It was just a few years ago, with the announcement of Reanimal, that sparked confusion among gamers. The assumption at the time was that the studio would be working on two projects side by side, but it was later confirmed that the original development team behind Little Nightmares I & II would be moving to a new project and would go all in on it. Not holding back anything as they wove their story for us. In this review, I am going to talk about my descent into the world of Reanimal.
*** Disclaimer: This review is spoiler light. No major plot points are revealed in this review***
Reanimal
Release Date: February 13, 2026
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2
Developer: Tarsier Studios
Tone & Experience
Anyone who has played Little Nightmares I or II knows that Tarsier Studios is no stranger to deeply unsettling imagery and highly disturbing stories. Somehow, Reanimal took this to new heights. One would even argue that the scariest part of the game is just how disturbing the visuals get. This is not jumpscares, this is true horror that sinks under your skin and lingers long after the game credits have ended.
You venture through a world so broken by war and monsters, a place that feels illegal to exist in. Each foe is more frightening than the last, and the lengths these children go through to save their friends and survive are not for the faint of heart. I had to take a break or two while playing. If you’re paying attention, the story that this game tells is both heartbreaking and completely changes the dynamic that you’re experiencing on screen. There are no coincidences or “just because” elements. Every element, big and small, tells the bigger story.
Gameplay & Pacing
Controls were fairly basic. There is nothing world-shattering, and it is kept simple so the story takes center stage. The puzzles are not extremely difficult. They are right on par for the studio’s normal puzzles. For anyone not familiar, they do take paying attention to subtle happenings in your environment and require exploration.
Tension builds gradually at a good pace throughout the game. The story also unfolds at a decent pace as well. Some, however, will find the initial exploration low on freight. Hang in there, as once the freight begins, it is constant. You will reach that point in the gameplay where you will realize there is no turning back, and things are about to get very real very fast.
Visual & Audio design
The move to a more realistic art style worried me when I first saw the project, but it turned out to be an experience-enhancing one. The fear caused by the grotesque imagery would not have been effective in a less realistic art style. This was a masterful choice that helped the story’s reality sink in that much more.
The soundscape, from the animals’ sounds to the squelch of uncomfortable scenes, was perfect. Coupled with the low lighting that was fairly consistent throughout the entire game, it keeps you immersed.
The Final Verdict
I think everyone who has had prior experience with Tarsier Studios had certain expectations that I am sure weighed heavily on the studio throughout production. I, personally think they accomplished the mission. The game is a love letter to those who truly enjoy horror, the survivors of unspeakable trauma, and the art of storytelling with as few words as possible. From the imagery to the story, it shows that time was taken into every single aspect of this game.
If you’re like me, the only thing on your mind at this point is what is next for Reanimal? Well, there is a season pass for the game that promises to bring three more post-launch episodes. These will feature additional gameplay, including more story content, new protagonists, more unsettling locations to explore, and new enemies and horrors to experience.
The next chapter target releases are as follows:
Chapter 1: Summer 2026
Chapter 2: Fall 2026
Chapter 3: Early 2027
Please note that these are targets, not confirmed dates, so stay tuned for more as we await further updates.
