Demon Pit is a fun-size FPS experience that will keep you coming back to the demons for a new high score. It isn't the deepest game and contains a few rough flaws, though.
Demon Pit is an arcade-style arena shooter inspired by 1990s FPS games, where you must continuously battle waves of demons in a constantly changing environment. With a soul grapple and 7 ranged weapons, your goal is to survive as long as possible and climb the leaderboard. The game features 10 types of hell spawn that you must repel while avoiding environmental hazards .
The gameplay is fast-paced and addictive, with a satisfying grappling hook mechanic that enhances movement and dodging.
The arena changes dynamically between waves, adding variety and challenge to the gameplay.
The game captures the nostalgic feel of classic '90s FPS games, providing a solid arcade shooter experience.
The game suffers from performance issues, including frame rate drops and unresponsive controls, which detract from the overall experience.
Enemy AI is simplistic and lacks variety, leading to repetitive gameplay and a lack of engagement over time.
There are significant limitations in customization options, such as non-rebindable controls and a lack of depth in content, making it feel less polished.
gameplay
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
33%
17%
The gameplay features a unique slingshot/grapple mechanic that adds fun but can become repetitive quickly. While some players appreciate the solid controls and satisfying gunplay, others criticize the imprecision of weapons and slow movement. Overall, the gameplay is described as enjoyable and engaging, particularly in its wave-based arena format, though it lacks depth and a compelling narrative.
“Good solid gameplay with good controls and feel with the shooting.”
“Gunplay is satisfying (especially the shotgun), circle strafing is a bit of a challenge, and I love the endless, wave-based gameplay and how the arena changes through each wave.”
“Apart from classic Quake-like shooter, there's this grappling hook mechanic which makes the whole game extra fun!”
“The gameplay is convincing, but unfortunately it still has a few issues such as the imprecision of certain weapons and the rather slow movement at times for no reason, making it weird to control at first.”
“The only arena shooter I didn't enjoy at all; the gunplay is boring, and the gameplay is just very bad.”
“And the gameplay just feels generic and bland.”
graphics
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
50%
21%
The graphics of "Demon Pit" are generally praised for effectively emulating a polished 90s aesthetic, with many reviewers appreciating the game's art style and visual presentation. However, some critics feel that the graphics do not match the intensity expected from a modern arena shooter, suggesting that while the retro vibe is appealing, it may not satisfy all players, particularly those seeking a more contemporary visual experience. Overall, the game successfully captures the nostalgic look of classic FPS titles, though opinions vary on its execution and appeal to a broader audience.
“I will say, the graphics are very pleasant and do emulate the 90s aesthetic in a top notch way.”
“Demon pit sets out to refine the arena shooter genre with a '90s fps aesthetic, and it succeeds at that.”
“Great music, great art style and addictive gameplay.”
“I'm wondering who sat down and thought, 'Well, games like Doom, Quake, and Doom Eternal are fun, but what gamers really want is a dumbed down version of those with worse graphics.'”
“Demon Pit attempts to replicate classic 90s FPS, but instead of having antiquated graphics and aesthetics, it has antiquated controls.”
“Even with graphics set to 'fast', it doesn't feel like I'm getting as much as I need for a frantic shooter like this.”
music
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
18%
27%
The music in "Demon Pit" is widely praised for its superb quality, effectively enhancing the game's atmosphere with a blend of industrial riffs and hellish sounds that complement the intense gameplay. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, noting that it significantly elevates the experience and is essential for fully enjoying the game. Overall, the music is described as a key element that contributes to the game's addictive nature and immersive environment.
“The best thing about this game is the music, honestly.”
“The music is similarly good, with industrial riffs mixed in with hellish sounds to make for combat music that is fitting for its vision.”
“I even tried a couple of runs with the music lowered, yet it didn't help much.”
“Plus, playing this game without the soundtrack should be a sin in itself!”
“Continuing with settings, there are sliders for FOV (though limited), mouse sensitivity, and brightness, as well as music and sound effects.”
story
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
33%
50%
The game lacks a substantial story, offering instead a wave-based arena shooter experience that some players find enjoyable for casual play. However, many reviewers express disappointment, feeling that the absence of a narrative and depth detracts from the overall value, making it feel more like a side mission or DLC rather than a full game.
“I don't recommend it because good gameplay, fun monsters, and meaty weapons were used to make a wave-based arena shooter and not a story-based campaign with good levels.”
“There's no story at all to complete the lack of gameplay.”
“Wave-based arenas are side missions, DLC even, but not a full game experience that I paid money for.”
“[Gets repetitive pretty quickly, controls don’t feel quite right, no depth or story]”
optimization
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with players reporting severe performance issues, including frame rates dropping to single digits. While some enjoy the unique mechanics of gravity and air control, the overall experience is marred by poor performance and a lack of adjustable settings, leading to frustration and a recommendation against the game.
“I appreciate the unique gravity and air control mechanics; they create a sense of unpredictability that adds to the fun. However, it would be even better if the performance was optimized, allowing for an adjustable FPS limit instead of being locked at 60.”
“It's a fun game, but I can't recommend it due to its extremely poor performance that dips into single-digit FPS.”
“Horrid pacing, a lack of content, and a glut of performance issues leave a lot to be desired, especially when Devil Daggers perfected this formula back in 2016.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
"Demon Pit" offers strong replayability due to its wave-based shooter mechanics and dynamic level changes that occur without loading screens, enhancing the overall experience. Players appreciate the game's engaging graphics, soundtrack, and sound effects, making it a compelling choice for those seeking replay value in a fast-paced FPS.
“Demon Pit is an arena FPS, and it's amazing how much better a FPS can be when it is a pure wave-based shooter. The level changes after a few waves, and without loading screens, that is great for replay value. A very complete game with cool graphics, an amazing main menu, great soundtrack, and awesome sound effects.”
“If you like Doom but are looking for replayability instead of a good satanic scenario, this game might be a good choice.”
stability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users report that the game runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, particularly when switching to keyboard and mouse controls.
“Runs great on deck if you switch to keyboard and mouse.”
atmosphere
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's atmosphere is intensely oppressive, immersing players in a chilling environment that evokes a sense of being trapped in a deadly spectacle for the entertainment of unseen observers.
“The game has a very damning atmosphere; it truly feels like you've been plucked out of the crowd and thrown into a game of death to amuse unseen spectators.”