Tarsier Studios may no longer be behind Little Nightmares 3, but they haven’t strayed far from what they do best. After parting ways with Bandai Namco — a split that was reportedly mutual, with Bandai wanting to continue Little Nightmares and Tarsier ready to explore something new — the studio began work on REANIMAL. And from what I’ve seen so far, this new direction feels like a natural evolution of their signature style.
Gameplay
At its core, REANIMAL plays exactly how you’d expect a Tarsier horror game to play — unsettling, deliberate, and rich with atmosphere. You take on the role of small, vulnerable characters in a massive world that constantly reminds you of how insignificant you are. Every object feels oversized and dangerous, turning even simple navigation into a tense, cinematic experience.
While the DNA of Little Nightmares is still present, REANIMAL pushes the concept further. The world feels more grounded yet more terrifying, with grotesque imagery that leans fully into horror. It’s darker, more intense, and less dreamlike — a shift I personally love. The addition of full voice acting also stands out, promising a more involved narrative and emotional depth that Tarsier’s earlier titles only hinted at. It’s clear the studio isn’t afraid to explore new ground while staying true to what made their earlier games resonate.
Expectations
The big question is whether REANIMAL can step out from Little Nightmares’ shadow. It can’t simply be another eerie platformer — it needs to establish its own identity. Based on what I played, I think it’s well on its way. There’s a rawness here, a bolder sense of fear and storytelling that feels distinct. If Tarsier can continue balancing that haunting beauty with true horror, REANIMAL could become something special.
Verdict
REANIMAL feels like a confident next step for Tarsier Studios — one that embraces the unsettling atmosphere fans love while finally diving deeper into pure horror. The visuals are chilling, the tone is oppressive in all the right ways, and the promise of a full narrative with voice acting could make this their most immersive project yet.
If you’re a fan of Little Nightmares but wished it went even darker, REANIMAL looks ready to deliver exactly that. It’s familiar, yet daring enough to feel new — and it might just be Tarsier’s best work to date.
A short demo for REANIMAL is available now during Steam Next Fest! For more Steam Next Fest demo recommendations check out our Steam Next Fest hub.
