MoonHood Studios, the brainchild of co-founders Klaus Lyngeled and Olov Redmalm, steps into the spotlight with their ambitious debut, The Midnight Walk. While this dynamic duo of the gaming world is known for hits like Lost in Random, Stick it to the Man, and other quirky adventures, their latest venture takes a significant turn into darker, more mature storytelling.
In this captivating first-person experience, players embody The Burnt One, tasked with rekindling the flames of the world. The adventure unfolds alongside an endearing companion, Potboy, a small lantern creature that lights the way. Chatting with Game Rant, Klaus and Olov delved into Potboy’s origins and his crucial role in the narrative of The Midnight Walk.
Interestingly, the character of Potboy was the spark that ignited the entire vision for The Midnight Walk. MoonHood Studios crafted over 700 handcrafted and scanned pieces of art to bring this rich world to life. They used varied materials, such as clay, cardboard, and newspaper, creating a distinctive aesthetic. Klaus highlighted the importance of having a companion like Potboy, while Olov reminisced on how the character and story began to take shape when Klaus presented him with that original Potboy model two and a half years ago.
This whimsical yet haunting journey features a cast of quirky companions, among them Housy, a sentient walking home. These characters offer comfort and a sense of camaraderie against the backdrop of the world’s vast darkness.
The game draws inspiration from classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Howl’s Moving Castle, weaving players into a tapestry of five distinct fairy tales. These stories are an imaginative blend of familiar themes and new, original ideas conceived by Olov and Klaus. As players explore, they’ll grapple with the dual nature of fire—what is too much, and what is just enough. The flame’s potential for both creation and destruction is at the core of the gameplay and narrative.
Klaus explained that their goal was to explore how fire can give life, but also take it away if left unchecked. Understanding this balance becomes central as players venture through the game. Those eager to explore The Midnight Walk for themselves can mark their calendars for its release on May 8, when it becomes available to players.
As MoonHood Studios gears up for this exciting release, The Midnight Walk is set to captivate players on platforms like PlayStation and PC, blending the cozy with the chilling, crafting an experience that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
