You Won’t Believe What Happens on the Midnight Walk

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MoonHood Studios, established by Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm who have collaborated before on games such as Stick It to the Man, Flipping Death, Lost in Random, Fe, and others, is launching its flagship project, The Midnight Walk. This venture aims to combine elements of comfort and horror genres to provide a distinct gaming experience when it launches on May 8. Gamers can expect an immersive and tactile experience whether they choose to play in VR or on a regular screen. The developers aim for this experience to linger with players long after they’ve set down their controllers.

Recently, Game Rant had a chance to preview “The Midnight Walk“, a game that’s expected to be grittier in tone and gameplay compared to Klaus and Olov’s past works. Olov hinted that the title might be more suited for mature audiences, inviting players to join them on this journey.

Themes of Light and Dark Are at the Heart of The Midnight Walk

As a gamer immersed in the captivating realm of “The Midnight Walk”, I embody The Burnt One, a character gifted with the power to restore fire, light, and warmth to a world shrouded in darkness. These elements, essential as they are for survival, can be both beneficial and detrimental – a delicate balance that forms the heart of this game’s narrative.

However, when left unchecked, fire can wreak havoc, leading to chaos and destruction. The world I traverse has weathered numerous hardships, tales of which unfold as I journey through five enchanting fairy tales en route to Moon Mountain.

From the perspective of a passionate gamer: In my role as “The Burnt One,” I’ll be tasked with spreading fire using matchsticks. These versatile tools can ignite machines, activate fireplaces, manipulate enemies (either luring or scaring them), and rejuvenate a once-neglected world. As I delve deeper into this game, I’ll come across various types of matchsticks, such as the glowing blue one that functions like a flashlight. The developers have also highlighted an interesting aspect – matches naturally have a timer, which adds depth to their use in problem-solving puzzles throughout my adventure.

One captivating feature in the game “The Midnight Walk” involves players closing their eyes. Klaus Lyngeled shared that this concept was inspired by creating a title for PlayStation VR2, given the hardware’s eye-tracking capabilities. With this technology, players can make certain monsters disappear by closing their eyes, listen for nearby objects, or discover an alternate route when they reopen their eyes. Klaus mentioned that this mechanic proved so effective, it became a crucial element of the game, eventually being incorporated into the flat-screen version as well. Since the game relies heavily on sound, developers strongly suggest playing this horror title with headphones for an immersive experience.

The Midnight Walk Is Brought to Life Through Handcrafted Artwork

To make the universe of “The Midnight Walk” feel real, MoonHood Studios produced more than 700 artworks and incorporated them into the game by scanning them. The team used diverse materials like clay, paper, cardboard, and even everyday items to create this world and its characters. Klaus stated that crafting pieces manually before scanning enabled them to include countless details. The developers embrace the appearance of scrapes, tears, or glue residue because these imperfections contribute to the final product. Every subtle detail imbues authenticity, suggesting to players that they’re interacting with miniatures on a larger stage or table.

Characters significantly impact “The Midnight Walk,” and players will meet numerous ones during their trek to Moon Mountain. Notably, Potboy becomes The Burnt One’s companion at the start of the adventure. Developers Klaus and Olov emphasized that having a close ally in the game was essential, particularly because it’s presented in first-person perspective. Moreover, the presence of a friendly and dependable comrade aims to intensify the comforting atmosphere of the horror game, ensuring players never feel completely isolated. Interestingly, Potboy was the initial artwork created for “The Midnight Walk,” and he influenced several designs and ideas that followed.

The significance of friendship resurfaces when The Burnt One and Potboy meet Housy, who becomes an integral part of their journey. Interestingly, Housy serves as a home for the player in the game, providing a space where they can view collected items, enjoy the game’s soundtrack, and unwind in a secure environment. Whenever the player decides to move forward, Housy magically grows legs and accompanies them. Olov mentioned that this feature was essential in creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere for the game, as it symbolizes that the player’s home is always by their side, ensuring safety and comfort are never out of reach.

For nearly three years, MoonHood Studios has crafted The Midnight Walk meticulously from scratch, and the team can hardly wait for gamers to experience the game when it launches on May 8.

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2025-04-03 19:04