Reanimal is the next project from Little Nightmares creators Tarsier Studios. Now that the studio no longer owns the Little Nightmares IP, the developers have branched out with a brand-new original project. Visually, Reanimal is incredibly similar to its predecessor, but first looks at the horror game promise more intense imagery than the Little Nightmares franchise.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Little Nightmares could look even more grim, but Reanimal has proven that it is entirely possible. On the game’s official Steam page, Tarsier Studios teases that Reanimal is “a more terrifying journey than ever before”, and based on its trailer, that seems accurate. The story follows two orphans who are on a harrowing journey to rescue their missing friends. Reanimal may be built on the bones of Little Nightmares, but Tarsier Studios is also aiming to set itself apart from its past franchise. If the developer wants to do this successfully, though, then Reanimal may want to spend more time waiting in the wings before launching.
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One Reanimal Plot Point May Already Be Clear
Reanimal promises players a harrowing horror experience, and while the story is still mysterious, one plot point feels certain.
Reanimal and Little Nightmares 3 Risk Going Head-to-Head
- Little Nightmares 3 is set for a 2025 release.
- A release date for Reanimal has yet to be confirmed.
Tarsier Studios may no longer be part of crafting chapters in the Little Nightmares series, but that hasn’t stopped publisher Bandai Namco from continuing the horror platformer. For its third installment, Supermassive Games has been tasked with bringing a new installment to life. After Little Nightmares 3 was delayed last year, a new 2025 target was set. As of now, Supermassive Games and Bandai Namco have yet to reveal a concrete date, but this could potentially put Little Nightmares 3 up against Tarsier Studios’ Reanimal.
Both Reanimal and Little Nightmares 3 feature a co-op mode with dual protagonists.
If Reanimal really wants to stand on its own, free from the shadow of Little Nightmares, then waiting to launch after the latter may be for the best. Of course, Tarsier Studios hasn’t even fully confirmed if the game is eyeing a 2025 release date or not, but since it was announced last year, it seems likely that it would launch sooner, rather than later. There may be the temptation to compete directly against Little Nightmares 3, but this might ultimately backfire. Little Nightmares already has the name recognition to draw players in, while Reanimal has the challenge of introducing a completely new brand.
Little Nightmares 3’s Performance Could Ultimately Help Reanimal
It’s unclear how a Little Nightmares game made by a completely new studio will fare. Supermassive Games is a strong developer, but the Little Nightmares franchise has a very specific tone that may be difficult for a fresh studio to properly capture. On the one hand, if Little Nightmares 3 is received well, then it could ignite further interest in Reanimal. However, on the other hand, if Little Nightmares fans don’t connect with the third installment, then Reanimal will be waiting on the horizon to scratch that itch.
Reanimal is expected to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Reanimal Faces a Packed Sea of Competition if it Doesn’t Wait
2025 is absolutely filled to the brim with releases. Even without the risk of competing against its main competitor, Reanimal has an entire year of high-profile launches to face. Games like GTA 6, Ghost of Yotei, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are expected to make waves this year. For a smaller game like Reanimal, waiting for the impending craze to die down could be far more beneficial in the long run.
So, not only should Reanimal consider avoiding launching close to Little Nightmares 3, it may want to dodge 2025 altogether. Reanimal looks like a uniquely dark adventure, and it would be a shame to see it get washed away by such a wild year. Only time will tell what Tarsier Studios decides for a release date, but the competition is fierce.
- Developer(s)
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Tarsier Studios