Reanimal review – you will never turn your back on a pelican again as long as you live | Games

Reanimal: A Hauntingly Beautiful Co-op Horror That Will Keep You Hooked Despite Its Repetitive Gameplay

When the first words you hear in a game are, “I thought you were dead,” you know you’re in for something dark, twisted, and unforgettable. Reanimal, the latest horror puzzle-platformer from Tarsier Studios, plunges you into a nightmarish world where two children must navigate through desolate urban landscapes and eerie environments in search of their lost friends. But this isn’t just any survival story—it’s a chilling exploration of fear, resilience, and the horrors that lurk in the shadows.

From the moment you step into Reanimal’s grim world, you’re immediately struck by its hauntingly beautiful design. The crumbling architecture, the eerie silence, and the grotesque creatures that inhabit this universe all contribute to an atmosphere that’s both unsettling and mesmerizing. Tarsier Studios, known for their work on the Little Nightmares series, has once again proven their mastery in creating a world that feels like a twisted fairytale come to life.

The game’s co-op mode adds an extra layer of tension and camaraderie. While the horrors of Reanimal are best faced with a friend by your side, the game’s mechanics—like shimmying through tight spaces, boosting each other over ledges, and solving environmental puzzles—can feel repetitive after a while. By the time the credits roll, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more variety in the gameplay. But even with its formulaic elements, Reanimal’s gripping narrative and stunning visuals make it hard to put down.

One of the standout features of Reanimal is its ability to evoke a sense of childhood fear and vulnerability. The oversized, grotesque adults and the uncanny environments feel like a distorted reflection of the real world, much like the Little Nightmares games. However, Reanimal occasionally breaks this theme with moments that feel out of place, like when the kids pilot a tank or wield a massive bazooka. These instances, while exciting, can feel jarring in a game that otherwise thrives on the disempowerment of its young protagonists.

The world of Reanimal is a character in itself. The decaying buildings, the creaking concrete, and the dense, dark forests all tell a story of disaster and despair. Yet, amidst the gloom, there are moments of levity and humanity. The kids’ interactions—helping each other up, dusting themselves off after falls, or even just jumping on a bed—add a touch of warmth to the otherwise bleak narrative. And let’s not forget the small comforts, like a lighter or a lamp, that provide brief respite from the darkness.

The game’s creature encounters are nothing short of spectacular. From terrifying chases to intense battles, Reanimal keeps you on the edge of your seat. One particularly memorable sequence involves sneaking through a dilapidated theatre while a projector flickers between macabre images—a perfect metaphor for the game’s own storytelling. While Reanimal drip-feeds clues about its world and the children’s place within it, its attempt to recreate the emotional impact of Little Nightmares II’s ending falls a bit flat.

In the end, Reanimal is a game that’s more than the sum of its parts. Its individual moments—whether it’s a heart-pounding chase, a tender interaction between the kids, or a glimpse of the world’s dark secrets—are undeniably memorable. However, these moments don’t always come together to form a cohesive whole. Still, if you’re a fan of atmospheric horror and co-op gameplay, Reanimal is a journey worth taking.

Reanimal is out on February 13th. Prepare to face your fears—and maybe bring a friend along for the ride.

Tags & Viral Phrases:

• “I thought you were dead” – The chilling opening line that sets the tone.
• Co-op horror at its finest.
• A twisted fairytale come to life.
• Childhood fears magnified in a grotesque world.
• Even your worst nightmare is more bearable with a traffic cone on your head.
• The pelican will haunt your dreams.
• A lighter and a lamp: small comforts in a dark world.
• Creepy, crawly, and utterly captivating.
• Tarsier Studios delivers another masterpiece of horror.
• The crate review system gets an update—and Reanimal passes the test.
• A game that’s more than the sum of its parts.
• February 13th—mark your calendars for Reanimal.

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