Every now and then, a game comes along that doesn’t just entertain but unsettles in a strangely comforting way. Little Misfortune is one such title—a storybook-like adventure mixing innocence with creeping darkness. Created by Killmonday Games, it pulls you into the whimsical yet eerie journey of a curious child guided by a mysterious narrator. What makes it special is how it manages to be charming, unsettling, and emotionally moving all at once. It stands apart from both lighthearted sims and heavy horror experiences.
Overall Impressions
I came into Little Misfortune expecting a short, sweet adventure. Instead, I found an oddly cozy dive into a darker world that still left me with a warm feeling. This game stands out from your typical relaxing sim or puzzle because it wears its quirkiness on its sleeve. Guided by a mischievous narrator called Mr. Voice, you lead eight-year-old Misfortune Ramirez Hernandez through the woods in search of “eternal happiness.” The journey is filled with twisted humor, sparkles, and heart-tugging moments. Compared to other narrative-driven indie games, Little Misfortune balances charm and unease in a way that lingers long after the credits.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Little Misfortune is a point-and-click adventure with simple puzzles and choice-driven dialogue. The mechanics are intuitive—you click to explore, interact with objects, and pick a response when Mr. Voice prompts you. Every decision, even choosing a snack, feels meaningful. With no combat or skill grinding, you can relax and focus on the story. On the downside, puzzle fans may find it too easy and predictable. Toilet humor also appears often. I laughed and cringed in equal measure, but others might see it as overdone.
Story and Characters
This is where the game shines brightest. Misfortune is adorable and surprisingly relatable, especially in her eagerness to please Mr. Voice. The supporting cast—like the overly polite Death Angel, the cheerful teddy bear, and that shady narrator—are written with sharp wit and dark humor. I felt for Misfortune’s hopes and fears, and by the end, I teared up more than expected. Comparisons to Fran Bow make sense since both came from Killmonday. References to the studio’s first title appear in dialogue and art, which fans will enjoy. The ending is open to interpretation. Some players found it abrupt, but I liked piecing it together myself.
Visuals and Graphics
The hand-drawn art is gorgeous, with pastel tones clashing against creepy scenery. Sparkles and doodles fill each scene, making the world feel like a child’s fairy tale gone wrong. Character designs pop with personality—Misfortune’s big eyes, the Death Angel’s grin, and Mr. Voice’s quirky thought bubbles all stand out. The visuals carry much of the atmosphere. Sweetness and unease coexist here in a way that realistic graphics couldn’t achieve.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is light, almost lullaby-like in parts, and then suddenly you get a jarring noise to remind you that all is not as it seems. It’s a clever trick that had me both relaxed and on edge. Voice acting is minimal but spot-on—each character’s line delivery adds an extra layer to the dark humor, and Misfortune’s cheerful tone makes some of her lines hit extra hard when reality sets in. Simple sound effects, like rustling leaves or creaky doors, feel polished and intentional. Overall the audio does a wonderful job of reinforcing the game’s fairytale-meets-horror vibe.
Difficulty and Replayability
Little Misfortune clocks in around two to three hours, depending on how much you explore. It’s not challenging from a gameplay standpoint—there are only a handful of puzzles, and responses rarely lead to a “game over” screen. That said, I found myself replaying a couple of scenes to catch jokes I’d missed or try different dialogue options. There are a few hidden items and Easter eggs, including nods to Fran Bow, that make a second run worthwhile if you’re a completionist. If you’re looking for a 20-hour epic or high difficulty, this isn’t it. But for fans of short narrative games sprinkled with secrets, it’s a sweet treat.
Behind the Scenes Trivia
Killmonday Games AB is a small studio run by two sisters, Natalia and Isak Martinsson. They whispered that some of the sparkles and darker moments in Little Misfortune are nods to moments they sketched when they were kids—so the game really is part childhood daydream, part dark fairy tale. They released it in September 2019, and it’s been rated “Very Positive” on Steam almost from day one, thanks to its unique blend of charm and creepiness.
Final Thoughts
Little Misfortune is one of those games you’ll remember for its mix of sweet and unsettling moments. It’s not perfect—a few jokes rely on gross-out humor, and the ending might leave you craving more closure—but it’s a short, well-crafted experience that blends laughter with genuine emotion. If you’re into cozy visual novels with a dark twist, this is a great pick. Just don’t expect deep puzzles or a long playtime.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
It’s quirky, heartfelt, and delightfully off-beat, even if it’s not a marathon. Perfect when you want a little cozy spookiness in under three hours!
