It’s hard to believe that we’ve got so many great ones in just the first half of the year, but the current generation of gaming hardware has made developers push the envelope on graphical fidelity, making games that can blur the line between what’s real and what’s not. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite ones of the year, beginning with:

1. Resident Evil Requiem

The RE Engine has always been great at bringing whatever the developer dreams up to life, but this one’s great use of lighting, environmental detail, and excellent photorealistic graphics was the pinnacle of what the studio has achieved over the years. From Leon’s grizzly look to Grace’s raw fear and vulnerability, the character models were brilliant. Even better was how the franchise’s often moody and dark vibe was reflected in the very walls of the Rhodes Hill Care Facility or within the gloomy ruins of Raccoon City.

Of course, it wasn’t all about looks, as the gameplay was made all the more immersive thanks to how smooth the entire thing was, be it Grace running from The Child or taking control of Leon to beat down on zombies that came with superior numbers. All of the blood and gore on display served to underline the horrors of what the two protagonists were facing, while the addition of differing camera perspectives was a very welcome touch.

The developer really cooked with this one.

2. RIDE 6

We really liked how the world and the bikes themselves fed into the illusion that we were right there on the tracks, swinging a leg over those impossibly fast machines in the process. The details on each bike were nothing short of stunning, with Unreal Engine 5 working under the hood to ensure that their metal panels let the light gently glance off of them.

The tracks and the world in general were additional facets of the experience that added to the immersion, and the way things moved once you let your throttle loose is a feeling that only those among us who love riding can describe. This one’s definitely earned its place among the year’s finest on the graphical front, and with good reason.

3. Reanimal

An adventure that’s as emotionally layered as the harrowing one that The Boy and The Girl undertake in Reanimal was always going to rely on the grim and gritty world that acted as its stage. Tarsier Studios definitely had that in mind when crafting this one, and the sense of isolation and despair that the Island brought to the table was definitely a highlight of the experience.

The art direction, cinematic presentation, and the stunning level of detail on offer in this one did well to make the horror side of things stand out, while lending a layer of poignancy to the tale of two lost children looking for a way out of desperate circumstances. From the efficient use of limited light in specific situations to presenting the desolation of a world that’s designed to make you hesitate, this one definitely stands tall among the year’s finest titles.

4. Subnautica 2

While the long wait for this one might not feel as rewarding in terms of the narrative, which is going to take a bit of time to fully present its complexities, the world of Proteus is an entirely different story. It’s crafted to make you feel like a smaller part of a larger landscape, its flora and fauna designed so well that they’re almost calling to you to investigate further. That’s a crucial pillar of this one’s gameplay loop, and to see it implemented as well as it has been is a reason for Subnautica 2 to shine as bright as it does.

Exploring the world gives you a strong feeling of venturing into the unknown, and the graphics do a very good job of selling that sentiment as you try to make sense of what’s been unfolding on the planet before you got there. On the graphical front, Proteas does well to make itself a world that you can’t help but explore, the desire to see more of it stemming from how well it’s presented to you.

5. Pragmata

Hugh and Diana’s time in The Cradle wouldn’t have been as engaging if the darn thing hadn’t been as ethereally beautiful as it was. It’s almost as if the facility was designed to be the perfect backdrop to an adventure that had action and emotion woven in with a sublime balance. It wasn’t just the pristine walls and stunning environments but the way Diana’s hacking minigame was designed and presented, alongside enemy designs that we continue to grin about when we think about them.

This one’s design chops were a very memorable part of the experience it was offering, and it almost made us sad that there wasn’t more of it to go around. Well, there’s every chance a sequel comes along to dazzle us even more sometime in the future, so there’s that. But Pragmata definitely deserves a place on this list thanks to how well the world you’re a part of makes the entire journey even better without taking away from the rest of it.

6. Forza Horizon 6

Japan’s a popular place in modern gaming, and the Horizon Festival’s take on the land, its unique vibe, and, of course, the cars is a very impressive way to make its latest iteration engaging right off the bat. From the bustling streets of its cities to the serene beauty of its open roads and mountains, Japan almost feels like it’s where the Festival has always belonged, although we know that it’s going to move on in the franchise’s next offering.

