Why Reanimal Might Consider Patience

Tarsier Studios, the team behind Little Nightmares, is stepping into a new chapter with their latest project, Reanimal. While they no longer hold the rights to Little Nightmares, they’re certainly not shying away from their signature eerie style, as Reanimal carries a visual resemblance to its predecessor. However, this time, they’re cranking up the intensity a notch or two—at least that’s the impression given from the early glimpses and haunting imagery shared so far.

You might think Little Nightmares had already maxed out on creepiness, but Reanimal is stepping up to challenge that notion. Tarsier Studios is spotlighting Reanimal as “a more terrifying journey than ever before” on its Steam page, and if the trailer is anything to go by, they’re not exaggerating. The plot centers on two orphans embarking on a daunting mission to find their lost companions. While Reanimal may share some foundational elements with Little Nightmares, Tarsier Studios is aiming for it to carve out its own niche. However, there’s a strategy to consider—perhaps letting Reanimal simmer a bit before making its grand debut could pay off.

Despite Tarsier Studios parting ways with the Little Nightmares series, Bandai Namco hasn’t let the platformer slip away. The upcoming third installment is in the hands of Supermassive Games, which has been working to bring it to life after a delay pushed its release to 2025. Although no exact date has been announced, this schedule could potentially see it clash with the launch of Reanimal.

Both games, interestingly, feature dual protagonists and co-op modes, which sets up an intriguing showdown. For Reanimal to successfully stand on its own, avoiding a head-to-head release against Little Nightmares 3 might be prudent. Tarsier Studios hasn’t committed to a release date, but a launch after 2025 seems wise. As tempting as it might be to go toe-to-toe with a recognized name, Reanimal’s success depends on establishing its own identity.

The fate of Little Nightmares 3 at the hands of a new studio, Supermassive Games, remains a mystery. Should they succeed, a resurgence in interest for horror platformers could benefit Reanimal. Conversely, if Little Nightmares doesn’t hit the mark, Reanimal might be perfectly poised to capture the attention of eager fans.

Reanimal’s upcoming journey means navigating a busy release landscape. 2025 is loaded with major launches, including the likes of GTA 6, Ghost of Yotei, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. For a newcomer like Reanimal, charging into such a competitive space might be risking too much too soon. Strategically, waiting beyond 2025 could let Reanimal avoid being overshadowed by a blockbuster-heavy year.

In summary, while Reanimal promises a dark and unique adventure, careful timing in its release could be crucial to its success amidst fierce competition. Tarsier Studios faces a tough decision on when to unleash its newest creation into the world.