Demon Pit
- October 17, 2019
- DoomCube
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.
Get on SteamDemon 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 .
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
Xbox One
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Demon Pit features a retro-horror aesthetic that fans of the genre may appreciate, with a fast-paced and chaotic combat experience.
- The grappling mechanic adds an interesting layer to gameplay, allowing for quick escapes and navigation between platforms.
- The arena changes dynamically after each wave, providing a fresh challenge and keeping the gameplay engaging.
- Movement mechanics are inconsistent and frustrating, with sluggish forward movement and floaty jumping that detracts from the overall experience.
- The weapon variety is limited and uninspired, with many weapons feeling bland and lacking impact during combat.
- Performance issues, including a capped framerate and low field of view, hinder the gameplay experience and make it difficult to recommend.
- graphics14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Demon Pit" are generally praised for effectively emulating a retro '90s aesthetic, with many reviewers noting their pleasantness and quality. However, while the visuals capture the nostalgic feel of classic FPS games, some players feel that the overall experience is underwhelming, and the game's controls detract from the graphics' potential impact. Ultimately, the graphics appeal primarily to hardcore fans of the genre, but may not be enough to elevate the game as a whole.
“Demon Pit aims for a retro-horror aesthetic that fans of the genre might appreciate.”
“I will say, the graphics are very pleasant and do emulate the '90s aesthetic in a top-notch way.”
“Great music, great art style, and addictive gameplay.”
“Despite some promising aesthetics and genre familiarity, it’s ultimately an underwhelming experience, and I can't recommend it.”
“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.”
“This is a tough sell to anyone but hardcore fans of the old school aesthetic, though I'm not sure if even nostalgia can save this one.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews highlight a mix of experiences, with some praising the satisfying gunplay and innovative grapple mechanic that adds depth to the wave-based arena format. However, criticisms include poor movement mechanics, limited enemy variety, and performance issues that detract from the overall enjoyment. While the game offers a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic shooters, it struggles with monotony and frustration in certain aspects.
“Gunplay is satisfying (especially the shotgun), circle strafing is a bit of a challenge (but that may be due to the movement being a little iffy, not as bad as one of the negative reviews said, but it could still be just a tiny bit better) and I love the endless, wave-based gameplay and how the arena changes through each wave.”
“Grappling hook mechanic was really cool, and I loved how the room obstacles morphed between each new wave to keep things interesting.”
“[smooth, sublime gameplay mechanics, sharp presentation inspired by Quake, strong gameplay hook that keeps players engaged].”
“Poor movement mechanics, uninspired weapons, limited enemy variety, and bad performance make it a frustrating and monotonous experience.”
“Gunplay is satisfying (especially the shotgun), but the movement is a little iffy, which can make circle strafing a challenge.”
“The gameplay is good for light 'brain off' gaming, but the overall experience lacks depth and variety.”
- music9 mentions
- 44 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in "Demon Pit" is widely praised as a standout feature, enhancing the gameplay experience with its industrial riffs and hellish sounds that perfectly complement the game's intense atmosphere. Reviewers emphasize that playing without the soundtrack would be a disservice, highlighting its role in creating an addictive and immersive environment. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a key element that elevates the game's appeal.
“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.”
- story5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and serves primarily as a backdrop for its wave-based arena shooting mechanics, which some players find unsatisfying for a full-priced title. While it offers enjoyable gameplay and engaging combat, the lack of depth and a compelling narrative leads to a repetitive experience that may not meet the expectations of those seeking a rich story.
“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]”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized for poor movement mechanics, uninspired weapons, and limited enemy variety, leading to a frustrating experience. Additionally, issues with pacing, content scarcity, and significant performance problems detract from the overall enjoyment, especially in comparison to earlier titles like Devil Daggers.
“Poor movement mechanics, uninspired weapons, limited enemy variety, and bad performance make it a frustrating and monotonous experience.”
“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.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Demon Pit offers high replayability through its engaging wave-based shooter mechanics and dynamic level changes that occur without loading screens. Players appreciate the game's graphics, soundtrack, and overall design, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a fresh experience reminiscent of classic FPS titles like Doom.
“Demon Pit is an arena FPS; 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.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is intensely oppressive, immersing players in a chilling environment where they feel isolated and trapped in a deadly spectacle for the entertainment of unseen observers.
“The game has a very intense atmosphere; it truly feels like you've been plucked out of the crowd and thrown into a game of death to amuse unseen spectators.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, making you feel as if you are part of a living, breathing world filled with tension and suspense.”
“Every sound and visual detail contributes to a haunting atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat, fully engaged in the experience.”
“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.”
“The environment is dull and lifeless, making it hard to immerse myself in the experience.”
“The overall ambiance feels flat and uninspired, lacking the tension and excitement that I expected.”
Critic Reviews
Demon Pit PS4 Review
An enjoyable enough bite-sized FPS offering, Demon Pit simply doesn't do or offer enough to hold attention in the long-term, as its presentation, firearms and enemies all feel like discount versions of greater games that have come before it.
55%Demon Pit Review
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.
70%A retro arena shooter for Nintendo Switch - Demon Pit Review
Easy to play in short bursts between other, more fleshed out games, Demon Pit doesn’t offer anything new or revolutionary and does get repetitive pretty quickly; but what’s here is competently presented and can get addictive if you let it. Good to scratch any old school shooter itch you may have.
70%