Nevertheless, this one’s going to have you stopping to just take in the sights more often than not. We even gave up on a race to just admire the scenic beauty of a road high up on a mountain at one point, and that’s a testament to how the game’s weather system and excellent lighting make every inch of Japan a place worth looking into. The graphics are a solid part of why this one feels so special, and it’s going to be interesting to see how Playground tops them in whatever it’s planning next.

7. Crimson Desert

Oh, Pywel. What a place for a fan of fantasy titles to visit. From its well-designed cities to biomes that not just remain visually distinct from each other but constantly seem to be trying to be more impressive than the one you just left, this one’s definitely up there with some of the most visually impressive open worlds there are. And that’s not even factoring in the Abyss and whatever mysteries its sci-fi vibes are hiding.

Lush fields, dense forests, mechanical marvels, dark caves, bright palaces contrast well with desolate ruins, terrifying monsters, and a harsh desert, all of which serve to underline a land that’s as visually diverse as it is on a mechanical level. Yes, this one had a bit of a shaky start, but its problems are now just blips on a very promising horizon thanks to the developer’s efforts to make this a fantasy you can’t get enough of.

8. REPLACED

In our review of this one, we were quite impressed by how detailed its pixel art-style environments could be, and that continues to be a highlight of the experience on offer. It’s never easy to present great detailing and a unique style in a way that communicates desolation and a grim reality for the people exploring worlds like Phoenix City, and Sad Cat deserves credit for crafting environments that make you gape at their melancholic beauty even as the sadness of what’s created such spaces remains as an undercurrent to nudge your emotions a certain way.

The platforming puzzle sections deserve a special mention, and we’re still thinking about how well they’ve been presented in this one. On the graphical front, this one definitely deserves praise for the way in which it brings the world to life, dystopian hellscape vibes and all.

9. 007 First Light

IO Interactive’s take on James Bond’s early trysts with MI6 is as stylish as the man himself. If you’ve seen even a hint of this one, you probably already know why we’ve given it a spot on our list. Lights reflect off surfaces so naturally, while character models and environmental details help sell the story it’s trying to tell so well that it isn’t easy to remember that this one’s a video game and not an interactive film.

It also helps that everything is so polished that it enables the gameplay to better sell a version of Bond who’s brutal in a fight, while being quite the marksman if he’s at range. All in all, this one is a Bond game for the ages, and its visual fidelity is definitely a pillar that props up the experience it offers.

10. Saros

We weren’t really surprised at how visually resplendent Carcosa was after our time with Returnal, but Saros definitely earns its place on this list thanks to how Arjun’s harrowing time in a world that doesn’t make sense to him as often as he’d like is presented. From those almost spellbinding bullet patterns to some truly terrifying enemy designs, this one definitely belongs among the stronger visual feats this year has achieved.

Carcosa itself shouldn’t be discounted, with places like the Shattered Ruins, the Mysterious Depths, and, of course, the Ancient City all standing out as places that you want to learn more about while remaining imposing enough to make you hesitant about indulging that curiosity. This one’s as good as they come, and Housemarque deserves credit for a title that looks this good.

And that’s about it for this one. It’s been a pleasure to dive into the worlds these games have given us, and we’ve no doubt that the rest of the year has more of these visual marvels coming our way. Until then, it’s probably a good idea to give any of these titles a shot if you’re looking for something to cast a spell on you.

Silent Hill Townfall

Silent Hill has made a grand comeback as of late, and Townfall takes the iconic franchise in a more experimental direction – focusing heavily on psychological storytelling and building atmospheric tension. Early teasers suggest a strongly narrative-driven experience that leans into surreal horror and several plot twists, and that will be coupled with thrilling exploration and mind-bending puzzles – and it’s definitely one of the hottest games of the near future.

We’ve been quoted in the trailer, our review of the game stating that it’s quite a memorable experience, and we’re not the only ones who think so. The game’s sublime blend of horror and melancholy beauty has caught the eye of several other review outlets, and many agree that it’s a tale for the ages and a fine addition to the horror platformer space.

