Reanimal Review: Tarsier Studios' Masterclass in Atmospheric Dread

Tarsier Studios is officially back in the driver’s seat of the genre they helped define. While Little Nightmares III was a decent enough distraction, it lacked that specific, unsettling DNA that only the original creators seem to possess. Reanimal isn't just a new IP; it’s a masterclass in atmospheric dread that proves Tarsier didn't need the old brand name to keep us looking over our shoulders. We’ve been waiting to see if they could capture lightning twice, and the verdict is clear: this is the true evolution of the horror-puzzle formula.

The Master of Tension Returns

Reanimal leans heavily into what we call "Little Nightmares-coded" design, but it pushes the envelope further. From the moment you take control of Boy in his boat, the sense of foreboding is suffocating. This isn't a game that relies on cheap jump scares or excessive gore. Instead, it uses a brilliant camera system that keeps both protagonists on screen at all times, creating a claustrophobic feeling as if the environment itself is closing in on you.

The world-building here is second to none. Whether you’re navigating beaches, derelict hotels, or dark forests, the art direction nails the "creepy" aesthetic. The first major boss encounter is a heart-pounder, featuring stealth and chase sequences that will have you holding your breath in real life.

Cooperative Horror Done Right

The biggest takeaway for us is how Reanimal handles its multiplayer. Unlike the third installment of Tarsier's previous series, Reanimal feels built from the ground up for two players. The puzzles are a standout, drawing comparisons to It Takes Two due to their heavy emphasis on teamwork. They are creative, occasionally punishing, and incredibly satisfying to solve.

If you're playing solo, don't worry—the AI companion is actually competent. We found the AI to be helpful rather than a hindrance, often providing the necessary lead when a puzzle solution wasn't immediately obvious. A notable change from the old formula is the inclusion of dialogue. While the characters remain mostly quiet, the occasional lines of dialogue add a visceral layer to the experience, letting you hear the toll the journey is taking on the siblings.

Beyond the Linear Path

Tarsier has opened up the gameplay loop by introducing non-linear segments. You’ll spend a significant amount of time in your boat, exploring "eerie waters" where monsters can—and will—try to drag you under.

The combat feels weighted and impactful. Whether you’re defending your boat or using a crowbar on dry land, the "metallic thud" of a successful hit provides a gritty satisfaction. It’s a necessary addition because, in Reanimal, hiding isn't always an option. Some enemies will force your hand, making the combat encounters feel like a desperate struggle for survival rather than an afterthought.

Technical Performance: Switch 2 Report

We tested Reanimal on the Nintendo Switch 2, and the results are impressive. The game runs smoothly and looks fantastic, maintaining the thick atmosphere required for a horror title. We did encounter one minor bug where a protagonist got stuck on the geometry, leading to an accidental death, but this was a rare occurrence in a specific segment and didn't derail the overall experience.

With a longer runtime than its spiritual predecessors and a more robust multiplayer implementation, Reanimal is a must-play. It is the game Little Nightmares III should have been—a tense, beautiful, and terrifying journey that reminds us why Tarsier Studios is the gold standard for indie horror.