Midnight Walk Review: Immersing Yourself in a Studio Laika-esque Animation Realm
Title: The Soulful Stroll: A Tale of Midnight's Embrace
Developer: MoonHood
Publisher: Fast Travel Games
Release Date: 8 May 2025
Formats: PS5 (reviewed), PSVR 2, PC
Engine: Unreal Engine
Experience a chilling adventure that delves deeper into the realms of emotion than the dark abyss it resides in. The Soulful Stroll: A Tale of Midnight's Embrace, a fitting alias for this game, exudes warmth amidst the cold night, making it a palatable, engrossing horror experience for the faint-hearted.
While it shares some modern horror game conventions, such as elusive monsters that require running and hiding, these elements take a backseat to the captivating world crafted by MoonHood, complete with more than 700 digitally scanned and hand-sculpted models, giving life to peculiar and charming inhabitants[1].
In this journey, you embody the Burnt One, a spectral entity, who along with an adorable, cursed sidekick called Potboy, embarks on a nightly expedition to scale Moon Mountain[2].
Discover the Starry Night's Secrets
Even in a world shrouded in eternal darkness (but short enough to tackle in a single evening), the game doesn't disappoint when it comes to the night sky. Gaze upon the sky and find a tranquil atmosphere akin to stargazing in the countryside, with hand-crafted stars dotted across the inky expanse[2].
Light plays a critical role on the moonlit ground as well, from spectral guidance to oversized matches that illuminate candles. However, Potboy's burning lantern atop his head serves as the consistent source of light, shedding a radiant glow on your surroundings[2]. But don't forget to appreciate his miniature form, for he carries enough heat within him to restore cold objects, such as a giant's heart[2].
Meet an assortment of memorable characters in the episodic chapters on the path to Moon Mountain, each with their quirks and a notable melancholy. Even the monsters lurking in these realms evoke sympathy, as when one early monster, the Molgrim, sheds tears upon the passing of one of its own[2].
It's not all hugs and kisses, though. Some monsters truly are horrifying, their unsettling stop-motion animation warranting both awe and a sleepless night. But fear not, for the game offers tactics to weather these terrors. One such strategy involves closing your eyes, either by physically doing so while in VR or by pressing the left trigger[2].
However, not all threats can be vanquished by mere squinting of eyes. Prepare to confront the game's most dreadful creature, the Grinner, which, though it prowls the darkness slowly at first, will chase you down if given the chance[2]. Be ready to run, hide, or perhaps even close your eyes and hope for the best.
Artistry in Every Corner
Collectible clay models of the game's creatures and other nuggets of lore serve as testaments to MoonHood's dedication to detail. Rather than relying on static menu screens, you can physically interact with these treasures in your mobile hub, Housy[2]. Whether in VR or on the TV, this hands-on experience allows you to appreciate every nook and cranny of the handcrafted models[2].
The innovative VR experience extends to certain gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to close your eyes, which also serves as a puzzle-solving tool. Some puzzles require players to close their eyes to discover hidden passages or listen for audio cues[2]. Additionally, the immersive effects of headphones and binaural sound enhance the intriguing audio clues that remain masked to the unobservant[2].
Despite the VR-centric design, the game maintains its captivating allure on more traditional screens as well. As you and Potboy make your way to the final stretch of Moon Mountain, the emotional connections forged throughout your adventure culminate in a moving, cathartic experience that whispers echoes of Journey's poignant final act[2].
References:
[1] - "MoonHood Shares Development Process: Crafting The Midnight Walk" - Gaming Intel. (n.d.). https://gamingintel.com/2023/04/26/moonhood-shares-development-process-crafting-the-midnight-walk/
[2] - "A Deep Dive into The Midnight Walk" - Gamevolution. (n.d.). https://gamevolution.com/a-deep-dive-into-the-midnight-walk/
[3] - "From Clay to Pixels: An Interview with MoonHood" - IGN. (n.d.). https://www.ign.com/articles/from-clay-to-pixels-an-interview-with-moonhood
[4] - "An Artist's Touch: A Review of The Midnight Walk" - Tom's Hardware. (n.d.). https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/the-midnight-walk-review,7905.html
[5] - "The Midnight Walk Walkthrough" - GameFAQs. (n.d.). https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps5/646542-the-midnight-walk/faqs/79898
[6] - "The Midnight Walk - a game of extremes" - Rock Paper Shotgun. (n.d.). https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2023/03/01/the-midnight-walk-a-game-of-extremes/
- The intricate 3D models and animation in The Soulful Stroll, created by MoonHood, showcase a high level of artistic creativity and detail, with over 700 hand-sculpted characters.
- The user interface (UI) in The Midnight Walk is immersive, allowing players to interact with collectible art pieces in Housy, whether playing in VR or on a traditional screen.
- The game's UI design also includes innovative features, such as utilizing the VR capability to close your eyes as a puzzle-solving tool.
- To enhance the gaming experience, Fast Travel Games employs advanced technology, such as Unreal Engine, ensuring a smooth and visually stunning journey for players.
- In addition to the captivating art and amazing UI, The Soulful Stroll offers a rich narrative filled with emotions, exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the struggle between good and evil, all set against the backdrop of a chilling horror adventure.