Showcasing several locations and a lot of morbid sights from the island that your protagonists explore, the trailer makes it easy to see why this one is getting the attention it’s been basking in. You might want to turn on the light before you dive into it or even hold off on watching altogether if you don’t want any spoilers.

For those of you who are okay with that, or if you think you need to steel yourself for what’s coming before you dive in, the trailer is below for you to check out, courtesy of IGN. Reanimal is available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.

For those of you who haven’t been keeping tabs on this one, Reanimal takes you on a mysterious journey where you take control of The Boy (or The Girl if you’re in co-op), a protagonist duo who must escape after they manage to track down their lost friends. That’s easier said than done, though, and there are several horrifying enemies between them and their goals.

Tarsier seems quite confident in the game’s success, even providing a Summer 2026 release window for the first chapter of its Expanded World, a three-chapter DLC slated to build on what the base game brings to the table. It’s a great title for those who like to play with their friends, with online and couch co-op modes available right away.

Believe us when we tell you that this is a title best enjoyed in company. But if you’re feeling brave, the option to play solo with the game’s AI controlling your second character is always there. It’s available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and the Nintendo Switch 2 if you’re thinking about giving it a go.

If you haven’t been following this absolute gem of a title, know that it places you in control of two siblings who must navigate a twisted version of their home, once a place of safety and security but now a Hell from which they must wake at any cost. Things are made more complicated by the fact that they are also trying to rescue their friends. Reanimal is all set to build on the solid foundations of the Little Nightmares games, upping the ante over its spiritual predecessors in many ways.

With its Unreal Engine 5-powered visuals, a nuanced take on childhood trauma, and some outstanding presentation behind it all, we’re quite excited to see what the first DLC chapter holds in store for The Boy and The Girl to navigate. We’d recommend bringing a friend along for the base game and its DLC chapters (especially with the Friend’s Pass coming post-launch), or perhaps keeping a light on if you prefer to fly solo.

Far be it from someone like me to really classify Reanimal as “effective horror.” It is in more ways than you’d think, but it’s also so much more. I went into this without playing the demo, only watching the trailers. Yet I’m still reeling. It’s that itch in my brain – like I’m on the verge of understanding and connecting all the pieces, letting the despair wash over me as much as the brilliance of the storytelling.

Let’s start with the set-up, or rather, the lack thereof. The player awakens in a boat out at sea as The Boy. Following the flashing red buoys, he eventually happens upon The Girl, pulling her in and being rewarded with a pair of hands around his throat. Once she regains her composure, the two set out, following the buoys to the nearest island in search of their friends.

"At times, it feels like an analogy for childhood – where things appear so much bigger and scarier than they actually are, but as you go along, it quickly becomes obvious that things aren’t what they seem."

Because something has happened to the world, and it’s all fractured apart. Boneless bodies are slithering about the first location, the Trainyard. A tall, slender man – not the Slenderman, but still just as aggressive – mulls about, harassing the duo and…doing his laundry, for lack of a better term. Even when they find the first of their friends, there’s no joy in the reunion. It’s rather hard to celebrate among desolate skies, after all.

Contrary to what you would think, the reason the world became like this isn’t the core driving force of the narrative, at least not at first. At times, it feels like an analogy for childhood – where things appear so much bigger and scarier than they actually are, but as you go along, it quickly becomes obvious that things aren’t what they seem. And really, the crux of that is what makes Reanimal such a compelling title.

Of course, the presentation is paramount as well. There’s no HUD; tutorials are minimal, simply instructing you how to carry out certain actions. Dialogue is scarce and sporadic. All the lore is in the environment, whether it’s the way that creatures have been butchered or the drawings left behind. There’s an undercurrent of turmoil throughout, and when it explodes, the attention to detail is some of the best in the genre. It’s simply astonishing to see how much work the developer has done to bring the world and its myriad of horrors to life. From the movement of electrical wires in the background to the animations of its characters, there’s as much nuance to appreciate and covet.

