Squid Game Season 3 Review: High on Drama, Low On Death Games, But Still Worth The Ride

Squid Game 3 review: Those hoping for the nerve-wracking brilliance of Season 1 might find themselves longing for more risk, more shock, and more game. Rating: 3.5 stars

Squid Game Season 3 Review: Still gripping in parts, but far from the thrilling chaos that made Squid Game a global obsession.

Source : Instagram/@netflix_in

Squid Game 3 review: The world's deadliest game is back, and so is the buzz. 'Squid Game', the Korean series that turned global phenomenon with its brutal, high-stakes survival games, returns with Season 3. Though it’s made in South Korea, its fanbase spans continents, and India is no exception. Now that the six-episode third season is finally streaming on Netflix, fans are eager to find out: what happens next? And more importantly — is it worth watching?

Squid Game 3 plot: The game resumes where it left off

Season 3 picks up exactly where Season 2 ended. If you haven’t watched the previous seasons, this one might feel confusing, so definitely catch up first. Questions about Player 456, Player 222, the fate of the mysterious Front Man, and whether the police officer finds the island where these twisted games are played, all are addressed here. But revealing anything more would dip into spoiler territory, and that’s a line we won’t cross.

How is Squid Game 3?

If you're watching 'Squid Game' for intense, edge-of-the-seat gameplay, you may find yourself a bit underwhelmed. Just like Season 2, this chapter leans more into dialogue and emotional arcs than the dangerous games that defined the first season. The creators clearly aimed for depth and sentiment, but let’s be honest, if we wanted emotions, we’d watch 'Panchayat'. 'Squid Game' is meant to shock, not soothe.

That said, there is a new wildcard player in the mix, someone mysterious whose identity and age remain secret, until you watch the show. It adds some intrigue, but not quite the pulse-pounding energy fans expected.

Performances

Lee Jung-jae continues to anchor the series with a powerful, grounded performance. He’s the emotional and narrative spine of 'Squid Game', and once again proves why he’s the lead. Lee Byung-hun delivers an intense portrayal of the Front Man, while Wi Ha-joon also shines in his role. Overall, the cast pulls their weight and brings credibility to every scene.

Direction

Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk returns to helm this season, but it’s evident he’s running low on game-based thrills. While the production design is still top-notch and the characters well-written, the heart of 'Squid Game', the psychological tension and physical stakes, takes a backseat. That’s the season’s biggest shortfall.

Final verdict

Die-hard fans will watch it no matter what, and as a finale, it’s passable. But those hoping for the nerve-wracking brilliance of Season 1 might find themselves longing for more risk, more shock, and more game.

Rating: 3.5 stars