PGC NEWS

Party Animals, the physics-based brawler featuring adorable plushy creatures, made a splash in the gaming community with its 2020 playtest. Now, after a three-year hiatus, Recreate Games has officially launched the full version with improvements, new levels, and a plethora of costumes. But does the final release live up to the hype? Let’s dive in and find out.

Unbridled Plushy Mayhem

In Party Animals, players select from a roster of cuddly characters and engage in chaotic free-for-alls. The goal? Knock opponents off the stage, dunk them into the abyss, or even fling them into a black hole. While the premise might evoke comparisons to battle royale titles like Call of Duty: Warzone or Apex Legends, Party Animals replaces firearms with fisticuffs, headbutts, and hilariously wobbly physics-based movement.

The gameplay mechanics share similarities with games like Human Fall Flat and Gang Beasts. However, Party Animals presents a unique “weighty” feel to the controls. Character responses are intentionally sluggish, adding a layer of slapstick humor to actions like jumping and climbing. Watching these plushy combatants tumble, wrestle, and desperately cling to ledges is a constant source of amusement and surprising tension.

Party Animals Gameplay

The level design further amplifies the chaos. “Typhoon,” for instance, features a sinking submarine, forcing players to scramble to avoid watery doom. “Blackhole Lab” introduces a literal black hole in the center of the stage, demanding players balance combat with the constant threat of being sucked into oblivion. Randomly spawning weapons like crossbows, tasers, and even giant lollipops inject unpredictable bursts of mayhem. Imagine a brawl erupting into panicked chaos as someone grabs a bomb, or a united charge against a taser-wielding menace.

Party Animals Weapon Mayhem

Ultimately, the Party Animals experience is a delightful blend of frantic fun and laugh-out-loud moments. Playing with friends elevates the enjoyment, allowing for coordinated attacks and clutch saves that lead to glorious victories. Compared to the 2020 playtest, the full release boasts noticeable improvements. Eliminated players can now interact with the stage by throwing objects, and match durations feel shorter, tightening the pace and reducing drawn-out matches. The result is a more refined and engaging gameplay loop.

Party Animals Teamplay

A Wardrobe of Cuddly Combatants

Party Animals offers a vast and charming roster of plushy characters, complemented by a diverse array of costumes. These cosmetic items can be unlocked through the in-game shop or a Battle Pass-style progression system. Each level-up grants rewards, including both Cookie and Nemo Buck currencies. The game is relatively generous with its in-game economy, making it easy to accumulate currency and acquire new outfits. The shop refreshes weekly, providing a constant stream of new options. Players can also try their luck with the game’s “gacha” machine.

Party Animals Costumes

Clunky Design Choices

While Party Animals excels in many areas, some design flaws detract from the overall experience. Adjusting settings like audio requires exiting the current party and returning to the main menu, a cumbersome process for group play. The controller interface also presents navigational challenges, particularly when accessing profile settings or friend lists. The layout feels convoluted, even for experienced players. Furthermore, certain levels, like “Broken Arrow,” suffer from a cramped design and a close camera angle, hindering movement and increasing the likelihood of accidental falls.

Party Animals Interface Issues

Conclusion

Despite its shortcomings, Party Animals delivers on its promise of chaotic, cuddly fun. The core gameplay is undeniably entertaining, particularly when enjoyed with friends. However, the clunky interface and some questionable design choices prevent it from reaching its full potential. With some refinement, Party Animals could become a true party game staple. As it stands, it’s a fun, albeit flawed, experience that’s well worth checking out, especially for fans of physics-based brawlers.