Tarsier Studios, known for its Little Nightmares series, returns with Reanimal, a co-op platformer that blends horror, environmental puzzles, and strategic teamwork. The game launches on PS5 on February 13 and emphasizes collaboration between players or with AI companions to navigate tense and unsettling scenarios.
A Disturbing Introduction to the World
Players begin as The Boy, adrift alone in a dark, featureless sea. Red lights in the distance guide him toward a masked figure, later revealed as his sister, who immediately attacks, setting the tone for a world that is hostile and unpredictable. This opening sequence establishes the importance of cooperation, showing that progression and survival rely on understanding both timing and trust. Minimal dialogue is used throughout, with the narrative instead conveyed through body language, camera framing, and environmental storytelling.
Shifting Environments and Non-Linear Exploration
The game spans a variety of locations, from a dark, water-filled opening area to an abandoned factory, a forest, a city riddled with sinkholes, and a flooded workshop. Each setting is designed to create tension, turning everyday objects like playground equipment or washing machines into sources of unease. While the early levels guide players linearly, later stages open up for more exploratory, non-linear gameplay. Environmental cues help indicate the next objectives without relying on explicit instructions, encouraging players to pay attention to their surroundings.
Audio Design That Enhances the Horror
Sound plays a key role in Reanimal. Music is sparse, allowing environmental audio to build tension. Subtle noises like rattling machinery or distant ice cream vans create anticipation for potential threats. The DualSense controller’s haptic feedback also contributes to the atmosphere, simulating vibrations during tense moments or sudden attacks, reinforcing the game’s immersive horror experience without overwhelming the player with constant audio cues.
Co-Op Mechanics and AI Assistance
Cooperative gameplay is central to the experience. Players can work with another human or rely on AI companions to support progression. The AI responds to commands such as boosting characters to hard-to-reach platforms or interacting with environmental objects. Puzzles often require coordination, such as activating switches to stop moving hazards, or using tools to create new paths. The AI also occasionally acts independently, prompting players to engage in limited combat or strategic positioning during tense encounters, keeping the co-op dynamic active even when playing solo.
Strategic Puzzles and Environmental Challenges
Beyond the horror elements, puzzles are integrated into the environment. Players might need to find parts for machinery, manipulate vehicles to clear obstacles, or follow subtle visual cues to continue. Tasks often involve multiple steps and careful observation, encouraging players to consider their surroundings carefully. Collectibles like masks and concept art are hidden in dark corners or difficult-to-reach areas, rewarding exploration while maintaining the game’s tense atmosphere.
Maintaining Tension Without Constant Combat
Much of Reanimal focuses on stealth, timing, and navigation rather than direct combat. Cinematic chases and atmospheric set pieces create fear and suspense, while quick respawn points ensure frustration is limited during repeated failures. The design emphasizes careful observation and strategic movement, reinforcing the partnership between characters whether controlled by human or AI players.
Release and Availability
Reanimal is set to launch on PS5 on February 13. The game combines co-op mechanics, environmental storytelling, and atmospheric tension in a way that extends Tarsier Studios’ legacy from Little Nightmares, providing a platforming horror experience built on timing, trust, and careful exploration.
Make sure to check out our articles on gaming gadgets:
Best Apple Products for Gaming
Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Best Gaming Androids (phones)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does Reanimal release on PS5?
Reanimal launches on February 13, 2026, exclusively for the PS5.
Is Reanimal single-player or co-op?
The game supports both co-op multiplayer and single-player. Players without a human partner can rely on AI companions.
What kind of gameplay does Reanimal focus on?
Reanimal is a platformer with a focus on horror, environmental puzzles, stealth, and cooperative problem-solving. Combat is minimal, with emphasis on timing and strategy.
Are there collectibles in Reanimal?
Yes, players can find masks, concept art, and other hidden items throughout the game, often requiring careful exploration and attention to environmental cues.
Does Reanimal use the PS5 DualSense features?
Yes, haptic feedback enhances tension and provides physical sensations for in-game actions, adding to the immersive horror experience.
Does Reanimal have a narrative like Little Nightmares?
The narrative is mostly visual and environmental, relying on character movement, body language, and level design rather than extensive dialogue.
