PS1 modeling and grainy filters are familiar tools, but Labyrinth of the Demon King uses them exceptionally well. The unquiet spirits and malformed things that haunt these halls are disconcerting in all the best ways. Forced to confront these terrors head-on thanks to the game's first-person POV, you'll find little comfort in these cramped corridors. Monster designs are creative and creepy, and even familiar tropes like sword-wielding skeletons get love. Labyrinth of the Demon King is worth a peek for the vibes alone.
This unusual dungeon crawler incorporates survival horror elements as well as a creepy lo-fi look. If you're a fan of games like King's Field and Fatal Frame, this macabre mash-up might be for you. It's feudal Japan, and the titular Demon King has betrayed and killed your lord. Now it's time for you and your sword to dispatch justice. Arming the hero of a horror story is always a gamble, but here there are horrors no blade can touch.
The game's eerie soundtrack is a constant companion on your otherwise lonely journey. Labyrinth of the Demon King is well-named. Exploring winding passages, discovering secrets, and unraveling ever more about the sinister world? That's what you'll spend the bulk of your time doing when you aren't battling Doom-worthy monsters. Surrounded by the creak of ancient wood and the clatter of rusted steel, the game's immaculate sound design ensures you get no rest. Nerves want a break? Not until the Demon King is slain.
Labyrinth of the Demon King announcment trailer
Puzzles and combat are the most direct obstacles to your path. Balancing the two is an ongoing struggle in the survival horror genre, and everyone has their preferences. Labyrinth of the Demon King strikes a good balance, letting neither your sword nor brain stand idle for long. Combat has a lot in common with other dungeon crawlers, with a focus on brutal confrontations in close confines. While the combat mechanics aren't the most engaging, there's a strong variety of weapons and enemies to dispatch.
While it's possible to roll credits after just a few hours, the game's short length is a virtue. Many horror stories overstay their welcome, sacrificing the tension they fought so hard to build. Labyrinth is a taut experience, maximizing scares and unsettling moments in a compact space. The result is a horror game that, despite its flaws, grabs the player and refuses to let go. It's easy to imagine the direction further updates might take the game, spreading its horror like the mold on wooden castle walls.
Dungeon crawlers have had something of a resurgence in the last few years. Few, however, have explored the genre's potential for horror. Labyrinth of the Demon King stands out for its unique mix of genres and ideas, even in a year packed with spooky success stories. Labyrinth of the Demon King is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.