Five Nights At Freddy's 3

The runaway smash hit from Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria is about to return, for the 3rd time.

thirty years after...

The game takes place some thirty years after the shattering events which closed down Freddy Fazbear’s Pizzeria but the horror is about to return. A new attraction has just opened which aims to cash in on the legendary deranged animatronic dolls which wreaked havoc so long ago but as you can guess, things aren’t going to go smoothly.

all-new invention called Springtrap

As in previous games, the player takes on the role of the security guard who has been charged with keeping an eye on the monster that lurks within the amusement park. This installment strips things back to basics with only one main enemy to be terrified of, an all-new invention called Springtrap who takes the form of a plush bunny. However, fans of the franchise need not worry, as the entire cast of characters from the previous games also make plenty of appearances and which help to deliver the shocks that the series is known for.

gameplay similar to its predecessors

The gameplay remains largely similar to its predecessors but instead of locking off doors and using lights to prevent the creature from getting to you, a couple of new mechanics have been introduced. Now you can shut off ventilation shafts to protect yourself but the main method is playing an audio recording of a young girl. If the monster is nearby when you do this, it will chase the sound, thus stringing things that little bit longer. Every time you carry out an action though, you run the risk of a systems crash, which requires that you reboot your equipment, thus losing track of Springtrap and ramping up the tension even further.

all-new mechanics

If you are a fan of the franchise, then you’re almost certainly going to want to play this. There’s a lot to enjoy here, including the clever expansion of the series’ mythology, the slow-burning terror, strategic elements and the all-new mechanics. The visuals remain as grim and gritty as before, while Springtrap is terrifyingly charismatic and fits in well with the extensive line-up of villains that have previously proved so effective at scaring the living daylights out of gamers the world over.

Now, the flaws ...

However, the game is not without its flaws. It certainly feels slightly rushed, as if the developer pushed it out before it was ready, thanks to overwhelming fan demand, and as such the gameplay hasn’t really evolved much. A bigger problem is one which could have easily been fixed and that is the fact that much of the screen is taken up by a map which obscures your camera feed, thus making the experience more frustrating than it should be. There is also a distinct lack of real strategy to completing the game while the reliance on tired jump scares is getting a little old.

So, while this sequel remains enjoyable enough, it’s difficult not to hope for something a little more innovative if the series continues with a supposed fourth installment that has been hinted at. It would certainly be a shame if it all ended with this slightly disappointing entry.