Reanimalis the next project fromLittle Nightmarescreators Tarsier Studios. Now that the studio no longer owns theLittle NightmaresIP, the developers have branched out with a brand-new original project. Visually,Reanimalis incredibly similar to its predecessor, but first looks at the horror game promise more intense imagery than theLittleNightmaresfranchise.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario whereLittleNightmarescould look even more grim, butReanimalhas proven that it is entirely possible. On the game’s official Steam page, Tarsier Studios teases thatReanimalis “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.Reanimalmay be built on the bones ofLittleNightmares, but Tarsier Studios is also aiming to set itself apart from its past franchise. If the developer wants to do this successfully, though, thenReanimalmay want to spend more time waiting in the wings before launching.
Tarsier Studios may no longer be part of crafting chapters in theLittleNightmaresseries, 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. AfterLittleNightmares3was 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 putLittleNightmares3up against Tarsier Studios’Reanimal.
BothReanimalandLittleNightmares3feature a co-op mode with dual protagonists.
IfReanimalreally wants to stand on its own, free fromthe shadow ofLittleNightmares, 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 againstLittleNightmares3, but this might ultimately backfire.LittleNightmaresalready has the name recognition to draw players in, whileReanimalhas the challenge of introducing a completely new brand.
Little Nightmares 3’s Performance Could Ultimately Help Reanimal
It’s unclear how aLittleNightmaresgame made by a completely new studio will fare. Supermassive Games is a strong developer, but theLittleNightmaresfranchise has a very specific tone that may be difficult for a fresh studio to properly capture. On the one hand, ifLittleNightmares3is received well, then it could ignite further interest inReanimal. However, on the other hand, ifLittleNightmaresfans don’t connect with the third installment, thenReanimalwill be waiting on the horizonto scratch that itch.
Reanimalis 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,Reanimalhas an entire year of high-profile launches to face. Games likeGTA 6,Ghost of Yotei, andMetroid Prime 4: Beyondare expected to make waves this year. For a smaller game likeReanimal, waiting for the impending craze to die down could be far more beneficial in the long run.
So, not only shouldReanimalconsider avoiding launching close toLittleNightmares3, it may want to dodge 2025 altogether.Reanimallooks 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.
