PlayStation’s recent State of Play event showcased an impressive roster, andTheMidnightWalkwas one of the most unique games in attendance. The stop-motion adventure teased a charming blend of horror and first-person mechanics set in a whimsical, yet dark, world that looks beautifully crafted.TheMidnightWalkis bound to interest horror and adventure fans in general, but the game’s vibes are even more reminiscent of Tim Burton’s early work.
The trailer forThe Midnight Walkoffered an intriguing sneak peek into its world filled with monsters who are lurking around dim corners. In the game, playerstake on the role of The Burnt One. Alongside an adorable little anthropomorphic lantern named Potboy, the two embark on a mysterious journey that is filled with wild visuals and heart-pounding encounters.
The Midnight Walk Wears Its Tim Burton Influence On Its Sleeve
Developed by MoonHood,The Midnight Walkis a clear evolution of the stop-motion art form. Of course, it’s important to note that Tim Burton wasn’t the inventor of this type of animation, but his early work and collaboration with director Henry Selick helped bring it into the mainstream.The Nightmare Before Christmasremains one of the essential titles in the world of stop-motion film, causing the style to become somewhatsynonymous with Tim Burton, despite a large portion of his work being live-action. Because of the impactTheNightmareBeforeChristmashad on the industry, games likeTheMidnightWalkhave been able to become reality.
The Midnight Walkisn’t the only stop-motion game to make itself known recently, though. Last year’sHaroldHalibutandthe upcomingSouthofMidnightboth embraced this type of animation, as well, which is an exciting change of pace for how a game’s visuals are brought to life. However, the difference withThe Midnight Walkis that it holds that unique style of cute creepiness thatThe Nightmare Before Christmasencapsulates so well. There’s a grotesque charm in the character design in both projects that brings forth a compelling visual blend.
Other stop-motion films Tim Burton is known for areJames and the Giant Peach,Corpse Bride,9, andFrankenweenie.
The Midnight Walk Promises Both Charm and Scares
Although the design of characters like Potboy showcase the game’s cute qualities, it also looks like a game that harbors plenty of scary moments. The coziness of its horror shown throughout the trailer is abruptly broken up by horrifying monsters that are bound to make one’s palms sweat when coming face-to-face in the game’s dimly lit world. When it comes toSony’s State of Play, the event was a huge moment for horror fans in general. Not only wasTheMidnightWalkan exciting announcement, but aDays Goneremaster and a deeper look intoDirective 8020padded out the showcase’s list of updates.
Gamers Won’t Have to Wait Much Longer for The Midnight Walk
Thankfully,The Midnight Walkis only a few months away now. For those who have been missingthe creepy character designs that Tim Burton helped bring to life,The Midnight Walkis a game that may be the perfect title to scratch that itch. BetweenTheMidnightWalkandSouthofMidnight, stop-motion fans have some exciting releases to look forward to this year.
Because of the impactTheNightmareBeforeChristmashad on the industry, games likeTheMidnightWalkhave been able to become reality.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see if stop-motion becomes a more prevalent style used within game animation.The legacy of Tim Burtonhas helped make stop-motion a more popular method of world building, and it’s thrilling to see it enter the gaming space.
