy. Your mission? To trek towards Moon Mountain, unveiling a series of loosely interconnected tales revolving around the dual themes of fire and darkness.
I find myself somewhat disappointed with *The Midnight Walk*. It has the potential to be a genre-defining classic, yet the final product feels merely adequate. What stands out is the undeniable artistic vision and skill poured into its development, which is evident from the moment the game begins. The characters, objects, and overall world are lovingly crafted by model artists before being digitally scanned, yielding a stunning, stop-motion-inspired visual delight. Despite my reservations, I must commend *The Midnight Walk* for providing an astonishing audiovisual journey that immerses you in its gothic whimsy. The voice acting is top-notch, and the haunting soundtrack strikes the right balance between despair and glimmering hope.
Yet, upon completing *The Midnight Walk*, I was left with an odd emptiness. The conclusion manages to evoke genuine emotion—an unexpectedly touching moment that few games achieve so effectively. However, the overarching story as a whole fell short for me. Themes of loneliness, grief, and regret flickered through the five tales, particularly through Potboy’s journey, yet there were bright sparks of hope and thought-provoking encounters along the way. I often found myself wishing for a deeper connection to the central characters—the Burnt One, Potboy, and even a whimsical walking house named Housy, who kept me invested throughout the four to five-hour experience while the rest of the narrative drifted past me.
As gameplay goes, *The Midnight Walk* feels fairly straightforward. Fire plays an essential role, serving as the common thread in numerous tasks, from lighting matches to navigating treacherous paths blocked by grotesque monsters. Sound design enhances the experience, with intriguing puzzles that demand you to close your eyes and listen for solutions—an especially immersive practice in VR that transforms your interactions with the environment. Blink in the presence of a glowing statue, and secrets might reveal themselves as you open your eyes again.
In the latter sections of *The Midnight Walk*, the graphical splendor reaches new heights. You’re greeted by massive, surreal structures that give off an almost limitless quality, igniting your curiosity to explore. My senses were overwhelmed by the sights, but it was at this visual apex that the gameplay mechanics began to feel somewhat repetitive. “Collect items to unlock paths, light fires to continue, etc.,” became a familiar refrain. While VR offers a sense of scale that enhances immersion, the simplicity of tasks may seem a bit dull compared to the narrative possibilities. If I had to choose, I’d lean toward experiencing *The Midnight Walk* in VR for the added depth it brings, despite its occasional clunkiness in controls.
When you dig into a pizza, you anticipate a symphony of flavors in every bite: gooey cheese, tangy tomato, crisp veggies, satisfying crust. A pizza is hard to mess up, and similarly, *The Midnight Walk* is far from a flop. Yet, there were moments I found myself craving a more cohesive experience—like hoping for that perfect slice where everything is in harmony. While there were satisfying elements, there were also times I experienced a frustrating disconnect, yearning for each story beat to resonate on a deeper level. Potboy’s charming presence, however, is reason enough to embark on this eerie journey, echoing motivational encouragements that might just push you to follow the shadowy path ahead.
A copy of the game was provided for review by the publisher.
