The Midnight Walk Full Review – A Unique, Handcrafted Horror Experience

Visuals and Style

The graphics in The Midnight Walk are exceptional. Built entirely from clay and cardboard, the world has a handcrafted, tactile feel that sets it apart from other horror games. The environments are both eerie and strangely beautiful, while the clay monster designs are especially unsettling. The unique visual approach is one of the game’s defining strengths.

Atmosphere and Worldbuilding

From the opening moments, the game establishes a tense and dreamlike tone. The world feels like a surreal nightmare, supported by strong ambient music and disturbing sound effects. The monster sounds are particularly effective and heighten the fear during stealth sections. This atmosphere remains consistent throughout and is one of the game’s standout qualities.

Story

You play as the Burnt One, a mysterious figure who begins the game without eyes or ears. These are granted to you early on, and you’re given a singular goal: complete the Midnight Walk and keep the fire burning. The story is told through short, scattered segments and remains mysterious but engaging throughout its linear progression. Despite its simplicity, the narrative succeeds through its tone and delivery.

Gameplay

Gameplay is a mix of stealth and puzzle-solving in the tradition of titles like Little Nightmares. Movement is basic, and puzzles are straightforward but thematically fitting. The mechanics remain minimal from beginning to end, with candle-lighting using matches being the central action. A thunderbluss is introduced later on to light distant candles, but it adds little to the gameplay. Stealth works as intended but lacks complexity, and there are no real difficulty spikes or high-intensity moments. Exploration is limited, and while there are collectibles, they are mostly easy to find. Platforming elements are kept simple, and while the game is playable in VR, this review is based on the standard version. The full experience lasts a little over four hours.

Verdict
8 out of 10

The Midnight Walk is a short, atmospheric horror game that delivers an unforgettable visual experience. While the gameplay is simple and lacks depth, its handcrafted art style, strong sound design, and haunting tone make it stand out. It’s a compelling choice for fans of narrative-driven horror looking for a unique, immersive world.