Crow Country

89%
Game Brain Score Based on 5,527 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
Crow Country Game Cover
A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage.
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"Crow Country" is a survival horror game set in an abandoned theme park, where players must solve puzzles and uncover the dark secrets of the park's past. As they progress, they'll encounter mysterious monsters and uncover disturbing rumors about the park's former owner, Edward. Exploration Mode allows players to enjoy the park's sights and sounds without the fear of attack. The game delves into themes of ambition, greed, and redemption as players uncover the truth about the park and themselves.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

89%
Audience ScoreBased on 5,527 reviews
story875 positive mentions
grinding13 negative mentions
  • Nostalgic throwback to classic survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill.
  • Charming art style and engaging story with clever puzzles that keep players invested.
  • Great atmosphere and sound design that enhance the overall experience.
  • Combat can feel clunky and enemies are not very threatening, making the game easier than expected.
  • Some puzzles may be too straightforward or lack challenge, leading to a less intense experience.
  • The game is relatively short, which may leave some players wanting more content.
  • story1,747 mentions

    The story of "Crow Country" is generally well-received, with many players praising its engaging narrative and intriguing twists that keep them invested throughout the gameplay. While some find the plot predictable and simple, it effectively combines elements of nostalgia with a compelling mystery, often drawing comparisons to classic survival horror titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. The storytelling is enhanced by environmental details and character interactions, making it a memorable experience for fans of the genre.

    • “The story is surprisingly engaging and the combat is satisfying.”
    • “The story, while simple, is compelling and works well in tandem with the environment to keep you motivated to discover more.”
    • “The story kept me hooked the entire time.”
    • “The story is simplistic, with a twist that is foreshadowed long before the ending.”
    • “The story is very simple.”
    • “Sadly, the story is not very compelling or even that interesting.”
  • graphics1,116 mentions

    The graphics of "Crow Country" are widely praised for their nostalgic PS1 aesthetic, effectively capturing the charm of classic survival horror games while incorporating modern design elements. Reviewers appreciate the unique art style, which blends low-poly visuals reminiscent of titles like "Final Fantasy VII" and "Resident Evil," creating an engaging atmosphere that enhances the gameplay experience. While some note minor issues with camera angles and graininess, the overall presentation is celebrated for its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and contribute to the game's eerie ambiance.

    • “The ps1 aesthetic, in both its visuals and soundtrack, creates an unforgettable atmosphere that will have you smiling like a madman as you run from area to area, hunting down every last clue.”
    • “With its charming retro graphics and atmospheric soundtrack, the game immediately transports you back to a simpler time.”
    • “Crow country is a fantastic throwback to the playstation 1 days, with graphics and a vibe that will remind you of classic resident evil.”
    • “The graphics and camera angle can sometimes be frustrating to work around with threats pursuing you and traps in blind spots.”
    • “It does heavy lifting for the graphics and aesthetic, but it's almost impossible to play with eye strain for me.”
    • “I really want to like it but other than the art style there's nothing here worth experiencing.”
  • gameplay768 mentions

    The gameplay of "Crow Country" is a nostalgic homage to classic survival horror titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, featuring a blend of puzzle-solving, exploration, and streamlined combat mechanics. While some players find the aiming and enemy encounters simplistic or frustrating, the game compensates with engaging puzzles and a charming aesthetic that enhances the overall experience. The balance between modern accessibility and retro design elements allows both newcomers and veterans of the genre to enjoy the game, though some may feel it lacks the challenge typically associated with survival horror.

    • “From the nostalgic PS1-like graphics, the incredible gameplay, the replayability, the charming, humorous characters, the surprisingly amazing story... all of it was so well done!”
    • “The gameplay loop and style is so reminiscent of classic survival horror games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, while still remaining familiar enough to games releasing today.”
    • “A very tightly designed nostalgic throwback survival horror game with loads of great new ideas, great atmosphere, rock solid gameplay and plenty of charm and personality.”
    • “The problem I have is that the gameplay really does not keep up with everything the game has going for it.”
    • “Thank god there are no enemies that have any unique abilities or attack patterns; they all just walk towards you and you shoot them, but aiming your gun is the most frustrating mechanic you've ever interacted with.”
    • “If you want actual survival horror gameplay, stay away because there's none here.”
  • atmosphere681 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Crow Country" is widely praised for its immersive and nostalgic qualities, effectively capturing the essence of classic survival horror games from the PS1 era. Reviewers highlight the game's charming retro graphics, atmospheric soundtrack, and detailed environments that create a rich, eerie ambiance, enhancing the overall experience. While the game balances humor and horror, it maintains a consistently unsettling atmosphere that keeps players engaged and on edge throughout their journey.