I could go on about the lighting, the use of shadows, and much more, but it really does speak for itself. Even amid its dour colors and ever-present darkness, Reanimal is a gorgeous-looking game. The cinematography deserves as much credit in that regard as well. Massive wide shots out at sea reinforce that feeling of being dwarfed by whatever is out there. The way that the camera seamlessly tracks during some of these chase sequences is also simply incredible.

The fact that it’s so seamless belies just how difficult it is to have everything flow so smoothly, but I’m also impressed with the more subtle displays. Walking around outside a building to enter through a window, and seeing the camera follow through as if it’s a living being, is some A-plus stuff. However, it’s a shame there’s no HDR support (at least on PS5 at this point).

"The worst I can say is that some trial and error is involved in certain places, but with the generous checkpoints, they’re easy enough to figure out without the pacing getting bogged down."

With how much I love the presentation, art direction, and attention to detail, you would think there’s a catch when it comes to the gameplay. Granted, Reanimal isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel when it comes to the genre or even co-op games, but within its own twisted wonderland of horrors, it’s presenting some incredible stuff.

Platforming is still very much a big part of the game (and carries the appropriate amount of weightiness), but a heavier emphasis is placed on exploration and observation. Shifting from a 2.5D platformer series in Little Nightmares to a 3D action-adventure means not always knowing where you need to go. Oftentimes, it’s quite obvious, but at others, you’ll need to swing the camera around, perhaps noticing that alley that’s otherwise not visible. Maybe you’ll happen upon a padlocked cellar door and, not knowing where the key is, proceed to smash things apart, leading to one of my favorite “Wait, didn’t I just” moments.

Of course, there’s also the usual sneaking and chase sequences, though they never really feel out of place or forced. The worst I can say is that some trial and error is involved in certain places, but with the generous checkpoints, they’re easy enough to figure out without the pacing getting bogged down. As a whole, it feels like Tarsier had a vision of what it could accomplish in the 3D space and set about building it in as uncompromising a fashion as possible.

One aspect that somewhat hinders immersion is how the focus of much of the horror is on you, at least while playing solo. What this means is that various monstrosities will be within clawing distance of The Girl, and she’s…fine. I know, I know – it’s a nitpick (sort of), and while it doesn’t outright kill the tension, I couldn’t help but find it amusing on more than one occasion.

"Reanimal isn’t very long, but quite frankly, it doesn’t need to be. It feels like the perfect length, taking the player on what’s essentially a horror odyssey, challenging them to understand what’s happening and then flipping those expectations."

The other element that I can see bringing things down for some is the ending. No spoilers, but after some reflection – the proverbial lighter illuminating the darkness – I felt like it delivered and then some, adding a whole new dimension to the journey. I haven’t discovered all the secrets (like the unlockable concept art and alternate masks), so perhaps there’s something more to it that I missed, which excites and concerns me in equal measure.

On a technical level, the experience felt near-flawless throughout, with perhaps only one instance of the frame rate dropping. At one point, the game suddenly became unresponsive, which required quitting and relaunching it (thankfully, this did not affect progress). There’s also the odd minor bug or two stemming from interactions with the terrain. Otherwise, this is an incredibly well-polished experience.

Reanimal isn’t very long, but quite frankly, it doesn’t need to be. It feels like the perfect length, taking the player on what’s essentially a horror odyssey, challenging them to understand what’s happening and then flipping those expectations. You never quite know what to expect, and to Tarsier’s credit, it finds interesting ways to up the ante without sacrificing the pacing or needlessly padding the runtime – all in service of the story it’s trying to tell. Suffice it to say that I’m not so much scared about what I don’t understand as saddened that there may be even more to pull me ever deeper into despair. If that doesn’t speak to the true emotional weight of the experience, then I don’t know what does.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Resident Evil Requiem

The big one, the main event, the raison d’être for many survival horror fans. With the long-awaited return to Raccoon City, a fusion of first and third-person perspectives, and Leon S. Kennedy looking more fly than ever, Resident Evil Requiem is simply the game to watch out for in February. It’s been a long time coming – can you believe Resident Evil Village was almost five years ago? – but based on everything we’ve seen thus far, it will be worth the wait and then some. Look for its launch on February 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Nioh 3

“Let’s have a dream of everlasting peace,” said Tokugawa Ieyasu, probably, to which his younger grandson probably said, “No.” With a Kyoto beset by Yokai and no other options, it’s on Tokugawa Takechiyo, the rightful heir to the title of Shogun, to travel back in time and fix things. But even as it incorporates new open-field elements for non-linear exploration, seamless switching between Samurai and Ninja styles, and all kinds of nasty new enemies, Nioh 3 retains that addictive hack-and-slash gameplay and masocore difficulty that we know and love. It’s available on February 6th for PS5 and PC, with a free demo available for both now.

Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined

The art style, the music, the visual overhaul – everything about this screams old-school adventure. Granted, this isn’t the first “different” edition of Dragon Quest 7, but the developer isn’t just aiming for fancier graphics – it’s also streamlining the original story, adding new content and bringing quality-of-life features (like instantly defeating lower-level enemies in the field). Couple this with new activities and the new Moonlighting system for combining Vocations, and Dragon Quest 7 Reimagined could be the best possible version yet when it launches on February 5th.

Romeo is a Dead Man

Say what you will about Suda51 games, but one thing is for sure: You never know what to expect. So the concept of Romeo is a Dead Man, where one Romeo Stargazer dies, revives, and hunts criminals across space and time with the special Dead Gear? Not exactly on everyone’s bingo card. Nevertheless, the surreal presentation, bloody hack and slash combat – with a delightful assortment of weapons to wreak havoc – and over-the-top bosses will more than suffice when it launches on February 11th for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.

BlazBlue Entropy Effect X

If you enjoyed Dead Cells, then BlazBlue Entropy Effect offers one of the more low-key enjoyable – and addictive – rogue-lite side-scrolling experiences out there. For its console release, however, 91Act is going bigger, adding a new story centered around the Sea of Possibility, with Ace seeking the Shards of Possibility to save the world. If none of that matters to you, don’t worry – Entropy X adds Naoto Kurogane as a new playable character alongside new bosses, enemies, stages, and more.

Mario Tennis Fever

I’ve got a fever, and the solution? More Mario Tennis from Camelot. I don’t think any campaign can ever match up to Mario Tennis: Power Tour, but Fever’s set-up of having Baby Mario and friends re-learn their tennis skills is at least somewhat enticing. Beyond that, the real hook is the new Fever Rackets, each with unique abilities called Fever Shots that can turn the tide of a match. Couple that with “Mix It Up” Mode’s unique twists and a whopping 38 playable characters, and Mario Tennis Fever could maybe, probably, be a sleeper hit when it launches on February 12th for the Switch 2.

Ride 6

Arriving about two and a half years after Ride 5, Ride 6 makes the jump to Unreal Engine 5 while packing over 250 bikes. The usual stars appear, but this time, players can also take Baggers and Enduro Bikes onto the track. And if you prefer something a little more free-form, off-road tracks finally properly debut in all their dirty glory. Couple all this with a new Career Mode, RIDE Fest, which sees you going up against Legendary bikers in their category of choice, and Ride 6 is looking packed ahead of its release on February 12th.

Yakuza Kiwami 3 and Dark Ties

A visually improved version of Yakuza 3 probably would have been enough, but RGG Studio went the extra mile by revamping the combat mechanics, adding new activities (including managing a gang of bikers), progression systems, and even a whole new side story focused on Yoshitaka Mine. All this for just $69.99. Are we a little worried after the demo was rated “Mostly Negative” on Steam? Well, sure, but maybe there will be some improvements, at least visually, before its launch on February 12th for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2.

Reanimal

How do you create something that’s somehow even more disturbing than Little Nightmares? Tarsier Studios apparently has the answer with Reanimal – a story about two siblings seeking to find their friends after an unknown event has brought overwhelming horrors into their lives. The mood, the aesthetic, the isolationism – it’s all here but darker and more expansive. Launching on February 13th for Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S, Reanimal invites you to pick up the pieces of a fractured home, or die trying.

