Midnight Murder Club Review: Bite-Sized Mystery Thrills
â–¼ Summary
– Midnight Murder Club is a first-person shooter set in a pitch-black mansion where players rely on torchlight and audio cues to track opponents.
– The game requires a PlayStation account even on PC, creating an access barrier that may deter some players.
– Online matchmaking is nearly impossible due to a small player base, making it essential to have a group of friends for full enjoyment.
– It features unique game modes like Wildcards, which add variety with special effects that impact all players during matches.
– The game is best suited for groups of up to five friends due to its reliance on voice chat and cooperative gameplay for an optimal experience.
Midnight Murder Club delivers a uniquely tense multiplayer experience that shines brightest when played with a full group of friends, though its reliance on a dedicated player base presents significant hurdles for solo enthusiasts. Set within a pitch-black mansion, this first-person shooter challenges players to rely on auditory cues and the narrow beam of a flashlight to track opponents, creating moments of genuine suspense and chaotic fun.
The game truly comes alive when all six players are communicating through proximity chat. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hearing faint footsteps or whispered strategies, only to turn the tables with a well-placed shot or a stealthy melee takedown. For its modest price of $9.99, the package includes several inventive game modes, with Wildcards standing out as a highlight. This mode lets players select special abilities that affect everyone in the match, think jazz trumpet gunshots or comically oversized heads, resulting in delightfully unpredictable rounds.
Vending machines scattered throughout the maps offer powerful weapons and environmental traps, but using them comes with risk. Activating one floods the area with light and noise, alerting nearby players to your position. This clever risk-reward system encourages thoughtful play, while the ever-present darkness forces constant tension between visibility and vulnerability.
Unfortunately, the experience stumbles outside of pre-made groups. The online player base is already thin, making matchmaking a frustrating endeavor. Peer-to-peer hosting can lead to lag, and frequent player dropouts only compound the issue. While bot matches and limited solo modes exist, they don’t offer the same depth or excitement.
Another notable drawback is the mandatory PlayStation account login required for PC players, even when launching through Steam. This extra step may deter casual players who just want to jump into a quick session with friends. Several potential players in our group opted out rather than creating a new account, limiting our ability to test the game in ideal conditions.
Accessibility options are present but basic, including team color customization and control rebinding. These are welcome, though not extensive.
In the end, Midnight Murder Club is a clever and often exhilarating game that’s held back by practical limitations. It’s easy to recommend if you regularly game with five friends who don’t mind the extra login step. But if you’re flying solo or hoping for a bustling public lobby, you may want to look elsewhere.
(Source: TechRadar)
