Trends in gaming come and go, but every so often, a specific subgenre starts gaining real momentum. Right now, that spotlight falls on cinematic horror platformers, with REANIMAL, THQ Nordic’s latest release, quickly drawing attention. Players have embraced it just as fast, often comparing it to another major title in the same space, Little Nightmares 3 from Supermassive Games.
At a glance, the comparison makes sense. Both games share a similar creative foundation and rely on tightly designed gameplay that blends environmental cues with quick player reactions. But beneath those similarities lie two very different approaches: one continues an established franchise under new leadership, while the other represents a bold new direction from the original creators.
Development Background and Lineage
To understand the relationship between these titles, it is important to look at the developers. Tarsier Studios, the team behind the first two Little Nightmares games, moved on to create REANIMAL after being acquired by Embracer Group.
Following their departure, publisher Bandai Namco entrusted the Little Nightmares IP to Supermassive Games, the studio known for Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology.
This shift also represents a change in Supermassive’s style. The studio is known for photorealistic settings, with characters that closely resemble real people, often depicted in grounded, horror-driven scenarios. With Little Nightmares 3, however, they now lean into a more stylized and imaginative direction.
Despite their differences, both games are built on the same “DNA” of the cinematic horror subgenre. They feature cooperative play, whether with another player or an AI companion, environmental storytelling that relies on non-verbal cues and macabre settings rather than direct exposition, and vulnerable protagonists who must rely on wit rather than strength to survive.
Multiplayer, Camera, and Technical Differences
While both games offer co-op, their technical implementation varies significantly. REANIMAL supports both local (couch) and online multiplayer, whereas Little Nightmares 3 is strictly online-only for its cooperative mode. In addition, REANIMAL features full cross-platform play, allowing players on different systems to play together, a feature not present in Little Nightmares 3.
The camera systems also present a major point of difference:
- REANIMAL’s shared camera: Tarsier Studios implemented a directed shared camera that keeps both players on a single screen at all times. This design choice enhances claustrophobia and ensures that both players experience the scares simultaneously.
- Little Nightmares 3’s perspective: While still cinematic, the camera follows a more traditional framing suited for tool-based puzzles and linear exploration within “The Spiral.”
Narrative Tone and Gameplay Evolution
The two titles differ sharply in their approach to tone and character presentation. Little Nightmares 3 maintains the series’ dark, whimsical fairytale aesthetic, focusing on the surreal “stuff of children’s nightmares.” In contrast, REANIMAL takes a darker and more grounded approach, using a grittier, war-torn setting that removes much of the original series’ sense of safety.
Gameplay mechanics have also evolved in different directions:
- Asymmetrical tools (Little Nightmares 3): Players use character-specific tools. Low uses a bow, while Alone uses a wrench, to solve puzzles and defend themselves.
- Maritime exploration (REANIMAL): The game expands its scope by introducing vehicular traversal, particularly a boat that enables exploration beyond the main path.
- Dialogue: For the first time, Tarsier introduces voiced protagonists in REANIMAL to better convey the emotional connection between characters. Little Nightmares 3, on the other hand, remains largely silent, relying on minimal sounds and gestures.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between these two titles depends on the kind of horror experience a player is looking for. Little Nightmares 3 remains a strong entry for those who enjoy the established “Nowhere” universe and its quiet, unsettling storytelling. It builds on the series’ puzzle-solving foundation while introducing new mechanics that encourage coordination in online co-op. For players invested in the lore of “The Spiral,” it offers a polished continuation of the franchise’s signature style.
In contrast, REANIMAL represents the original creators’ attempt to push the formula in a darker direction. By introducing elements like maritime exploration and a shared camera system, it emphasizes a more intense, shared horror experience, whether played locally or online. While both games explore the theme of vulnerability, they do so in different ways, offering distinct experiences within the same subgenre.
REANIMAL is available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, while Little Nightmares 3 is available on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