ASTROBOTANICA

Even after years of the same crafting, harvesting, farming, and building in this genre, ASTROBOTANICA’s premise has me intrigued. It’s set during prehistoric times, but this isn’t a Far Cry Primal situation. Instead, you’re an alien named Xel, who must study and collect plants to tolerate the atmosphere. From there, hijinks with neanderthals, mysterious sights, six skill paths, and more await. Of course, it won’t all be accessible – ASTROBOTANICA launches into early access on February 16th for PC – but it still promises dozens of hours of exploration.

Styx: Blades of Greed

Why send in an orc to tear down the front door when you could send, well, an orc to rob everyone blind? Styx returns in his third adventure, this time with a crew and a hankering for Quartz. Three massive sandboxes await, and based on the multi-level Wall, where you can jump down chimneys to infiltrate kitchens and poison meals, or mind control guards to do a flip, there are a lot of options for stealth sandbox fun. It’s launching on February 19th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.

Ys X: Proud Nordics

The original landed somewhat less ideally than I would have liked, especially compared to Ys VIII and Ys IX. Proud Nordics doesn’t look to severely overhaul its combat systems, so much as add new content in the form of the Aland Island and a story revolving around a mysterious Mana user. Regardless, if you’re hungry for more, from arena battles and new bosses to fresh Mana Actions, Ys X: Proud Nordics is worth watching out for when it launches on February 20th for PS5, Switch 2 and PC.

Aces of Thunder

Replaying Ace Combat 7 or diving into Project Wingman to prepare for Ace Combat 8 is nice and all, but what about flight combat in VR? That’s what Aces of Thunder promises when it launches on February 3rd for PC, PS5 and PlayStation VR2. Between an extensive range of WW1 and WW2 aircraft, full HOTAS support, and 15 maps – with War Thunder developer Gaijin Entertainment at the helm – it looks like it could be the most immersive dogfighting sim yet. And while VR is ideal, an optional non-VR mode is also available.

Tales of Berseria Remastered

Why a remaster of Berseria, especially when Xillia 2 is right there? A question for another day, perhaps, but at least it’s one of the more well-received entries in the series. Launching on February 27th for Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and PS5, Tales of Berseria Remastered adds the usual quality of life options, from turning off enemy encounters to accessing the Grade Shop from the start. You even get a healthy chunk of DLC from the original.

ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard

We won’t be getting Portal 3 anytime soon, but there are plenty of other first-person puzzles worth diving into, such as ChromaGun 2: Dye Hard. Aside from the obvious riff on certain plot elements, the concept of walls attracting objects (sentient or otherwise) of the same color is intriguing. Paint the world red, or blue, or orange, to progress, and hopefully not suffer agonizing death at the hands of many killer robots.

While it took a step back from the popular platforming horror franchise, with Supermassive Games bringing a faithful yet fresh take on its formula in Little Nightmares III, Tarsier is seemingly back with a bang. Reanimal is all set to bring a new pair of protagonists to a world that’s perhaps even more immersive and engaging than its previous titles.

If you’ve been looking out for the studio’s next big game but are wondering if it’s worth your time and money, this one’s for you. We’ve put together a list of key features you should know before you drop your hard-earned cash on this one. Let’s begin!

1. Tarsier Is Back At the Helm

We touched upon Tarsier bringing back its signature style to a new IP but we think it’s worth discussing why that’s a good thing. Although Supermassive did a great job in making Little Nightmares III a solid addition to the franchise’s illustrious ranks, that one didn’t really manage to reach the highs of its predecessors.

Thankfully, Tarsier has been clever to allow its ambitions to take over this time around, and Reanimal’s previews point to an experience that’s darker, grittier, and true to what put Little Nightmares on the map in the first place. Curious about what has changed? Read on and find out.

2. A Spiritual Successor

Let’s face it. Comparisons to Little Nightmares were an inevitability with this new title but Tarsier seems to have taken the best from its past work to craft a game that remains true to the formula it has established but does things differently this time around.

From a darker, more ambitious approach to the story and gameplay to level and enemy designs that are a showcase of the studio’s talents, Reanimal is shaping up to be a game that could allow the studio to scale new heights in the platforming horror genre.

