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Party Animals

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Party Animals
Item: Party Animals
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAction, Puzzle and Logic, Party, Fighting, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 20, 2023

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

DeveloperRecreate Games

Overview

Short puzzle game about animals partying on a Saturday night.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

story and narrative

Description unavailable

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Party Animals is praised for its fun and chaotic gameplay with unique modes and maps offering hilarious physics-based combat. Critics appreciate the variety of modes like Last Stand and The Lab, but some point out issues like sluggish controls and frustrating mechanics. Despite criticisms, the game's engaging multiplayer aspect, interactive environments, and quirky characters make it worth playing, especially with friends.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Party Animals has received praise for its fun and chaotic nature, offering unique game modes and maps that allow players to engage in hilarious physics-based combat. Critics like CGMagazine and Gameblog.fr highlight the variety of experiences provided by modes like Last Stand, Team Score, and The Lab, as well as the ability to use weapons and interact with hazardous environments. The inclusion of squad-based combat in The Lab mode, as mentioned by CGMagazine, adds depth to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the physics-based movement and controls, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Twinfinite, contribute to the charm and challenge of the game, making it engaging and easy to learn for players. On the downside, some critics have pointed out issues with the gameplay of Party Animals. Controls being described as sluggish by DarkZero and Windows Central, as well as frustrating mechanics mentioned by XboxAddict and God is a Geek, indicate a lack of precision and responsiveness that can hinder the overall experience. The difficulty in picking up weapons and items, as noted by Finger Guns, and the stiff and inaccurate throwing mechanic, as mentioned by Gfinity, are aspects that may lead to frustration during gameplay. Additionally, matches dragging on too long and repetitive map design, as highlighted by CGMagazine and Xbox Tavern, could potentially impact the enjoyment of the game for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Party Animals leans towards the positive side, with many praising its fun and chaotic nature, engaging multiplayer aspect, and variety of game modes and mechanics. The game's physics-based combat, interactive environments, and the ability to influence the outcome even after being knocked out, as mentioned by Hooked Gamers and XboxAddict, contribute to the overall appeal of Party Animals. While there are some criticisms regarding controls and certain gameplay elements, the majority of critics find the game entertaining, especially when played with friends. The combination of quirky characters, creative maps, and the blend of competitive mini-games and silly combat mechanics, as highlighted by Player 2, make Party Animals a title worth considering for those looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable multiplayer experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved about Party Animals' stunning graphics and adorable character designs, with praise for detailed fur, diverse roster, and vibrant colors. Some noted minor drawbacks like lack of inventiveness in certain levels and potential annoyances with physics-based gameplay. Overall, the game's visual charm, creativity, and humor captivated reviewers, leading to overwhelmingly positive feedback.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the graphics and visual design of Party Animals, highlighting various positive aspects. CGMagazine appreciated the detailed character fur and diverse roster of animals, while Gameblog.fr described the characters as cute, expressive, and visually impressive with hilarious design elements. Finger Guns and GamingTrend both commended the smooth visuals, beautiful map designs, and adorable animal characters that stood out. Multiple critics, such as DarkZero and Multiplayer.it, noted the vibrant colors, charming cartoon-rendered animals, and cohesive style that added charm and humor to the gameplay experience. The attention to detail in animal designs, as mentioned by SpazioGames and Vandal, along with the use of advanced technologies like DLSS and FSR 2.0 Quality, further contributed to the positive reception of the graphics and visual design. On the other hand, some critics pointed out a few negatives regarding the graphics and visual design of Party Animals. GamesRadar+ mentioned that while some levels had conceptual twists adding creativity and liveliness, others lacked inventive spirit. Movies Games and Tech highlighted that the physics-based approach in the game could lead to annoying moments, indicating a potential drawback in the overall visual experience. KeenGamer also noted that the cursor color could be hard to see against the background, suggesting a minor issue with the UI design that could affect gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Party Animals. The game was widely praised for its adorable and diverse character designs, vibrant colors, detailed environments, and overall visual appeal. Critics appreciated the creativity, humor, and charm infused into the graphics, making the gameplay experience engaging and entertaining. With a majority of reviewers expressing satisfaction with the graphics and visual design of Party Animals, it is evident that the game successfully captivated players with its cute aesthetics, unique art style, and attention to detail, ultimately contributing to its overall positive reception in the gaming community.