‘Midnight Walk’: A Cozy Horror Game with Stop-Motion Animation Vibes

Just a few minutes into the preview of The Midnight Walk, I found myself double-checking: Wait, is this the game itself or just a cinematic trailer? What I initially thought was an animated short film was actually real-time gameplay, thanks to the extraordinary work of MoonHood Studios.

The game feels like it jumped straight out of a stop-motion film, reminiscent of Phil Tippett’s Mad God or those classic Tool videos. This unique look comes from using real-world materials to craft characters, monsters, and environments. Klaus Lyngeled from MoonHood explained that the team sculpted around 700 objects, 3D-scanned them, and transformed them into digital models. The animations have that characteristic stop-motion jerkiness, and the use of shallow depth of field adds to the immersive experience.

The creators, Lyngeled and writer Olov Redmalm, describe the game as a “cozy horror adventure.” It features a mix of quirky characters and friendly monsters and takes the player on a journey through several fairy tale-like chapters that all revolve around themes of warmth and light amidst darkness.

Players step into the shoes of the Burnt One, the main character who begins the game by rising from a grave and putting themselves back together. On the journey through the Midnight Walk—a highway that’s central to the game’s storyline—players team up with Potboy, a humorous little companion with a brazier for a head. Together, with Potboy’s help and a stash of matches, players light up the path ahead and fend off foes.

The gameplay incorporates a blend of puzzle-solving, stealth, and a unique approach to combat. There’s even a feature where players can close their eyes just to focus on the ambient sounds—a treat best enjoyed with headphones, according to MoonHood. The game includes an innovative “gunplay” mechanic, too: the Burnt One eventually gains a weapon that shoots lit matches, adding a new range to combat tactics and puzzle solving.

Despite its cozy vibe—largely due to Potboy—the game doesn’t shy away from horror. The Midnight Walk introduces players to a variety of creepy entities, including one-eyed mutants that scurry, enormous arachnid-like creatures, leather-skinned beings with sewn eyes, and slug-like horrors that reek of anger.

The influence of various inspirations—ranging from Over the Garden Wall and The Nightmare Before Christmas to David Lynch and Half-Life 2—shines through in the preview. However, the game stands uniquely apart from its inspirations, making it something special to look forward to. Until recently, I hadn’t heard much about MoonHood’s latest project, but it’s now firmly on my radar.

Gamers won’t have to wait long to dive into this imaginative world. The Midnight Walk is set to launch on May 8, available on PlayStation 5 (with PlayStation VR2 support) and Windows PC through Steam.