3. New Protagonists In A Strange New World

The premise on offer in Reanimal is quite simple. You’re tasked with assisting The Boy and The Girl, the game’s new duo of protagonists in a desperate search for their lost friends. That search brings them to the shores of an island where a lot of dangers await them, and sinister secrets slowly make themselves known as you unravel the threads that lead you to them.

It’s a perfect stage for Reanimal to bring complex puzzles and deadly enemies to stand in your path, and a heady blend of visual storytelling and engaging gameplay to make the game stay with you long after you power down your gaming system.

4. Far From A Paradise

The island you’re guiding The Boy and The Girl through is a treacherous place, full of bizarre creatures that are hell-bent on bringing your quest to save your friend to an abrupt end. You explore it either on foot or with a boat, navigating obstacles while experiencing a world that’s unsettling and dark. Early previews praise the manner in which darkness is used to create tension, while the enemy designs which we’re going to visit in just a minute are definitely the stuff of some nightmares. You’re going to want to steel your nerves before you dive into this one.

5. Bring A Friend Along

Of course, you’re never truly going to be along in Reanimal, with the option to have a buddy join in on the fun. With both local and online co-op being integrated seamlessly into the experience, this one is designed to be played with another player controlling the reins of your second protagonist.

Of course, you could always fly solo with the game’s AI taking over the reins of your secondary character. Either way, this is a title that’s going to keep you (and perhaps your friend) on your toes.

6. A More Chatty Duo This Time Around

In a departure from the Little Nightmares tradition, your protagonists do have a few lines of dialogue in Reanimal. That’s quite an addition but don’t expect deep conversations as dialogue is used pretty sparingly from what we’ve seen of the game.

But that’s a good thing, as it allows Tarsier to make the moments where your protagonists speak to each other all the more impactful. We’re expecting a more cohesive narrative experience this time around thanks to this small but significant change.

7. Changes To Your Perspective

While Tarsier’s previous titles have largely stuck to a 2D side-scrolling platforming experience, the camera in Reanimal is a touch more dynamic. It presents different perspectives, even switching to a more first-person over-the-shoulder point of view in situations that require a fresh look at the problem in front of you.

That dynamism is a most welcome addition, allowing the game to make the experience on offer more immersive as a result. It’s an exciting change that we believe is going to make our time on the island a lot more engaging as a result.

8. Deadly Enemies That Are Designed To Terrify You

Tarsier’s enemy designs have always been a part of its popularity, and Reanimal is no different. Even the game’s opening section, made playable in the early previews and demos, shows off a few designs that are going to give you more than a few goosebumps.

There’s a shadowy behemoth that you really don’t want to try fighting head-on. There’s also a strange figure whose humanoid stature is quite unconvincing considering the human skins we saw draped around so many of the environmental fixtures. This is a game that’s not for the faint-hearted, and you’re probably going to be putting down your controller quite a few times as you try and process the events that unfold in front of you.

9. Intelligent AI

For those of you who are planning to take this one on by yourself, your companion’s AI is going to be quite helpful at helping you solve complex puzzles, or point you in the direction of where you need to go.

The AI in Little Nightmares III was quite a step up from previous titles and it seems that Tarsier has been watching from the shadows, implementing its best features and making meaningful improvements to let your protagonists have a few advantages at their disposal in the game’s unforgiving world.

10. Room To Explore

While the path you will need to take for the main story is likely going to be linear, there is room to explore any diversions you find for some cleverly hidden customization options for your characters.

If you’re going to be exploring a world as deadly as this one, you might as well make every effort to do it with style. While other options to tweak the experience to your liking might be present, there’s little to no information available about them at the moment.

11. Take a Stealthy Approach

It doesn’t seem fair to pit children against towering monstrosities they have no hope of beating in a fair fight, does it? Thankfully, you can use the game’s darkness to your advantage, sticking to the shadows to try and find ways to take down any threats, or perhaps bypass them entirely.

These stealth sections are sure to test your nerves, and have you clenching your jaws more often than you like as you try and find a path to safety, and to success.

