.png)
Tarsier Studios returns with Reanimal, a bold evolution of the studio's established aesthetic. Where previous work traded on unnerving whimsy, Reanimal plunges into a bleaker, more visceral vision of horror. The result is a title that refines core mechanics while dramatically expanding the sensory ambition of the developer.
Premise and Tone
Reanimal places the player in a grotesque, dreamlike world populated by towering, animalistic antagonists and fragile human figures. Narrative threads are deliberately sparse; atmosphere and environmental storytelling carry the weight. The game's tone is relentless, frequently uncomfortable, and consistently effective at sustaining dread without relying on cheap shocks.
Gameplay and Design
Mechanically, Reanimal borrows from the studio's past work but tightens the loop. Platforming segments feel more precise, encounters demand quicker decision-making, and stealth is less forgiving. Puzzles remain organic to the spaces they inhabit, favouring physicality and timing over abstruse logic. Combat is rarely brute-force; avoidance and clever use of the environment are rewarded, reinforcing a sense of vulnerability that heightens tension.
Visuals and Audio
On PS5, Reanimal is a striking showcase. Character models and set pieces combine grotesque character design with rich, painterly textures, producing tableaux that linger long after sections are completed. Lighting and particle work elevate every corridor and clearing into a cinematic frame. The audio design complements the visuals superbly: an unsettling, layered soundscape and carefully placed silence build dread, while the score punctuates key moments without overwhelming the ambience.
Controls and Performance
The DualSense implementation is thoughtful but measured. Haptic cues and adaptive triggers are used to amplify tension — subtle resistance and vibrations heighten precarious moments without becoming gimmicky. Performance on PS5 is steady, with fast load times and a consistent framerate that support the game's precise platforming demands. Occasional frame dips occur only in the most particle-heavy scenes and never materially affect progression.
Length and Replayability
Reanimal's runtime sits comfortably in the medium range for narrative-driven platformers. Completion time varies with playstyle, but the game avoids filler, keeping momentum tight from scene to scene. Optional collectibles and hidden encounters provide modest incentive for revisits, though the title's primary appeal is the crafted experience rather than extended replay loops.
Accessibility and Difficulty
Difficult settings allow for some tailoring of encounter lethality and puzzle assistance. While the baseline presumes patience and careful observation, accessibility options address a range of disabilities, particularly in movement and camera assistance. The balance skews toward challenge, preserving the stakes that make survival feel meaningful.
Verdict
Reanimal stands as Tarsier Studios' most accomplished work to date, elevating familiar design pillars into a darker, more disciplined form. Exceptional visual and audio craftsmanship transforms every corridor and confrontation into a memorable moment, while tightened mechanics ensure that tension translates into satisfying gameplay. This is a mature, confidently realised horror experience that represents a high-water mark for the studio.
Score: 9/10
Hardware: PlayStation 5