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Party Animals' sound design and music, praising impactful punch sounds and catchy tunes that enhance the game's comedic vibe. While some find the audio loud and obnoxious, most agree it adds to the game's charm. Overall, the majority of reviewers applaud the well-executed sound effects and fitting music that elevate the gameplay experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the sound design and music of Party Animals, highlighting various positive aspects. Checkpoint Gaming appreciated the impactful sounds for punches, headbutts, and punts, while Gameblog.fr described the music as fun and the sound effects as well done, specifically mentioning the amusing sound of a duck getting hit. GameGrin commended the soundtrack for being fun and upbeat, fitting well with the visuals and different maps, with authentic sound effects like the train whistle and wheels. XboxAddict also lauded the delightful soundtrack with catchy music in the menu and well-done sound effects during gameplay, enhancing the overall comedic nature of the game. Despite the overall positive reception, there were a few critics who had some negative opinions about the sound design and music of Party Animals. Movies Games and Tech found the audio to be loud, insane, obnoxious, and annoying, which they felt could potentially get on players' nerves. However, they also acknowledged that these qualities added to the brash and irritating nature of the game. This contrasting opinion suggests that the audio style in Party Animals may not be to everyone's taste, with some finding it overly aggressive or immature. In conclusion, the general consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound design and music of Party Animals. The majority of reviewers, such as Gameblog.fr, GameGrin, and XboxAddict, praised the game for its well-executed sound effects, fitting music, and overall contribution to the enjoyment and comedic atmosphere of the gameplay. Despite some diverging opinions, like those of Movies Games and Tech, the overall sentiment leans towards the success of the sound design and music in enhancing the overall experience of playing Party Animals.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Party Animals earns praise for its smooth visuals and stable launch on PC, with critics highlighting its performance on different hardware setups. However, frame rate issues during local multiplayer and on Steam Deck raise optimization concerns. On Xbox Series X, opinions are mixed, with some noting minimal bugs and enjoyable AI bots, while others mention occasional frame rate drops and input lag. Overall, critics agree that Party Animals delivers solid technical performance but could benefit from optimizing for different platforms to enhance the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on PC, Party Animals seems to have received positive feedback overall. Critics like Finger Guns and Gfinity have highlighted the smooth visuals and stable launch without any significant bugs, respectively. DarkZero also praises the game's performance on various hardware setups, supporting features like Nvidia DLSS and Nvidia Reflex. However, IGN and CGMagazine mention frame rate issues during local multiplayer and frame drops on specific maps when played on the Steam Deck, suggesting potential optimization issues that could impact the overall experience. On the other hand, when it comes to Xbox Series X, the opinions are a bit more mixed. KeenGamer and Pure Xbox appreciate the minimal bugs and enjoyable AI bots, with only slight lag experienced due to server traffic. SomosXbox notes occasional frame rate drops but overall stable performance. However, SpazioGames points out a slight input lag, which could affect the responsiveness of gameplay for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics indicates that Party Animals delivers a relatively solid technical performance across both PC and Xbox Series X platforms. While there are some minor issues like frame rate drops on specific setups or input lag on consoles, the game seems to run well on various hardware configurations. The positive aspects such as smooth visuals, stable launch, and enjoyable gameplay elements like AI bots contribute to an overall positive reception from the critics. However, areas for improvement include optimizing performance for different platforms to ensure a consistently smooth experience for all players, as highlighted by critics like IGN and SpazioGames.