    • “Spectacular atmosphere and aesthetics, beautifully self-contained story, spine-chilling (and at times somber) soundtrack.”
    • “The PS1 aesthetic, in both its visuals and soundtrack, creates an unforgettable atmosphere that will have you smiling like a madman as you run from area to area, hunting down every last clue.”
    • “The atmosphere was perfectly crafted for creating a sense of safety when needed but also putting you on the edge of your seat, be that with low tones or distinct lack of sound.”
    • “I was impressed by how effectively the game builds a foreboding atmosphere and creates unsettling enemies with such a silly and chunky art style.”
    • “The atmosphere of the park isn't even that moody or spooky despite attempts to adjust the lighting throughout the game.”
    • “The atmosphere is tense and dark, and the horror comes through in the story and monsters.”
  • music466 mentions

    The music in "Crow Country" has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and nostalgic qualities, effectively enhancing the game's eerie ambiance and retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic survival horror titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Composed by Ockeroid, the soundtrack features a blend of haunting melodies and unsettling soundscapes that contribute significantly to the game's immersive experience, making it a standout element that players are eager to revisit. Overall, the music is described as both beautiful and chilling, perfectly complementing the game's visuals and narrative.

    • “Spectacular atmosphere and aesthetics, beautifully self-contained story, spine-chilling (and at times somber) soundtrack.”
    • “The soundtrack is perfect and nails the theme of the game.”
    • “The music helps enhance the atmosphere, making the game feel more distinctly like Resident Evil, with deep orchestral-sounding hums and occasional grunge.”
    • “The only flaws in its tight and nearly perfect package are literally solved with more money, I wish there was more music, and limited voice acting, and some more animations in the main character.”
    • “Then get it, has just enough quality of life improvements on the formula to get rid of some of the worst parts of the genre with cute character designs, terrifying enemy designs and a soundtrack that makes my skin crawl sometimes.”
    • “The soundtrack is serviceable with a couple standout tracks.”
  • replayability193 mentions

    The game offers a mix of replayability, primarily through its scoring system, unlockable content, and multiple difficulty settings, encouraging players to engage in additional playthroughs for better ranks and hidden secrets. While some players find the replay value substantial, particularly for speedrunning and completionist challenges, others feel it lacks depth compared to classic survival horror titles. Overall, it strikes a balance between being a short, enjoyable experience and providing enough incentives for players to return.

    • “Incredible atmosphere, and it's got that second+ playthrough speedrun replayability too that's been a survival horror staple.”
    • “The classic survival horror mechanics are fun and tight, and the game has plenty of replay value.”
    • “This lovingly crafted experience has a ton of replayability with a new game plus, tons of secrets to find and weapons to unlock!”
    • “This game lacks in true replayability.”
    • “Sadly it isn't super replayable, there aren't too many challenges or side modes that I think would add to the game, so you can experience most everything on your first playthrough depending on your end rank.”
    • “I don't see too much replayability here, but one more playthrough on the hardest difficulty, trying to get that S+ rating could be in my future.”
  • humor154 mentions

    The humor in "Crow Country" is widely praised for its clever writing and charming characters, effectively balancing comedic moments with the game's darker themes. Players appreciate the witty dialogue and lighthearted interactions that provide levity amidst the horror, making the experience both engaging and entertaining. The game's ability to incorporate humor without detracting from its suspenseful atmosphere is noted as a significant strength, appealing to fans of the survival horror genre looking for a more playful take.

