Crow Country
" Atmospheric action indie with immersive story and PS1-style horror but sluggish aiming "
Crow Country Review
Crow Country is widely praised as a standout survival horror game that masterfully combines classic PS1-era aesthetics with modern gameplay elements. Set in a creepy, abandoned amusement park, players follow Special Agent Mara Frost as she uncovers dark secrets amid unsettling creatures and atmospheric environments. The game features tight controls, engaging puzzles, and a compelling story that hooks players from start to finish.
Players appreciate the game's nostalgic nod to classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, while also enjoying its unique twists and creative puzzle designs. The graphics and soundtrack effectively enhance the eerie atmosphere, making exploration thrilling and immersive. Although relatively short, the game offers replay value through secrets and grading systems. Minor issues such as occasional sluggish aiming and respawning traps do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Crow Country is recommended both for newcomers to survival horror and genre veterans seeking a polished, heartfelt homage to classic horror games.
Highlights
Gameplay mechanics receive high praise for their blend of classic tank controls and modern responsiveness, complemented by creative, environment-based puzzles. The combat is tense yet manageable, encouraging strategic ammo use.
The graphics are lauded for their authentic PS1-style visuals that perfectly capture a haunting amusement park atmosphere, enhanced by a beautiful and fitting soundtrack.
The storyline is immersive and intriguing, drawing players into a mysterious narrative filled with suspense and unexpected twists, reminiscent of beloved survival horror classics.
Criticisms
Common criticisms focus on the occasionally slow or finicky aiming controls, which some players found frustrating but generally adaptable. Some puzzles were noted as being somewhat guided, reducing challenge for experienced players. Additionally, the frequency of respawning traps and enemies in certain areas was seen as potentially tedious, impacting pacing and resource management. A few players wished for more meaningful rewards in secrets to incentivize exploration. Minor camera angle quirks and control scheme oddities on PC were also mentioned but did not majorly affect enjoyment.
Pros
- • Immersive and intriguing story that keeps players hooked throughout.
- • Creepy and atmospheric amusement park setting enhances horror experience.
- • Creative and engaging puzzles integrated well with the environment.
- • Authentic PS1-style graphics that evoke nostalgic survival horror vibes.
- • Beautiful and fitting soundtrack that complements the game’s tone.
- • Tight controls balancing classic tank mechanics with modern responsiveness.
- • Replay value through secrets, grading, and multiple difficulty modes.
Cons
- • Aiming controls can feel sluggish or finicky, causing occasional frustration.
- • Respawning traps and enemies may lead to repetitive resource management.
- • Some puzzles are overly guided, reducing challenge for experienced players.
- • PC control schemes can feel awkward, especially keyboard-based aiming.
- • Camera angles sometimes awkward when exiting rooms, affecting orientation.
- • Limited weapon variety encountered in typical playthroughs.
- • Secrets sometimes yield less rewarding items, reducing exploration incentives.
Rating Criteria
The year is 1990. It’s been two years since the mysterious disappearance of Edward Crow and the abrupt closure of his theme park, Crow Country. But your arrival has broken the silence, Mara Forest. If you want answers, you’ll have to venture deep into the darkness of Crow Country to find them…