Reanimal: Tarsier's New Horror Platformer Arrives February 13th

"Reanimal," an action-platformer and horror puzzle platformer developed by Tarsier, is scheduled for release on February 13th for PS5, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. The game places players in control of a boy and a girl, either individually or in local/online co-operative modes, as they navigate a world inhabited by various creatures and confront themes of conflict and adult anxieties.

Game Overview

"Reanimal" is characterized as an action-platformer with horror and puzzle elements. It builds on a premise where child protagonists are pursued by larger entities. The game supports both single-player and co-operative modes, with co-operative play noted for enabling coordinated effort and shared progression. The estimated duration of the game is approximately six hours.

"Reanimal" places players in control of a boy and a girl, navigating a world inhabited by various creatures and confronting themes of conflict and adult anxieties.

Gameplay Mechanics

Gameplay involves navigating environments, solving puzzles, and confronting adversaries. Players can perform actions such as walking, running, jumping, and interacting with or carrying objects. The protagonists can assist each other to reach elevated areas.

Initial gameplay includes guiding players via buoys to a beach where a key is located in washed-up suitcases, followed by entry into a hydroelectric facility requiring light puzzles to be solved.

The characters, a boy and a girl, can jump and grab objects. They acquire a crowbar to open doors and engage smaller enemies. A notable mechanic differentiates the characters' lighting tools: the girl can attach her lantern to her hip, allowing her to hold other items, while the boy's lighter requires both hands. Sequences involve both fleeing from and chasing monstrous figures. The game offers non-linear exploration, allowing players to revisit areas by boat to discover collectibles such as masks and concept art.

Narrative and Themes

The narrative begins with a boy rescuing a girl, who is initially depicted as hostile. Their journey is described as being guided by buoys, with an objective to locate other missing children. The story unfolds through visual cues and character interactions rather than explicit dialogue.

"Reanimal" incorporates themes of conflict, featuring the appearance of a soldier wearing a World War I-era Brodie helmet and coastal artillery. A sequence involves evading a sniper, with consequences for failing to find cover. This has been noted as presenting wartime motifs more explicitly compared to previous titles from the developer. The game's narrative explores themes of adult anxieties, reflecting on 20th-century horrors and contemporary international conflicts. Imagery includes bodies disappearing, children using weapons, and elements of popular entertainment within its setting.

The narrative explores themes of adult anxieties, reflecting on 20th-century horrors and contemporary international conflicts, unfolding through visual cues and character interactions rather than explicit dialogue.

World and Environment

The game's world features various monstrous beings, including human cadavers, talking pigs, and a large whale. The environment transitions through a forest, an oceanic expanse, a decaying city, dark forests, flooded ruins, and conflict zones, presenting a non-linear spatial logic. Players encounter various threats, including animated figures and large, deformed creatures.

Technical Observations

Reported technical aspects include scene transitions that can be abrupt and occasional character glitches that may require reloads. Challenges have been noted in distinguishing between foreground and background elements due to the game's visuals and perspective choices. Some sequences may be replayed due to initial player confusion.

Release Information

"Reanimal" is scheduled for release on February 13th. It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox platforms, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.