    • “It's smart, it's funny, and it's a blast to play.”
    • “The game's writing is often as funny as it is chilling - a delicate balancing act the game absolutely pulls off.”
    • “An amazing game that truly finds the right balance of funny and terrifying, Crow Country will hook you in and won't let go until the end credits.”
  • emotional44 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with many players expressing that it evoked strong feelings, including tears and nostalgia. The story is described as heart-breaking and contemplative, complemented by touching character interactions and a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of classic survival horror games. While some critiques mention a lack of surprising plot twists, the overall emotional impact and engaging storytelling resonate deeply with players, making it a memorable experience.

    • “And the story... I cried at the end.”
    • “The story is top-notch, heart-breaking, and contemplative.”
    • “Crow Country made me feel all sorts of things... my jaw was on the floor when the credits rolled.”
  • character development22 mentions

    Character development in the game is marked by a blend of nostalgic and whimsical designs that evoke a sense of comfort, yet transition into horror as the story unfolds. While the character designs draw inspiration from classic titles like Final Fantasy VII, opinions are divided, with some praising the charming aesthetics and others criticizing certain designs as less appealing. Overall, the dialogue is noted for its wit, contributing to an engaging character experience amidst a uniquely unsettling atmosphere.

    • “The color palettes, the character design, it all is so nostalgic and comforting, until the horror settles in more and things that are fun and whimsical and charming become scary and hard to look at, especially as the story progresses.”
    • “A whole lot of fun, with style off the charts - the inspirations are clear at a glance, but the visuals stand on their own with the chunky character designs, creaky decaying atmosphere, and softer rusty edges than one might expect from a horror game.”
    • “The dialogue is fun and witty and the character design is enjoyable.”
    • “The character designs have an obvious look to them, but only twice in the game do they have the chance to get in front of the camera.”
    • “Either way, the bad character design takes this game from a 9 to a 4.”
    • “The character design feels less PS1 and more Roblox.”
  • grinding17 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, primarily due to the scarcity of resources, which leads to excessive searching and backtracking. While some appreciate the retro feel without the frustrating elements of classic games, the repetitive nature of trap disarming and resource management can detract from the overall enjoyment. Balancing resource scarcity with engaging gameplay remains a challenge for the developers.

    • “The resources in this game are so scarce that most of the time spent in this game feels like you're searching every corner of every room for heals, antidotes, and ammo, which is just so tedious.”
    • “Trap disarming / avoiding baddies can get monotonous and tedious instead of fun at times.”
    • “This may strike you as tedious, bad design, but it's a game of deciding where to have your sacrifices.”
  • stability10 mentions

    Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability on the Steam Deck, with users reporting smooth performance and enjoyable gameplay. However, there are minor issues, such as some graphical glitches and a bug related to unlocking the S rank achievement, as well as audio problems when the game is not in focus.

    • “Plays great, runs great on Steam Deck.”
    • “Looks and runs great on Steam Deck.”
    • “Runs great on Deck.”
    • “The S rank achievement is a bit buggy when it comes to unlocking.”
    • “There are a few funny graphical glitches, like when Mara opened a door with her left hand by wrapping it around her right hip; she's quite flexible! However, when trying to play in fullscreen, the game's audio doesn't seem to work properly when the window is not in focus.”
  • optimization8 mentions

    The game is praised for its excellent optimization, with no performance issues reported, and it runs smoothly without the need for a day-one patch. Players appreciate the seamless gameplay experience, which includes a well-structured evaluation of performance without intrusive cut scenes. Overall, the optimization contributes positively to the fun and engaging gameplay, making it highly recommended for fans of the genre.

    • “Can't sing enough praises of this game, fun gameplay, great mix of puzzles and a fire aesthetic that will make any Silent Hill/horror fan happy - highly recommend this one, never ran into any issues as the game is well optimized!”
    • “No intruding cut scenes, no day one performance patch.”
    • “The game took me just under 6 hours to complete, and it seems to have a few replay-oriented features similar to other classic survival horror games (namely new game plus equipment based on your final playthrough performance rank, and some sort of hidden object hunt added to subsequent playthroughs).”
    • “Afterwards, the screen fades to black before Mara reemerges from the dark into a spotlight where the game will then evaluate your performance, tracking the number of healing items you have used, how many secrets you have found, how many hints you have used, and finally, how many lives you used if you play with the 'extra lives' function.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

80% average critic score

Buy Crow Country

Play time

7hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
5-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 21 analyzed playthroughs

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