Yomawari: Midnight Shadows follows the story of two young girls, Yui and Haru, who become separated after watching a fireworks festival in the mountains. On their way home, a dark presence pulls them apart, and each must navigate their own terrifying journey through haunted streets, forests, and abandoned places. The girls are defenseless against the spirits that lurk in the night, relying on light, exploration, and wit as they desperately try to reunite.
Developed by Nippon Ichi Software and published by NIS America, Midnight Shadows was released in Japan on August 24, 2017, followed by North America on October 24, 2017, and Europe on October 27, 2017, for PlayStation 4, PS Vita, and PC via Steam. It later arrived on Nintendo Switch in 2018 as part of Yomawari: The Long Night Collection, and in 2019 it was adapted for Android and iOS in Japan. As the sequel to Yomawari: Night Alone, the game expands the unsettling world of the series by introducing new characters, darker environments, and a more ambitious narrative.
Gameplay
The gameplay blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and stealth. Players alternate between Yui and Haru, each experiencing different scenarios that must be pieced together to progress the story. The girls cannot fight back against the spirits they encounter, so survival depends on hiding, running, and using tools like stones or objects to distract enemies. A flashlight is essential to reveal hidden dangers, but it also risks drawing attention. Each spirit has unique behaviors, and when they are close in raises the heartbeat of the player forcing players to adapt constantly to new threats in order to survive.
Visuals & Style
Midnight Shadows uses a distinct art style that contrasts chibi-like character designs with richly detailed and oppressive environments. Streets, forests, and abandoned interiors are painted with heavy use of shadows, making light a precious resource. The sound design amplifies tension through whispers, footsteps, sudden thuds, and the pounding of a heartbeat when danger draws near. This combination of visual contrast and subtle audio cues creates a sense of constant unease that defines the experience.
Importance in Survival Horror History
Yomawari: Midnight Shadows holds significance in survival horror for proving that atmosphere and vulnerability can create powerful fear without relying on gore or direct combat. Its focus on ordinary settings transformed into terrifying spaces shows how horror can emerge from the familiar. The game reinforces the idea that indie and mid-sized developers can successfully explore psychological and folkloric horror, carving a place for the Yomawari series as one of the notable modern examples of Japanese horror design.
Reception vs Historical Value
At launch, Midnight Shadows received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its atmosphere, audio design, and emotional storytelling. Some pointed to repetitive mechanics and cryptic puzzles as weaknesses, but overall, the game was regarded as a solid step forward from Night Alone. Over time it has built a cult following among fans of psychological horror and understated storytelling, remembered for its ability to create dread through simplicity and mood rather than spectacle.
Availability & Collectibility
Yomawari: Midnight Shadows is widely available digitally on PlayStation 4, PS Vita, and PC through Steam. The Nintendo Switch version included in The Long Night Collection makes it easier for newer players to access. While most editions are digital, some physical releases exist, particularly in Japan and Europe, which have become collectible due to their limited production. For most players, the digital editions remain the easiest way to experience the game, but collectors value the boxed versions as part of the series’ growing legacy.
Get it on:
Steam: Yomawari: Midnight Shadows on Steam
Nintendo: Yomawari: The Long Night Collection for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site
PSN: Yomawari: Midnight Shadows
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