Tarsier Studios, the creative minds behind the beloved Little Nightmares series, are steering into new territory with their upcoming project, Reanimal. Although they’ve moved on from their previous intellectual property, the studio’s latest endeavor feels like a haunting echo of past works. At first glance, Reanimal carries the visual style of its predecessor, yet promises a darker and more graphic experience.
Imagining a bleaker version of Little Nightmares is no easy feat, but Reanimal seems to deliver just that. The Steam page from Tarsier Studios hints at an unsettling journey, calling it “a more terrifying journey than ever before.” The trailer backs up this claim, showing two orphans embarking on a desperate mission to find their missing friends. While Reanimal may be built on the foundation of Little Nightmares, Tarsier Studios appears eager to carve out its unique identity. To truly stand out, however, it may be wise for Reanimal to take its time in development before its official debut.
Little Nightmares 3 is slated for a 2025 release date, leaving fans eager for another chapter in the creepy platformer series. Publisher Bandai Namco has tapped Supermassive Games to helm this next installment, especially after its delay last year which pushed the release target. Without a fixed launch date, Little Nightmares 3 potentially finds itself in a head-to-head race with Reanimal.
Adding an intriguing layer, both Reanimal and Little Nightmares 3 include a cooperative mode featuring dual protagonists. This shared feature might mean that fans of co-op gameplay have a tough choice ahead.
If Tarsier Studios truly wants Reanimal to establish its own legacy, they might consider steering clear of a launch proximity with Little Nightmares 3. Though Reanimal’s arrival date isn’t firmly set, there’s a possibility it might launch earlier than 2025. Under pressure, a direct clash with Little Nightmares 3 might come with challenges. Little Nightmares already has a recognized brand, while Reanimal needs to introduce itself to gamers.
Supermassive Games, though an experienced developer, is stepping into new territory with Little Nightmares. Successfully capturing the distinct tone of the series could be a formidable challenge for them. Should Supermassive succeed, it might spark renewed interest in Reanimal. Conversely, if fans find the third installment lacking, Reanimal stands poised to offer a familiar but fresh experience.
Launching in 2025 could be risky for Reanimal. The gaming landscape is expected to be bustling with big titles like GTA 6, Ghost of Yotei, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. For a smaller venture like Reanimal, waiting out the whirlwind year might allow it to receive the attention it deserves.
Strategically, skipping 2025 altogether might be beneficial, allowing Reanimal’s unique and somber adventure ample room to breathe without getting lost in the high-profile release shuffle. The gaming world awaits Tarsier Studios’ decision on when Reanimal will unleash its dark allure, but one thing is for sure: competition is intense.