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Party Animals for its replay value due to diverse content, unlockable outfits, and potential updates. Playing with friends adds to the fun, though some criticize repetitive gameplay and lack of new content. Overall, Party Animals offers enjoyable multiplayer chaos, with room for improvement in customization and pacing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Replay Value of Party Animals are generally positive, highlighting various aspects that contribute to the game's longevity. Critics like CGMagazine, DarkZero, and Hooked Gamers appreciate the variety of game modes, maps, and unlockable outfits that add replay value to the game. This diversity in content, along with the potential for future updates, keeps players engaged and entertained over time. The ability to play with friends, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Hey Poor Player, enhances the replayability of Party Animals, making it a fun experience to share with others. Additionally, features such as daily challenges, progression systems, and customization options, as mentioned by Gamereactor UK and Pure Xbox, provide incentives for players to keep coming back for more. On the other hand, some critics point out certain drawbacks that may affect the game's replay value. GamingTrend and Gamer.no mention issues such as repetitive gameplay, limited variety in game modes at launch, and a lack of new content post-release, which can make the game feel short-lived and potentially demotivate players from returning. Additionally, concerns about matches dragging on too long, as highlighted by CGMagazine and Player 2, suggest pacing issues that could impact the overall replayability of Party Animals. TheXboxHub also notes missed opportunities for customization options that could have enhanced the game's longevity. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Party Animals offers a decent amount of replay value, especially when played with friends and when aiming to unlock cosmetics and rewards. The game's fun and chaotic gameplay, combined with its variety of content and progression systems, make it an enjoyable experience for players looking for silly and maddening fun, as mentioned by Movies Games and Tech. While there are some concerns about certain aspects affecting replayability, such as repetitive gameplay and lack of new content, the general sentiment is that Party Animals succeeds in providing an entertaining multiplayer experience with enough depth to keep players engaged over time.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics generally agree that Party Animals excels in providing a fun and chaotic multiplayer experience with friends. Positive aspects highlighted by reviewers include the game's diverse character options, entertaining gameplay, and charming visuals. Critics like CGMagazine and Gameblog.fr praise the game for its unique gameplay modes and the ability to bring people together through its lighthearted and family-friendly fun. Additionally, Game Rant and Twinfinite commend Party Animals for its polished presentation and fully-featured multiplayer experience, recommending it for fans of the genre. The game's potential to become a regular rotation party game, as mentioned by Hey Poor Player, also adds to its positive reception. On the negative side, some critics point out issues such as repetitive map design, long match lengths, and concerns regarding microtransactions and accessibility options. Critics like Finger Guns and Hooked Gamers mention that while Party Animals offers fun gameplay, it may not be as appealing to those who have already played similar games like Gang Beasts. DarkZero and GamingTrend highlight control issues and shortcomings in content updates and replay value, respectively. Additionally, Multiplayer.it criticizes the requirement of always being online, and Movies Games and Tech mentions the lack of an offline mode and in-game purchases as drawbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Party Animals is a solid multiplayer game that shines when played with friends, offering a unique and entertaining experience. While there are some minor issues and concerns raised by individual reviewers, the game's potential for fun and laughter in shared experiences is widely acknowledged. Critics like GameGrin and Gfinity recommend the game for its polished visuals and chaotic multiplayer fun, emphasizing its worth for players seeking a lively and engaging gaming session. Despite differing opinions on specific aspects, the overall sentiment leans towards Party Animals being a worthwhile addition to the party game genre, especially for those looking for a light-hearted and enjoyable multiplayer experience with friends.

TL;DR

Party Animals is praised for its fun multiplayer chaos, diverse characters, and charming visuals. Critics love its unique gameplay modes and ability to bring people together. However, some mention issues like repetitive maps and microtransactions. Overall, it's seen as a solid multiplayer game best enjoyed with friends, offering a lively and engaging experience despite some minor drawbacks.

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Reviews

55 reviews found

Gameblog.fr

Sep 15, 2023