Party Animals: Everything We Know

It's funny, because one good look at Recreate Games' website will clearly show you that the team's primary objective is to “create realistic games that are both immersive and memorable.” Its forthcoming beat 'em up brawler game Party Animals, however, doesn't exactly embody these things. Or at least, it doesn't scream “realistic,” anyway. Memorable, yes. Immersive? Well, maybe it's too early to tell on that one.

The good news is, Recreate Games did bring a little something-something to the table at The Game Awards showcase, which means we now have a much clearer picture of the studio's upcoming party game. So, if you happened to be wondering when to throw that next family get-together, then allow us to introduce you to the next icebreaker. Here's everything you need to know about Party Animals.

What Is Party Animals?

Party Animals is an upcoming beat 'em up brawler game by Recreate Games, an independent developer whose purpose is to bring “immersive and memorable games” to the table. Its debut game will be available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and will also be unlocked as a day-one exclusive for Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers.

“Fight your friends as puppies, kittens and other fuzzy creatures in PARTY ANIMALS!,” the official blurb reads. “Paw it out with your friends both online and offline. Interact with the world under our realistic physics engine. Did I mention PUPPIES?”

Story

It's hard to believe that a game that favors a classic party-based multiplayer approach would also be in possession of an in-depth story. That being said, we aren't about to scratch the idea from the card altogether, either. The simple fact there is, well, we don't actually know if Party Animals has a story to it. Chances are, it could very well contain an online or local multiplayer campaign, complete with narrative-driven stages and cinematics. The point is, we probably shouldn't judge a book by its cover.

Gameplay

Party Animals' heart and soul is in the gameplay itself, which consists of a wide variety of online and offline party games, including tug of war, king of the hill, battle royale, and a multitude of other schoolyard activities. As players, you will take on the role of a fluffy friend—be it a cat, a dog, or a duck—and engage in a series of hilarious bouts against your friends.

Each mode will bring a slew of “realistic” weapons for you to utilize and trade, and each objective will be as ludicrous as the last. Think Rubber Bandits‘ elastic touch, but with farmyard animals assuming control of the roster, and you've got yourself the basic setup for Party Animals. It's outrageously entertaining, and it's sure to tickle a funny bone or two, regardless of the mode you're playing or the party you're working to overthrow.

At present, Recreate Games has confirmed three game modes: Last Stand, which is basically a free-for-all skirmish in which players battle it out for the final spot on the podium; Snatch Squad, which serves as a “capture the flag” type of deal, in which two teams must work to seize control and retain the enemies flag until the game's clock has whitted down; and Arcade, a huge sandbox mode in which players can make their own entertainment out of the plethora of settings, weapons, and collectibles.

Development

Recreate Games first announced Party Animals back in September 2019, using Twitter to spread the word of a playable demo that would eventually come to light between June and October 2020. Following the success of the teaser, Luo Zixiong, founder of Recreate Games, announced that the game would be coming to consoles “in the future.” This was then met with a two-year hiatus, during which the developer kept mostly quiet about the status of the project.

Fast-forward a couple of years (to May 2022, to be precose), and Recreate Games finally shed a little extra light on Party Animals, staying that it would be aiming for an optimistic 2022 release, with perhaps one of two minor delays considered. Long story short, this didn't happen, and it was only when The Game Awards 2022 revealed a new trailer that a concrete release window finally came about. And if we're going by that, then we should see Party Animals at some point in “early 2023.” Here's hoping, anyway.

Trailer

So, has Party Animals received an actual trailer yet? Absolutely, thanks to The Game Awards' rather lengthy four-hour presentation that aired on December 8, 2022. You can check out the latest reveal up above, which showcases some of the game's newest modes, playable characters, outfits, and weapons.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Party Animals just put out a new trailer on TGA. Unfortunately the game release is moved to 2023. We are truly sorry for the delay. The exact release date will be announced in the near future. The game is coming soon. pic.twitter.com/XKedpWGd93

— Party Animals (@happyhappynemo) December 9, 2022

Party Animals was originally set to launch at some point in 2022, but later fell through due to unforseen circumstances. It was confirmed at The Game Awards 2022 in December that the game would eventually arrive in “early 2023” for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

The good news is, in spite of the game's delay, Party Animals will still be coming to Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate as a day-one exclusive. At the time of writing, there isn't any additional editions for the game outside of its standard and digital editions.

For more updates on the upcoming IP, you can follow the official social feed here. We'll be sure to clue you in on any additional details should they come to pass in the near future.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Party Animals? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.