Labyrinth of the Demon review

Set in a mythic, feudal-era Japan, Labyrinth of the Demon lures you into its hostile world with a grainy, lo-fi aesthetic reminiscent of early PlayStation One-era visuals. With blankets of fog, patches of foreboding darkness, and enemies that lack modern, high-definition textures, Labyrinth forces your imagination to fill in the details. And that’s often more unnerving than the type of games that send you modern GPU fans into overdrive.

Between this limited visibility and the game’s fondness for claustrophobic hallways, Labyrinth of the Demon generates unease. That’s bolstered by skillful sound design. When playing with headphones, creaks, groans, and unearthly noises remind you that you’re never safe. That’s complemented by a storyline that imagines humanity devasted by war and starvation, allowing demons to seize control. You play as a common foot soldier, hell-bent on slaying the game’s eponymous ruler after he massacred your fellow combatants as well as your lord.

A Quick Defeat for the Reckless

Like King’s Field, combat in Demon King compels a methodical approach. Imprudently rushing toward danger will often get your killed. Success entails managing your stamina as well as timing attacks and defenses precisely. Here, a well-timed parry can provide a counterattack, while dodging is useful against other threats. Experimentation can provide benefit, since different weapons have their own attributes and movesets and some foes are resistant to certain damage types. If you appreciate a sense of discovery, add a few points to the final review score. For better or worse, developer J. R. Hudepohl wants you to learn things on your own.

As such, puzzles play a key role in Demon King and these riddles are reminiscent of the early Resident Evil games. You might have to navigate branching paths, search for items, or decipher ambiguous messages to progress. Along the way, you’ll encounter curious characters who may or may not be trustworthy, adding to the feeling of uncertainty. While it’s not excessive, expect some backtracking as you explore the labyrinth’s precarious depths.

More Unexpected Attacks than a Subreddit

Despite its strengths, Demon King does have some drawbacks. The slow-moving mechanics can be problematic, particularly when dealing with surprise enemy attacks. But given the Labyrinth’s goal of crafting an antagonist world, some unexpected attacks are forgivable. But I do wish the game provided the ability to save anywhere instead of recording progress at prescribed checkpoints. Undoubtedly, FromSoftware fans will beg to differ. Some players may find the game’s initial stages leisurely, with long stretches of navigation and minimal combat.

Labyrinth of the Demon King is a challenging and atmospheric survival horror game that pays homage to classic titles like King’s Field. With a distinctive aesthetic, unsettling environments, and methodical combat, there’s a palpable sense of dread. While some might be put off by the slow pace and taxing gameplay, those seeking a bit of retro-era survival horror should enjoy every minute of Labyrinth.

Labyrinth of the Demon was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.