12. Get a Feel of the Experience Before You Buy

Playable demos of the game are out on Steam and Nintendo Switch 2, as well as for the PS5 and the Xbox Series X|S for those of you who want to get a feel of the experience and see if it’s something that catches your fancy.

However, be warned the Switch 2 version’s performance has raised a few eyebrows, with previews reporting a bit of stuttering in intense sections. That could be addressed ahead of the game’s release, however, and the final build might be as great as its counterparts on other platforms.

13. More Reanimal On The Way

Three additional story expansions have already been confirmed for the game, making it a good idea to pick up the Deluxe editions for the Season Pass that lets you access them all as soon as they drop while saving you some cash in the process.

We’re going to have to wait and see what they bring to the table as they’re currently under wraps but if what we’ve already seen of the game is any indication, they’re sure to give you many more memories you want to forget, but can’t.

14. Preorder Bonuses

Preorders are already live, and the Standard Edition, priced at $40 dollars is going to give you the Foxhead and Muttonhead masks for your protagonists. They’re purely cosmetic as far as we can see, and we don’t expect them to influence the gameplay in any way.

The Digital Deluxe Edition comes with a $60 price tag but you’re going to receive a 10% discount on it which brings its price down to $53.99. That includes the Season Pass that gives you access to the full game, the preorder bonuses, and expansions as and when they become available. That’s quite a solid offering in our book.

The Collector’s Edition comes at an eye-watering $199.99 but includes a lot of goodies such as a couple of statues, a sticker pack, a metal key ring, a map poster, an 80-page artbook, and a solid collector’s box to store them all in. Obviously, everything on offer in the Standard and Deluxe Digital Editions is also going to be a part of the deal.

15. System Requirements

If you’re looking to dive in on the PC, it’s a good idea to see if your rig can handle the game’s Unreal Engine-powered visuals and gameplay.

At a minimum, you’re going to need a 64-bit processor running either Windows 10 or 11. The AMD Ryzen 2400G or Intel Core i5-9400F are recommended, along with 8GB of RAM and a GeForce GTX 1060 / Radeon RX 480 GPU with DirectX 12. You’re also going to need 18GB of storage. The recommended specs bump things up to a Ryzen 5 3600X / Core i7-7700KTBD processor, 16 GB of RAM, and GeForce RTX 2060 / Radeon RX 6600XTTBD GPU.

And that’s a wrap on key things to know about Reanimal before you decide to pick up your own copy. You can be sure that we’re going to be joining in on the fun when the game drops on the 13th February, 2026. We hope to see you there as well!

However, there’s a caveat – it may not be available at launch. Tarsier clarified on its Discord that it “cannot guarantee” day one availability, but it’s “working hard to offer you a Friend Pass as soon as possible. More details will follow soon. For now, make sure your friends will be ready to be scared.”

If you’ve played It Takes Two and Split Fiction from Hazelight Studios, a Friend Pass lets you invite someone to play in co-op, even if they don’t own the game. As with Little Nightmares 3, however, Reanimal is still perfectly playable solo, so it’s not a dealbreaker if you lack anyone else to play with.

The horror adventure title launches on February 13th for Xbox Series X/S, PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2, having gone gold last month. After launching on PC and making its way to Xbox and PlayStation last November, the demo recently went live for Switch 2. Unlike Little Nightmares 3, couch co-op is supported, making it ideal for Nintendo’s hardware.

If you’re curious about the gameplay but too scared to go hands-on, check out the latest footage. It offers a peek at previously unseen environments and a massive terror that towers over players.

The Standard Edition costs $39.99, but there’s also a Deluxe Edition for $59.99, which includes two masks and the Season Pass. Aside from potentially offering DLC story content, there are no details on the latter, so hopefully we’ll learn more before launch.

In the meantime, a demo for Reanimal is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S (with the Switch 2 demo arriving later). It covers one of the starting islands that the siblings arrive on to save their friend. Alongside offering a quick look at exploration and puzzle-solving, it showcases some of the more terrifying monstrosities that players must escape from.

However, as the latest trailer from the Xbox Partner Showcase revealed, there are even bigger threats that go bump in the night. Stay tuned for more details ahead of release.