As you boot up Party Animals and are met with a diverse cast of comically cute creatures ready for chaotic combat, one thing is clear: this is not just any party. It’s the most anticipated party in town! After a hugely successful beta phase, Party Animals has pounced onto the gaming scene, holding its spot as the #1 most wishlisted upcoming game on Steam. The excitement is tangible, but does the game live up to its hype? Let’s dive into the fuzzy fray.
An Avalanche of Giggles
Party Animals is, at its heart, an arena of laughter. You might throw your feline foe off a cliff, only to hilariously stumble and fall face-first right after them. You might aim to headbutt a rival, but your wobbly physics-controlled character might just flop about instead. The unpredictable nature of the physics engine, an impressive in-house creation by Recreate Games, guarantees an avalanche of giggles each time you play.
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At its core, the gameplay mechanics are straightforward: punch, grapple, throw, and win. Yet, the true genius lies in its variations. From brawling atop an icy sheet in “Ice Breaker” to launching bombs in “Trebuchet” or indulging in a bizarrely delightful basketball game in “Buzz Ball”, the 20 different maps and 3 game modes provide countless hours of fun. The game manages to incorporate seemingly simple concepts but adds delightful twists that keep players engaged and eager for more.
For newcomers, Party Animals offers an easy entry point. The controls are intuitive, and the gameplay goals, at least initially, are straightforward. However, the true challenge lies in mastering the unpredictable physics of your cuddly combatant. Each match provides a learning experience, and whether you’re celebrating a win or lamenting a hilarious loss, there’s always room to refine your strategy and improve.
The Few Party Poopers
However, no party is without its hitches. While the range of game modes is impressive, certain modes feel a tad too prolonged, making some matches feel like they overstay their welcome. Additionally, a few game instructions can sometimes come across as confusing, especially for newcomers trying to get the hang of the game’s quirks.
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The friend-adding system also feels unnecessarily convoluted. In a game that emphasizes playing with pals, the process to connect with friends should be more streamlined. Furthermore, while the promise of over 200 cosmetic items is enticing, the elongated gameplay required to unlock these items might feel a bit too grindy for some.
But any minor grievances are easily overshadowed by the sheer delight Party Animals brings. The range of adorable animals, from dapper duckies to buoyant bunnies, adds a unique charm to the game. The option for seamless crossplay between PC and Xbox ensures that everyone, regardless of their platform, can jump into the action. After all, why leave any friend behind in a game that thrives on communal chaos?
No One Parties Like Party Animals
In essence, Party Animals is a triumphant celebration of fun, laughter, and wholesome chaos. It’s a testament to how a simple concept, when executed with creativity and passion, can transform into a gaming sensation. Whether you’re brawling with buddies or facing off against foes, it’s a party you’ll want to RSVP to time and again.
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Party Animals is available now on Xbox Gamepass or can be purchased for $19.99 USD (Standard) or $29.99 USD (Deluxe). The world of wobbly wonders is ready to welcome you. It’s time to let loose, embrace the silliness, and remember: in Party Animals, it’s not always about winning; sometimes, it’s just making sure other people don’t win.
For being that perfect balance of fun and animosity between you and your friends, or you and the controls, I give Party Animals a 7/10.
About Party Animals
RELEASE: September 20, 2023
PUBLISHER: Source Technology
DEVELOPER: Recreate Games
PLATFORMS: PC (Steam) and Xbox One / Series X|S (console-exclusive).
GENRES: Casual, funny, multiplayer, action, party game, co-op, pvp, physics
ONLINE / OFFLINE: Both online and local split-screen play available.
CONTROLS: Full keyboard/mouse and controller support. Controller recommended.
# OF PLAYERS: 1 to 8 players
GAME LENGTH: Approx. 10-15 minutes per match, depending on mode. Endless replayability.
LANGUAGES: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese
Logline
Party Animals provides a range of adorable animals, from puppies and kittens to bunnies and duckies, in the cutest cooperative brawler you’ve ever seen! The unique physics engine, developed in-house by Recreate Games, features completely physics-driven character movements, leading to unpredictable yet hilarious encounters as the cute critters wrestle, punch, throw, and grapple their way through various task-oriented or competitive games in online or offline modes.
Are you ready to dive into the world of wobbly wonders with Party Animals? Which adorable animal character is your favorite? Did any game mode particularly stand out to you? And most importantly, have you had a match moment that left you in stitches? Share your hilarious highlights and memorable moments on social media!
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