Get the squad together for Party Animals!

The Recreate Games beta playtest for the upcoming Party Animals release had me laughing and smiling nonstop this week!

 Party Animals is a hilarious party fighting game built around a realistic physics engine that will see you bouncing and flinging all over the place. With a current roster of 24 adorable animals to choose from, you'll be playing as your favourite fluffy animal in no time. But don't worry, with plenty of character customisation options to be unlocked you'll be sure to stand out from the crowd.

The playtest has been running intermittently since September 1st, featuring a selection of 8 out of the game's 20 total maps before full release on September 20. 

Game Modes

Party Animals offers a variety of different game modes, including all-out brawls, team fights and quirky mini-games. Here are some map highlights, tips and tricks:

Ichiban

Prepare to fling your opponents off the edge, in hopes they succumb to the deadly green smog before it engulfs the entire map! There's no shortage of weapons on this map, so be quick to snatch them up. As the round unfolds, the green smog will creep over the entire map, shrinking your play area. Keep an eye on the encroaching danger and take out your opponents fast!

Wind Tunnel

Wind Tunnel is an interactive map that can help you increase your chances of survival. As its name suggests, this level is set smack bang in the middle of a wind tunnel and you'll be periodically blasted by gale-force winds that can send you soaring clear off the map!

To avoid a windy fate, use controls in the centre of the platform to raise temporary shields that you can hang on to until it's safe to resume the fight.

Blackhole

You'll need to pay attention to gravity levels in this brawl map. Try to toss opponents into the gravity core, but the moment you notice items beginning to float, grab hold of something quick! There's a chain connected to the platform that might be your only lifeline so keep an eye out for it as you punch it out.

You'll only get a couple of rounds of gravity shifts before the blackhole decides to send everyone spiralling to their untimely demise, so try to eliminate opponents as quickly as you can.

Lollipop Factory

This candy land is full of dangers. Team up and go head-to-head to collect candies from the centre of the room, carry them back to base and send them down the chute by pulling your team's lever. Keep an eye out for giant candies spawning, as they will be worth more points if you can collect them!

The biggest decision in this mini-game is whether you'll focus on gathering your own candies or sabotage the other teams?

Beast Hockey

A classic game of ice hockey, but this puck can knock you out if it comes hurtling in your direction! Team up again for this ice-hockey-inspired mini-game where the objective is simple: score more goals than the opposing team. Alongside a giant ice puck, two shields will spawn, allowing players to step in as goalies or protect themselves from the force of the puck.

Buzz Ball

Another sport-inspired map, Buzz Ball might seem like an innocent game of basketball at first glance but watch out for the electrifying twist. If more than one player is holding the ball then an electrical buzz begins to charge. Too many players fighting for it, and it will trigger an electric blast that sends everyone in the vicinity flying!

In most of these maps, a range of weaponry is at your disposal to aid you in taking down the competition. One standout weapon for eliminating opponents is the ice ray gun. It freezes players in place so you can send them sliding along the map with a little nudge!

Spectator Mode

Eliminated early and waiting for the round to end? Fear not because you're still in the fight! Party Animals incorporates a spectator mode where eliminated players can periodically choose items to throw at players or onto the map.

A well-aimed fish can knock out an opponent, bananas become a trip hazard and bombs won't discriminate blasting players across the map!

Check out my Party Animals first look!

If you're looking for a fantastic time with friends this holiday season look no further than Party Animals.

Party Animals releases on Steam and Xbox on September 20.