[PS5] Early Access: Midnight Murder Club

Sony Interactive Entertainment and Velan Studios’ Midnight Murder Club has just entered Early Access mode on the PlayStation 5. For those intrigued by the mystery of this game, let me walk you through what you can expect as you consider joining the Midnight Murder Club.

This exclusive circle is a shadowy group where you’re armed with only a gun and a flashlight while exploring the pitch-black corners of a mansion. The game keeps identities under wraps with masks, elevating the suspense as every shot counts. Miss your target, and you risk revealing your location to everyone else. Midnight Murder Club offers various gameplay options – join forces with friends in private matches, face off against players from across the globe, or even fill out teams with bots in certain game modes.

Last year, I had the opportunity to delve into Blindside, another first-person shooter that also launched on Sony’s console in Early Access. Much like Midnight Murder Club, Blindside is an online FPS with unique mechanics—you navigate complete darkness and only illuminate your surroundings by firing your gun or using a sonar-like ability to detect nearby foes. Fast forward to 2025, and with Midnight Murder Club, we see similarities but with distinct new twists. While Blindside tempts players with the lure of fame (albeit with high-stakes risks), Midnight Murder Club’s appeal lies in the exclusivity it offers. Buying the game comes with the Midnight Murder Club Guest Pass Edition, allowing you to invite up to five friends to share in the secrecy and strategy.

The first-person perspective puts you in full control, using one analog stick to move your character and the other to aim. Need a speed boost? Just press down the left stick to sprint. Want to stay unnoticed? Hit the L2 button to toggle your flashlight; just be mindful as it also reveals your location to opponents. Combat is straightforward: use the R2 button to fire and R1 for a close-quarters knife attack. Interaction buttons like Square let you access and manipulate objects – whether you’re opening a door or activating a slot machine for bonus items, referred to as ‘toys’ within the game. These toys can be game-changers, ranging from molotov cocktails to pulse-pinging devices that reveal enemy locations momentarily, or even a bulletproof vest to withstand more hits.

Midnight Murder Club, even in its Early Access phase, doesn’t skimp on rewards. A full set of trophies is available, culminating in a coveted Platinum trophy. Goals range from outsmarting opponents by keeping your flashlight off while shooting, to more intense challenges like defeating enemies during their critical actions—all contributing to your path to Platinum. Some achievements are more straightforward, like winning a Team Deathmatch or reviving teammates, adding layers of objectives for completionists.

This latest offering from Sony and Velan creates an intriguing experience ripe for exploration. The Midnight Murder Club Guest Pass Edition, priced at $19.99, enables extended play sessions with friends who can join you without additional purchase if they’re invited by someone owning the game.

In conclusion, Midnight Murder Club has made its mark on Early Access for PS5. The game, with its mix of stealth, strategy, and exclusive charm, invites you to don a mask and step into the shadows of the mansion. So grab your flashlight, line up your shots, and immerse yourself in the tension and thrill of this elite club.

(This review of Midnight Murder Club is based on the PlayStation 5 version provided by Sony Interactive Entertainment.)