The new title 'REANIMAL' from the creators of 'Little Nightmares' has been hit with a wave of review bombing on Steam, due to the initial lack of support for the Friend Pass feature on the PC version.

Released on the 13th, REANIMAL is the latest horror-adventure game from Tarsier Studios. Players take control of one of two siblings, tasked with rescuing missing friends from a grotesque landscape. The game features a diverse range of settings—from cinemas and war-torn environments to the depths of the sea—and boasts a more robust collection system for masks and concept art compared to the Little Nightmares series.

REANIMAL holds a respectable 80 on Metacritic, indicating a positive reception. However, on Steam, it plummeted to 'Mostly Negative' shortly after launch because the 'Friend Pass' was not active. This feature, which allows one buyer to invite a friend to play for free, is a staple in titles like 'It Takes Two', and players expected it to be available from day one.

When players attempted to team up on the 13th, the feature was unavailable, leading to the aforementioned review bombing. Tarsier Studios responded immediately, labeling the fix as their 'top priority.' They acted quickly, and the Friend Pass was rolled out by 4:00 AM (KST) on the 14th.

Since the fix, Steam reviews have recovered to 'Mostly Positive (75%)' as of 12:00 PM on the 14th. Players generally praise the eerie atmosphere and horror elements. However, some have pointed out the short four-hour playtime, occasional bugs, optimization issues, and a narrative that can be difficult to follow.