Get ready, gamers, because survival horror is about to get wild—literally! Animal Use Protocol, the upcoming game from The Brotherhood (yes, the minds behind Stasis and Bone Totem), throws players into the hairy paws of Penn, a hyper-intelligent chimpanzee on a daring escape mission. You read that right—a chimpanzee protagonist! Buckle up, because we’re diving into everything you need to know about this groundbreaking title.
Introducing Penn: Your New Favorite Primate Hero
Animal Use Protocol doesn’t just put you in a scary situation—it puts you in the fur-covered shoes of Penn, a chimpanzee who’s smarter than your average lab animal. Penn isn’t your typical horror protagonist; he’s agile, resourceful, and has a unique perspective on the terrifying events unfolding around him. As Penn, you’re tasked with leading a ragtag group of laboratory animals out of the nightmarish Anchorage Station research facility. But don’t expect to breeze through the hallways—Penn’s intelligence is matched by realistic limitations. His physical size and strength affect gameplay, making stealth and strategy essential to survival. And let’s be honest—guiding a band of animal escapees sounds like the best kind of chaos.
Welcome to Anchorage Station: A Lab of Horrors
Anchorage Station isn’t just a backdrop—it’s practically a character itself. The Brotherhood has created a dystopian research facility that oozes atmosphere. Picture dimly lit corridors, unsettling industrial architecture, and the eerie hum of forgotten machinery. Every room tells a story through environmental details, hinting at the sinister experiments that took place. And believe me, the secrets you’ll uncover are as twisted as they are fascinating. The setting alone will keep your heart racing and your eyes peeled for danger lurking around every corner.
Stealth, Strategy, and Survival: Gameplay That Keeps You on Edge
Animal Use Protocol leans heavily into stealth mechanics, rewarding players who use their brains rather than brute force. As Penn, you’ll need to scavenge resources, manage your supplies carefully, and make strategic decisions on the fly. It’s a gameplay loop that demands quick thinking and careful planning. Forget about charging headfirst into danger—Animal Use Protocol is all about outsmarting your enemies and staying alive long enough to unravel the facility’s dark mysteries.
Gravity Manipulation Tool: Move Over, Half-Life 2!
One of the standout features of Animal Use Protocol is the gravity manipulation tool, and it’s giving serious Half-Life 2 vibes. This handy gadget lets you interact with your environment in creative ways, whether it’s solving intricate puzzles or fending off monstrous threats. It’s versatile, intuitive, and adds a whole new layer to the gameplay experience. If you thought flinging crates around with Gordon Freeman’s gravity gun was satisfying, wait until you’re navigating Anchorage Station’s puzzles and hazards with Penn’s gravity device. Trust me, it’s as fun as it sounds.
Meet Trip: Your Scrappy Rat Sidekick
But wait, there’s more! Penn isn’t alone on his perilous journey—he’s joined by Trip, a scrappy rat who rides shotgun on the gravity manipulation tool. Trip isn’t just there for moral support; he’s an essential partner who assists Penn in countless ways. Whether it’s fetching hard-to-reach items, distracting enemies, or helping solve puzzles, Trip adds a cooperative dynamic that elevates the entire gameplay experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a feisty rat companion tagging along for the ride?
Face Your Fears: Monstrous Chimeras and Terrifying Threats
Of course, what’s a survival horror game without some truly terrifying adversaries? Animal Use Protocol delivers in spades with monstrous chimeras—twisted creations born from failed experiments. These creatures aren’t just scary to look at; they’re intelligent, relentless, and have unique hunting patterns that force you to stay alert. Learning how to evade or confront each type of threat adds depth and tension to every encounter. You’ll never feel truly safe, and that’s exactly how a horror game should be.
Ethical Dilemmas and Deep Narrative: More Than Just Scares
Animal Use Protocol isn’t just about jump scares and creepy creatures—it also tackles serious ethical questions about animal experimentation and scientific responsibility. By placing players in the role of a test subject, the game offers a fresh perspective on these complex issues. As you uncover Anchorage Station’s dark secrets, you’ll find yourself grappling with thought-provoking themes that stick with you long after you’ve stopped playing. It’s storytelling at its finest, adding layers of meaning to an already compelling experience.
When Can You Get Your Hands on Animal Use Protocol?
Mark your calendars—Animal Use Protocol is slated for release in mid to late 2026. The Brotherhood is hard at work, ensuring every aspect of the game lives up to the hype. While that’s still a bit of a wait, early glimpses suggest it’ll be worth every minute. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, compelling narrative, and unique protagonist, Animal Use Protocol is shaping up to be a must-play for survival horror fans and newcomers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Animal Use Protocol?
Animal Use Protocol is an upcoming first-person survival horror game developed by The Brotherhood, the studio behind Stasis and Bone Totem. The game features a unique premise where players control Penn, a hyper-intelligent chimpanzee, as he attempts to escape the horrifying Anchorage Station research facility.
2. When is Animal Use Protocol expected to be released?
The game is currently slated for release in mid to late 2026. The Brotherhood is working to refine the experience and deliver a high-quality survival horror game.
3. What makes Penn a unique protagonist?
Penn is a hyper-intelligent chimpanzee with distinct physical and cognitive abilities that influence gameplay. Unlike traditional human protagonists in horror games, he relies on agility, strategy, and stealth to survive. His perspective offers a fresh, immersive experience that sets the game apart from others in the genre.
4. What is the gravity manipulation tool, and how does it work?
The gravity manipulation tool is a key gameplay feature in Animal Use Protocol, functioning similarly to the gravity gun from Half-Life 2. It allows Penn to interact with objects, solve puzzles, and defend against threats in creative ways, adding depth and strategy to the experience.
5. Who is Trip, and how does he help Penn?
Trip is a scrappy rat companion who rides on Penn’s gravity manipulation tool. He plays an essential role in gameplay by fetching out-of-reach objects, distracting enemies, and assisting in puzzle-solving. Trip adds an engaging cooperative element to the game.
6. What kind of enemies will players encounter in the game?
Players will face terrifying chimeras—monstrous creatures created from failed experiments. These enemies are intelligent, relentless, and have unique hunting patterns, making every encounter tense and requiring strategic thinking for survival.
7. Does Animal Use Protocol explore deeper themes beyond horror?
Yes! The game goes beyond traditional horror elements to tackle ethical questions about animal experimentation, scientific responsibility, and the consequences of unchecked research. Players will uncover unsettling truths about Anchorage Station, adding complexity to the narrative.
