The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has just confirmed the release of Little Nightmares: Enhanced Edition for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. This “announcement” follows an initial rating by South Africa’s Film and Publication Board.
Little Nightmares, initially available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, iOS, and Android, is set to receive a modern update for the current generation of gaming consoles.
Bandai Namco, the publisher behind the Little Nightmares series, has been actively expanding the, so far, two-game franchise, much to everyone’s surprise. In addition to this newly announced remastered version of the first game, a third installment is currently under development at Supermassive Games, known for their work on Until Dawn and the Dark Pictures Anthology. This renewed focus on the Little Nightmares series is unexpected after the departure of the original developers, Tarsier Studios. This focus on the Little Nightmares illustrates Bandai Namco’s commitment to building on the success of this horror platformer.
While the ESRB listing for Little Nightmares: Enhanced Edition doesn’t provide extensive details about the game, it does suggest that an announcement is imminent. Many are now speculating about the possible enhancements this version is going to include 4K visuals, faster loading times, and utilization of the advanced capabilities of the DualSense controller on the PlayStation 5. These enhancements would significantly improve the gameplay experience, offering sharper graphics and more responsive controls.
The original Little Nightmares, known for its darkly whimsical atmosphere and gripping narrative, follows the journey of a young girl named Six as she attempts to escape a nightmarish world full of perilous obstacles and eerie, humanoid creatures. The ESRB summary for the Enhanced Edition describes an adventure platformer where players must navigate this treacherous environment, evading enemies and overcoming challenges to survive.
Players of the original game can expect the Enhanced Edition to include all previously released DLC, expanding on Six’s story and the macabre universe she inhabits. While it’s unclear if this new edition will be a free upgrade for owners of the game on previous console generations, the precedent set by the Little Nightmares II Enhanced Edition – which was a free upgrade – offers hope.
Little Nightmares II Enhanced Edition boasted numerous technical enhancements, like a resolution mode, performance mode, 3D audio, ray-traced reflections, volumetric shadows, and interactive particles. These improvements provided a more immersive and visually stunning experience.
Fans are eager to see if the original game will receive similar treatment, enhancing beauty and performance.
The timing of this announcement is strategic, coinciding with the recent revelation of Little Nightmares 3, expected to release this year. By upgrading the previous games in the franchise, Bandai Namco aims to attract new players and re-engage existing fans. This strategy is a smart move for the franchise, building anticipation and maintaining momentum for the upcoming third installment.
Little Nightmares has established a reputation as a unique and captivating series within the platformer genre. Ahead of the release of the threequel, which may or may not be another prequel – Little Nightmares 2 is actually a prequel – the announcement of the Enhanced Edition for the latest gaming consoles is a welcome update. It represents a chance to experience the eerie and imaginative world of Little Nightmares with modern gaming technology, promising a more engaging and visually impressive experience.
With the potential of technical improvements and expanded content, it promises to breathe new life into the eerie and captivating world of Little Nightmares.
Speaking of Bandai Namco, the company is reportedly among those that PlayStation has tapped to help it reverse its live service push.
