REANIMAL is a co-op horror adventure game developed by Tarsier Studios and released on PS5 in February 2026. Players take control of a brother and sister pair who must navigate a hellish island to rescue their missing friends while uncovering a dark secret from their past. The experience centers on exploration across land and water, tense survival situations, and atmospheric storytelling that blends dread with moments of resilience.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around careful movement through unsettling environments filled with grotesque creatures and hidden dangers. Exploration happens both on foot and by boat, allowing players to uncover side paths and fragments of the larger narrative scattered throughout the world. Survival depends on observation, timing, and collaboration when playing with another person, as the shared camera perspective keeps both characters in view and heightens the sense of vulnerability.
Mechanics emphasize puzzle-like interactions with the surroundings, such as manipulating objects or finding routes around threats rather than direct confrontation. The design draws from the studio's experience with atmospheric tension, resulting in sequences that alternate between quiet investigation and sudden chases. DualSense features on PS5, including vibration feedback, reinforce the physicality of these moments without overwhelming the focus on atmosphere.
Game Modes
REANIMAL supports single-player playthroughs where one person controls the brother and sister duo through the full story. Co-operative options include local split-screen and online sessions limited to two players, with a directed shared camera that maintains visual cohesion and builds claustrophobia. Online features require a PlayStation Plus subscription, while local play remains available without it.
The structure stays consistent across modes, with the same environments and objectives scaled for solo or paired progress. No separate competitive or versus formats exist; the emphasis stays on cooperative survival and story progression.
World and Atmosphere
The island setting mixes familiar childhood locations with twisted, nightmarish alterations that reflect the characters' troubled histories. Monsters appear as manifestations of those past traumas, creating encounters that feel personal rather than generic. Environmental storytelling reveals pieces of the overarching mystery through optional discoveries, encouraging thorough exploration without forcing it.
Patches released after launch, including version 1.7, have addressed stability and added refinements to movement and interaction systems. The original soundtrack, featuring 33 tracks, further supports the mood during extended sessions.
Is It Worth Playing?
REANIMAL suits players who enjoy deliberate, atmosphere-driven horror adventures with light puzzle and evasion elements. The co-operative focus makes it particularly engaging for pairs seeking a shared experience, while the single-player option ensures accessibility for those who prefer to progress alone. Ongoing support through patches and planned DLC chapters, such as the Prisoner expansion introducing new characters and areas, indicates continued development beyond the base release.
Reception highlights the strong visual style and tension-building design for fans of the genre, though some note occasional technical issues that patches aim to resolve. The Digital Deluxe Edition provides access to the full Season Pass for additional story content. Those drawn to narrative-focused horror with co-op mechanics will find the most value here, especially on PS5 where controller feedback and enhanced visuals contribute to immersion.