Reanimalis the newest project from developer Tarsier Studios, and it looks to be one of its grimmest adventures yet. Known for the belovedLittle Nightmaresfranchise, Tarsier Studios no longer develops the IP, as it’s now been handed over to Supermassive Games. This makesReanimala fascinating prospect, as it teases an even darker dive into what can be done with the developer’s special brand of horror.
On the surface,Reanimalhas a similar art style toLittle Nightmares, which would lead many to believe it’s connected to the franchise. However,Reanimal’s cute aesthetic blended with gore and body horrormakes it a shocking and exciting elevation of what Tarsier Studios did withLittle Nightmares. Of course,Little Nightmaresboasted plenty of horrifying imagery and sweat-inducing encounters, but it looks relatively tame compared toReanimal. Leading up to the game’s launch, Tarsier Studios may want to shake off itsLittle Nightmarespast, but that may ultimately beReanimal’s greatest marketing strength.
Reanimal Has the Chance to Be a Stronger Little Nightmares 2 Follow-Up Than Little Nightmares 3
A Change in Studio Could Prove to Be Too Big of a Shake-Up
Although Supermassive Games has plenty of experience crafting horror stories,Little Nightmaresboasts a very specific tone that may be difficult to replicate.Little Nightmares 3looks intriguing, but for longtime fans of the series, a new studio bringing the game to life understandably creates some suspicion. Despite the game’s delay last year,Little Nightmares 3is supposedly on track to launch in 2025, and ifReanimalfollows suit, both games going head-to-head in the same year would be fascinating.
Even more compelling is that both games are set to be co-op with two protagonists. The comparisons are bound to happen, and it will be interesting to see which title gamers favor.Taking on theLittle Nightmaresfranchise is no easy task, but Tarsier Studios could use its past work to its advantage to draw in those who really love the atmosphere of the franchise.
Reanimalis being published by THQ Nordic.
Ultimately, given the studios at the helm,Reanimalmay feel far more like aLittle NightmaresgamethanLittle Nightmares 3. A dark and more mature version of theLittle Nightmaresformula could be incredibly exciting for horror lovers. So, if players are drawn toReanimalsimply because it looks and feels likeLittle Nightmares, then it would be best for Tarsier Studios to welcome the comparisons with open arms.
Both Reanimal and Little Nightmares 3 Could Shake Up 2025’s Horror Calendar
As the year continues, it will be interesting to see if either Tarsier Studios or Supermassive Games offer more insight into their projects. If both games launch in 2025, it would ignite some fun competition and bring even more horror to the year’s calendar. Games likeDying Light: The Beast,The Midnight Walk, andDirective 8020are already set to make 2025 a strong year for horror, and addingReanimalandLittle Nightmares 3into the mix would be a thrill.
Reanimal’s cute aesthetic blended with gore and body horror makes it a shocking and exciting elevation of what Tarsier Studios did withLittle Nightmares.
Only time will tell when both games finally launch to the masses. It’s natural for Tarsier Studios to want to generate its own hype for a fresh IP, but with its obvious similarities and darker tale,Reanimalmay find most of its success due tothe legacy ofLittle Nightmares. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing, as Tarsier could lean into its past success with that franchise in future marketing to get more eyes on its latest game.
