Party Animals

Recreate Games · Source Technology

Party Animals is a physics-based party brawler by Recreate Games, released in 2023. Everyone plays as a fluffy animal, puppies, kittens, ducks, dinosaurs, and tries to throw the others off the map, out of the ring or into hazards. The animals are cute; the fighting is wonderfully clumsy. How a match works You punch, kick, headbutt, grab and throw. Grabbing is key: hold onto an opponent and drag them to the edge, or pick up a weapon from the map. The physics means nothing goes exactly to plan, and that is the point. A carefully planned throw can end with both of you falling off together. There are several modes, including last-animal-standing free-for-alls and team games like a football mode and objective challenges on themed maps. Matches cycle through different maps, each with its own hazards: trains, rising water, collapsing platforms. At the cafe Party Animals supports local play with friends on one screen, as well as online lobbies. With a big group, splitting across two stations and joining the same online lobby works well. It is the sort of game that makes a whole room laugh, which makes it great for birthdays and group outings. Setup PC, PS5 or Xbox, with a controller per player. Keyboard and mouse work on PC, but controllers are better for this kind of game. Tips Grab your opponents and carry them towards the edge; punching alone rarely wins. Pick up weapons when you see them. Do not stand near edges when others are nearby. And teaming up temporarily with a friend against a third player is a classic tactic, until they betray you. Time Rounds last a couple of minutes, and a full set of rounds about 10 to 15 minutes. An hour is a lot of fun with a group; most players do not need longer. Who should play Friend groups, families, birthday parties and anyone who wants pure laughs over competition. It is rated E10+ and is a great alternative to shooters for mixed-age groups.