Demonschool
" Innovative tactics RPG with unique turn-rewind combat and stylish 90s pixel art but shallow story "
Demonschool Review
Demonschool is a stylish tactical RPG blending puzzle-like combat with a quirky, humorous school setting haunted by demons. Players praise its unique combat system that emphasizes planning and combo execution, reminiscent of titles like Into the Breach. The game features a vibrant, nostalgic art style with pixel and 3D elements, paired with a synth-heavy, atmospheric soundtrack that sets a distinct mood.
While the story and characters are generally well-received for their charm and lighthearted tone, some players find the narrative less impactful and occasionally quirky for quirkiness's sake. The game’s pacing is brisk, with a focus on combat interspersed by school-life segments, though the latter is simpler than traditional social simulators. Bugs and technical issues such as crashes and awkward translations have been reported but appear limited. Overall, Demonschool is considered a creative and engaging experience for fans of tactical puzzle RPGs, with room for improvement in story depth and polish.
Highlights
Players especially praise Demonschool's innovative combat mechanics that combine tactical depth with puzzle-solving elements, allowing for experimentation and strategic planning. The visuals receive acclaim for their stylish, retro-inspired aesthetic that evokes late 90s JRPGs and classic Sega Saturn vibes. The soundtrack is frequently described as excellent, complementing the game's tone with synth-heavy, moody tracks. Additionally, the game’s humor and character interactions are noted as enjoyable, adding personality and charm to the experience.
The seamless integration of combat and school-life activities keeps gameplay varied and engaging, while the ability to rewind turns in battle enhances accessibility and strategic experimentation.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game's story and dialogue, which some players find underdeveloped, overly quirky, or lacking emotional weight compared to inspirations like Persona. Combat, while praised, can feel repetitive due to limited enemy variety and recurring environments. Technical issues such as occasional crashes, music stopping, and awkward Spanish (LATAM) localization detract from immersion. Some players feel the game’s pacing is uneven, with a heavy focus on combat that can become exhausting. Additionally, the lack of exploration and a more open world is seen as a missed opportunity, with travel and social interactions feeling menu-driven and linear. Finally, a few players desire clearer tutorials or guidance on mechanics like ability training.
Pros
- • Unique combat system blending tactics and puzzle-solving with turn rewinding.
- • Stylish, nostalgic pixel and 3D art evoking late 90s JRPG aesthetics.
- • Excellent synth-heavy soundtrack that enhances the game’s atmosphere.
- • Engaging and humorous character interactions with a quirky cast.
- • Fast-paced gameplay balancing combat and school-life segments well.
- • Ability to experiment with party compositions and skills freely.
- • Polished UI with informative tooltips and smooth animations.
Cons
- • Story and dialogue sometimes feel shallow or overly quirky without depth.
- • Combat can become repetitive due to limited enemy types and environments.
- • Occasional bugs and crashes disrupt gameplay experience.
- • Spanish localization is heavily LATAM-specific and sometimes awkward.
- • Linear world traversal via menu reduces immersion and exploration.
- • Some players find pacing uneven with heavy focus on combat.
- • Lack of clear tutorials for some gameplay systems like ability training.
Rating Criteria
Demonschool is a new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.