Reanimal Review: A Spine-Chilling Horror Experience That Ends Too Soon

Reanimal, the latest release from Tarsier Studios, delivers an atmospheric horror adventure that will leave you simultaneously thrilled and wanting more. Launching on February 13, 2026 (perfectly timed for Friday the 13th), this spiritual successor to Little Nightmares brings back the studio’s signature blend of unsettling environments and terrifying creatures.

The Basics

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, PC, PS5 (tested), Xbox Series X/S
• Price: $39 / £34 / AU$54
• Release Date: February 13, 2026
• Genre: Horror

A World of Darkness and Dread

From the moment you start playing Reanimal, you’re plunged into a world where minimalism reigns supreme. Without much narrative setup, you’re immediately thrown into a warped island world as one of two unnamed siblings searching for lost friends and a way to escape. The game unapologetically borrows from Little Nightmares’ aesthetic philosophy, casting pint-sized protagonists who feel utterly vulnerable in a world that towers over them.

What makes Reanimal particularly effective is how it transforms typically “cute” animals into nightmarish creatures. A cuddly sheep becomes a terrifying pursuer, an oversized pig warns you to “get out” of its barn, and a demented pelican will haunt your dreams long after you finish playing. By warping the animal kingdom into something horrific, Reanimal creates a unique brand of terror.

The visuals and sound design work in perfect harmony to create an atmosphere that’s both unnerving and deeply immersive. Even as someone who loves horror in all its forms, there were moments where I hesitated to press forward, terrified of what might be waiting around the next corner.

Co-op: A Double-Edged Sword

One of Reanimal’s most notable features is its optional co-op mode, allowing you and a friend to experience the horrors together. While I’m always in favor of more co-op games, Reanimal’s implementation feels somewhat limited. Unlike games like It Takes Two or Split Fiction, which feature intricate cooperative puzzles, Reanimal’s co-op moments are surprisingly sparse. For most of the adventure, you and your partner are performing the same tasks simultaneously rather than actively working together to overcome obstacles.

There’s also no denying that playing with a friend lessens the horror. It’s difficult to feel truly immersed or creeped out when you have a buddy sitting next to you cracking jokes to defuse the tension. Considering how atmosphere and dread are Reanimal’s strongest assets, I recommend braving this dark experience alone if you dare.

Fortunately, co-op is entirely optional. The entire game can be completed solo with your sibling character controlled by AI, which does a competent job of not getting in your way. There’s even a dedicated button to command them when needed.

A Short But Memorable Journey

My biggest criticism of Reanimal is simply that there isn’t enough of it. I was genuinely shocked when the credits rolled after just four to five hours of gameplay. While there’s merit to leaving players wanting more rather than overstaying your welcome, this runtime feels unsatisfyingly short, especially at a $39 price point.

Tarsier Studios has already confirmed three DLC chapters that should extend the experience for those who purchase the Season Pass, but the base game could have benefited from expansion. I don’t subscribe to the “dollar per hour” method of measuring games, but at this price, Reanimal ends far too soon.

That said, the time you do spend with Reanimal is generally of high quality. The pacing never lags, with each section offering at least one memorable set piece. While the gameplay fundamentals don’t evolve beyond basic platforming, frantic chase sequences, and tense stealth encounters, the game’s world is so memorable that I adored creeping through each chapter.

Final Thoughts

Reanimal is a haunting experience that horror fans shouldn’t ignore, even if it’s hiding in the shadow of bigger releases like Resident Evil Requiem. It’s the spookiest game I’ve played in months, with its compelling combination of atmospheric locations and horrific creatures creating genuine tension throughout.

The game’s biggest strengths—its atmosphere, its terrifying creature design, and its sense of vulnerability—are also what make it so compelling. Even if I’m now put off from visiting a farm park for life, I can’t deny that Reanimal delivers a memorable horror experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Just be prepared for it to end sooner than you’d like.

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