Embrace the Darkness: A Deep Dive into the Strengths and Weaknesses of Midnight Murder Club

In a gaming landscape dominated by fast-paced, high-octane shooters, Midnight Murder Club arrives with a unique and refreshing premise: a tense, methodical, and often hilarious first-person shooter set entirely in a pitch-black mansion. Developed by Velan Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game challenges players to rely on their wits and senses rather than on reflexes alone. Released on PC and PlayStation 5, the game’s core concept—a hide-and-seek-style deathmatch armed with only a flashlight and a revolver—is a stroke of genius. However, while the game’s core ideas are strong and its potential is clear, some early-release issues and a niche gameplay loop prevent it from being a must-buy for everyone. This review will delve into what makes Midnight Murder Club a thrilling experience and where it falls short of its potential.

The game’s premise is as simple as it is brilliant. Up to six players are dropped into Wormwood Manor, a massive, haunted mansion where the lights are out. Your primary tools are a revolver and a flashlight. The flashlight is your most valuable asset for navigation and spotting enemies, but it is also your biggest liability, as a single flash of light instantly gives away your position. This creates a constant, heart-pounding tension where every movement and decision is a gamble. The sound design is a critical part of the experience, with proximity voice chat adding to the hilarity and horror as you hear the whispers and nervous laughter of your opponents closing in. The game’s focus on sound and careful movement over twitch reflexes is a welcome change of pace for the genre.

The Good: A Unique Blend of Horror, Comedy, and Strategy

One of the game’s greatest strengths is its ability to blend genres seamlessly. It’s a horror game because the darkness and the constant threat of a silent killer create an incredible sense of dread. It’s a comedy because of the chaotic nature of the proximity chat and the hilarious moments that arise from players stumbling around and panicking in the dark. But at its core, it’s a strategic shooter that rewards patience and cunning. The game isn’t just about who has the best aim; it’s about who can listen, who can track, and who can outsmart their opponents.

The variety of game modes adds a much-needed layer of replayability. While the standard deathmatch mode is tense and fun, the “Wildcards” mode is where the game truly shines. This mode allows players to select cards at the start of a match, introducing game-changing modifiers that range from making players catch on fire if they stand still to shrinking them to half their size. This feature is a game-changer, transforming the tense atmosphere into a chaotic and laugh-out-loud party game. The inclusion of a PvE mode, “Graveyard Shift,” is also a nice touch, offering players a chance to team up and face off against supernatural forces, further proving the game’s versatility.

The game’s “Guest Pass” system is a masterstroke and a huge win for the community. It allows one person to purchase the game and invite up to five friends to play with them for free. This eliminates the barrier to entry for a party game and ensures that you can always find a group of friends to play with. This kind of pro-consumer feature is a testament to the developers’ commitment to fostering a strong and engaged community.

The Bad: A Lack of Content and a Steep Learning Curve

Despite its excellent ideas, Midnight Murder Club is not without its flaws. The most significant issue, which many reviewers have pointed out, is the lack of content. As of its full release, the game offers only one map, Wormwood Manor. While the map is large and intricately designed, it can start to feel repetitive after a few hours of play. The game’s small player count also makes the map feel a bit too large at times, leading to frustrating moments where you spend a long time just wandering in the dark without an encounter.

Another major drawback is the lack of a proper tutorial. New players are thrust into the game’s online matches with only the option to play against bots to get a feel for the mechanics. This can be a frustrating experience, as the game’s unique style of play takes a lot of getting used to. The game’s heavy reliance on sound and light-based combat means that new players will likely be overwhelmed and die repeatedly until they can grasp the core concepts. While this can be a learning experience, it can also lead to players feeling discouraged and abandoning the game before they get a chance to truly appreciate its depth.

The game’s population is also a concern. In its early days, finding a full lobby of six players can be a challenge. While the Guest Pass system helps, it doesn’t solve the issue of a low player count in public matches. Without a steady stream of players, the game’s longevity could be a concern, and that would be a shame for a game with such a unique and promising concept.

The Verdict: A Rough Diamond with Immense Potential

Midnight Murder Club is a game with a fantastic, unique premise that sets it apart from its contemporaries. The core gameplay is tense, strategic, and often hilarious, and the “Wildcards” and “Guest Pass” features are excellent additions that show a deep understanding of what makes a party game fun. However, the lack of map variety and a steep learning curve hold it back from being a truly great game at launch. While the game has its flaws, it is a truly original and entertaining experience, especially when played with a group of friends. If the developers can continue to add more content, like new maps and game modes, Midnight Murder Club could easily evolve from a fun, niche title into a must-play party game for years to come. For now, it’s a rough diamond that, while not without its imperfections, is still worth a look for players looking for a fresh take on the multiplayer shooter genre.