REANIMAL is a co-op horror adventure game developed by Tarsier Studios for Xbox Series consoles and PC. Players take control of a brother and sister pair who navigate a dangerous island to find their missing friends while confronting a dark secret from their past. The experience centers on exploration by boat and on foot, puzzle-solving through teamwork, and survival against twisted threats in a tense atmosphere.
Gameplay
The core loop involves moving through fragmented environments filled with unsettling details. Characters must sneak past dangers, run from chases, and hide when necessary. Puzzles often require one player to boost the other to higher platforms or activate switches while the partner crosses hazardous sections like spinning drums. A shared directed camera keeps both characters in view at all times, heightening feelings of confinement and urgency during play.
Exploration reveals side paths and locations that expand on the story without following a single linear route. The visual style draws from the studio's background, featuring resilient child characters and grotesque monsters inspired by troubled pasts. Tension builds through thick atmosphere rather than constant action, with moments of hope mixed into dire situations.
Game Modes
REANIMAL supports single-player sessions where an AI companion handles the second character. The AI responds to prompts for boosts, switches, and other interactions to maintain progress. Local couch co-op allows two players to share the same screen and controls on one console. Online co-op connects players across distances with cross-play support on compatible platforms.
Friend's Pass enables a second player to join without owning the full game. The owner launches a session, and the guest downloads the free pass to participate in both online and couch co-op. This setup works as long as one participant has the complete title installed.
Story and World
The narrative follows two orphans searching for redemption while uncovering fragments of their history scattered across the island. Each new area adds layers to the tale through environmental storytelling and encounters with new threats. The design emphasizes a cinematic feel, aiming to recreate the shared experience of watching a horror film with others.
Monsters and settings reflect personal traumas of the child characters, creating a consistent sense of dread. Boat travel connects larger sections of the map, while land-based sections focus on precise platforming and coordination.
Is It Worth Playing?
REANIMAL suits players who prefer atmospheric horror with cooperative puzzle elements over fast-paced action. The option to play solo with capable AI or invite a friend through Friend's Pass lowers the barrier for trying the experience together. Local and online co-op modes deliver the intended shared tension, while single-player provides a complete version of the same directed camera and mechanics.
The game launched with support for these play styles on Xbox Series and PC. Those drawn to the studio's prior work on tense, story-driven adventures will find familiar strengths in the focus on teamwork and atmosphere. Availability of the free Friend's Pass makes it straightforward to test the co-op dynamic without additional purchases.
