Reanimal is the intriguing new project from Tarsier Studios, the creators behind the acclaimed Little Nightmares series. With the studio no longer owning the rights to Little Nightmares, they’ve embarked on a fresh, original journey. At first glance, Reanimal carries the visual DNA of its predecessor, but it promises to delve deeper into more intense horror territory than anything seen in the Little Nightmares franchise.
It seemed nearly impossible to make Little Nightmares any darker, yet Reanimal proves otherwise. Tarsier Studios teases on its official Steam page that Reanimal will take players on “a more terrifying journey than ever before.” Judging by the available trailer, this claim holds weight. The story centers on two orphans, pushing through a chilling adventure to save their missing friends. While Reanimal builds upon the core elements of Little Nightmares, Tarsier Studios is set on making a distinct mark with this new endeavor. To achieve that, they might want to hold off on releasing it just yet.
Little Nightmares 3 is on track for a 2025 release, though it’s still waiting for an exact date. Despite Tarsier Studios stepping away from the series, Bandai Namco continues it, entrusting Supermassive Games with the third installment. Delayed last year, the new target for release brings with it the possibility of clashing with Tarsier’s Reanimal.
Adding another layer to the anticipation, both Reanimal and Little Nightmares 3 are set to offer co-op modes, featuring dual protagonists. If Reanimal intends to carve its own path and step out from the Little Nightmares shadow, pacing its release could be key. Although no official announcement has been made regarding its release date, given its announcement last year, a sooner debut is a possibility. However, a direct showdown with Little Nightmares 3 might backfire, as the latter already enjoys wide recognition and a loyal fanbase, while Reanimal has yet to establish itself.
Intriguingly, the performance of Little Nightmares 3 might impact Reanimal’s success. While Supermassive Games is a reputable developer, capturing the unique essence of the Little Nightmares series could be challenging for a new studio. If the third installment performs well, it might spark even greater interest in Reanimal. Conversely, if fans feel disconnected from the new Little Nightmares, Reanimal might just be what they’re seeking.
Reanimal aims to launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Yet, 2025 is already brimming with major releases. Even without a direct clash with Little Nightmares 3, Reanimal faces a fierce lineup of anticipated titles, including GTA 6, Ghost of Yotei, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. For a smaller, more niche game like Reanimal, waiting for the hype to settle down could be a strategic move.
Avoiding a release alongside Little Nightmares 3 might be wise, but dodging the crowded 2025 lineup altogether could be even more beneficial. Reanimal presents a uniquely dark adventure, and it would be unfortunate for it to slip under the radar amidst a surge of blockbusters. As we await Tarsier Studios’ release decision, one thing is clear: the competition ahead is intense.