‘The Midnight Walk’ Unveils Intricately Twisted Horrors, Launching on PSVR 2 & PC VR this May

Coming to PSVR 2 and PC VR headsets on May 8th, The Midnight Walk promises an unconventional adventure filled with an impressive array of meticulously crafted clay models, all brought to life in the virtual world.

MoonHood, a game development studio from Sweden known for Lost in Random and Ghost Giant, recently gave GameSpot an exclusive 30-minute preview of the non-VR mode for their latest creation, The Midnight Walk. You can catch the hands-on sneak peek just below.

In this game, you find yourself embodying ‘The Burnt One’, a mysterious character emerging from a tunnel. Equipped with a new set of eyes for clearer vision, you embark on a journey through a world evocatively reminiscent of claymation stop-motion.

Klaus Lyngeled, MoonHood’s CEO, emphasized the critical role of sound in the game. Engaging in gameplay, he dons a pair of virtual ears, enhancing auditory experiences with the game’s binaural sound that surrounds you in a rich audio landscape.

The studio boasts an impressive collection of over 700 physical models, crafted from materials like clay, papier-mâché, and actual books. These were meticulously 3D scanned to serve as both the game’s environment and its characters.

During the hands-on, MoonHood introduced a unique feature in the non-VR version: closing your eyes sharpened your sense of hearing—a feature originally conceptualized for PSVR 2 due to the headset’s eye-tracking capabilities. Interestingly, this eye-closing feature will play a vital role in confronting certain adversaries in the VR version.

In addition to these unique mechanics, players will navigate light puzzles, using consumable matches to light candles, which reveal new pathways. The narrative unfolds through intriguing audio notes accessible via the ‘shell-phone’.

Combat in The Midnight Walk takes a creative turn, focusing on cleverly outmaneuvering foes rather than the usual combat tactics like shooting or fighting. This aligns with the game’s classification as a "cozy horror" experience, complete with the occasional jumpscare and periodic safe havens for unwinding.

While VR gameplay footage is highly anticipated, the game is already up for grabs on both the PlayStation Store for PSVR 2 and Steam for PC VR users, launching May 8th for $40.