However, awkward mechanics and sluggish controls can make the game very frustrating to play.
After waiting for what seemed an eternity, the party game is finally available.
But does it provide the perfect level of silly fun that players want?
Party Animal’s character selection screen is in a locker room.
Unfortunately, in many ways, the answer is no.
Disclaimer:This review was made possible by a review code provided by Source Technology.
The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.
Party Animal’s character selection screen is in a locker room.
It’s available for Windows PCs via Steam as well asXbox Series X|Sand Xbox One.
You’ll have noticed that Party Animals is not available for PlayStation,Nintendo Switch, or mobile.
In the Steam FAQ for Party Animals, this is addressed. "
There are several cute animal characters available at launch, but some must be unlocked or purchased.
As a startup studio, we can only ensure timely releases on XBOX and STEAM platforms.
Developing for more platforms requires additional time.
We’ll begin working on other platforms after the initial release."
If you die before the game is over, you can throw bananas and fish at the remaining players to try to trip them up.
So, it is possible that we could see Party Animals on additional platforms in the future.
Party Animals
Face off against other players while trying to control floppy animals.
There are three different modes and several maps to choose from.
However, Party Animals provides a far more adorable style that helps it stand apart, visually.
Everything from the playful menus to the movements of the characters is here to delight and entertain.
Here players can not only choose their characters, but they can also choose what outfits they wear.
Party Animals has online multiplayer as well as local co-op for up to four people.
Depending on the mode and map you choose, you’ll face different challenges.
Sometimes these challenges added to the gameplay, but sometimes they just proved to be annoying.
Some modes feature several maps to choose from while others only have a couple.
The goal in any mode is to try force opponents away from a safe space.
You might even unlock a new skin or character if you got enough points to level up.
It’s honestly rather ridiculous that couch co-op is this hidden and complicated, but it is possible.
My husband and I ended up playing several co-op rounds locally with AI opponents.
As time passes, something happens on each map to reduce the safe playable area. In the Ichaban map, poisonous gas eventually covers the stage.
Sometimes we were on the same team and other times we tried to duke it out against each other.
However, the game’s mechanics and sluggish responses to controls can make rounds very frustrating.
I would expect in a silly game like this that mashing the punch button would be an expected strategy.
Grabbing and throwing a stunned opponent off ledges is a good strategy, but the game doesn’t always feel responsive.
But the game punishes this behavior by knocking your character out if you spam the same button too much.
Additionally, the throw button never works consistently.
The game’s mechanics and sluggish responses to controls can make rounds very frustrating.
You can spend real-world money to purchase in-game currency in Party Animals.
Now, you might sometimes preserve your character if you’ve been thrown from a safe space by climbing.
Thankfully, in most modes when you die the fun isn’t over.
Lastly, I’ll touch on what should have been another fun aspect: Silly weapons.
You can earn skins and other rewards by participating in Party Animals' gacha machine.
In some maps this can guarantee their death.
It’s just another example of the game turning what should be a simple movement into a difficult task.
However, additional characters and outfits can be unlocked via in-game purchases.
Otta the otter is one of the cutest characters in the game.
As part of this, players can spend real-world money to obtain Neko Bucks.
This is fun as long as you stick to the in-game currency earned by leveling up and winning rounds.
Party Animals: Should you buy it?
I really had high expectations for this game, but frustrating mechanics and sluggish responses spoil the fun.
Party Animals isn’t totally beyond saving, as it still made me smile and laugh at times.
