Reanimal is an upcoming survival horror video game developed by Tarsier Studios and published by THQ Nordic. The game is set to be released for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S.
| Reanimal | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Tarsier Studios |
| Publisher(s) | THQ Nordic |
| Writer(s) | David Mervik |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | TBA |
| Genre(s) | Survival horror, cinematic platformer |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
editReanimal is a survival horror game and a cinematic platformer. The story follows a brother and sister as they try to escape a hellish version of their home while attempting to save their three friends.[1] The two must work together, explore the islands, escape from mutated animals, and solve various environmental puzzles in order to progress. Players will eventually unlock a boat which enables them to explore locations off the critical path in a nonlinear manner.[2] The game supports both single-player and two-player online or local cooperative multiplayer. The second companion will be controlled by artificial intelligence in single-player.[3]
Development
editThe game is currently being developed by Swedish company Tarsier Studios, the creator of the Little Nightmares series. After they were acquired by Embracer Group in 2019, the studio in 2021 announced that they will be working on new intellectual property instead of continuing the series.[4] Franchise owner Bandai Namco Entertainment entrusted Supermassive Games to develop Little Nightmares III, while Tarsier worked on Reanimal. The team considered Reanimal to be a spiritual successor to the Little Nightmares series, though it was designed to be "more terrifying" than its predecessors.[2][5]
Unlike the Little Nightmare series, Reanimal utilizes a dynamic game camera that constantly keeps both characters in frame.[2] The goal for the studio was to "maximise claustrophobia and tension" and created a shared sense of horror if players are playing the game cooperatively. Narratively, the game relied heavily on environmental storytelling,[6] though both protagonists in the game will be voiced.[7] The team wanted to evoke both a sense of adventure and sense of dread, and they were inspired by games such as It Takes Two, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Silent Hill 2. The protagonists must face their troubled past as they confront these monsters, whose designs were "centered around" their shared past. The team also wanted to created a sense of eeriness using imagery that corrupts and defiles an otherwise peaceful and serene setting.[8]
On 22 March 2023, Tarsier Studios shared a teaser screenshot of the game on their Twitter account.[9] Publisher THQ Nordic officially announced the game in August 2024 at Gamescom.[10] The game is set to be released for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S.[5]
References
edit- ^ Wales, Matt (20 August 2024). "Little Nightmares studio's Reanimal is more kids-in-dark-places, but now with co-op". Eurogamer. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ a b c Scullion, Chris (21 August 2024). "HANDS-ON: Reanimal is a (literal) new dimension in horror from Little Nightmares studio Tarsier". Video Games Chronicles. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ Delaney, Mark (20 August 2024). "Little Nightmares Studio Reveals A New Co-Op Horror Game With Nightmarish Animals". GameSpot. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ Skrebels, Joe (19 February 2021). "Little Nightmares Creator Confirms It's Done With the Series – But Namco Could Carry It On Regardless". IGN. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ a b Shanklin, Will (21 August 2024). "Reanimal promises a 'more terrifying journey' than Little Nightmares". Engadget. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ Ontañón Docal, Óscar (29 August 2024). "Reanimal Hands-On Preview: What some might label as 'differences' feel more like 'improvements' to me". Gamereactor. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ Purslow, Matt (30 August 2024). "Reanimal Is Another Little Nightmare That I'm Excited To Suffer". IGN. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ Reuben, Nic (20 August 2024). "Little Nightmare studio's Reanimal is a creepy co-op adventure inspired by Wind Waker and Silent Hill 2". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
- ^ Bellinghem, Hope (22 March 2023). "Little Nightmares developer shares a look at its next game, and ooh it's eerie". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024.
- ^ Philips, Kara (21 August 2024). "Thanks to Tarsier Studios' new horror game Reanimal, I'll never look at a sheep in the same way again". PC Gamer. Retrieved 31 August 2024.