Demonicon
- October 24, 2013
- Noumena Studios
- 15h median play time
A deep and rich storyline coupled by immersive visuals and player choice are where the game shines the most. Although animations aren’t the liveliest of sort it’s not a game breaking bug nor does it pull you from the immersion.
Get on Steam"Demonicon is a single-player, third-person action-RPG set in the dark fantasy world of The Dark Eye. Embark on a 15-hour journey as a brother and sister fighting through hordes of fiends, making moral decisions, and determining the fate of the continent. With a good story and a blend of battle and magic, Demonicon offers a thrilling RPG experience."
PC
Windows
PlayStation
Playstation 3
Xbox
Xbox 360
Reviews
- Engaging and dark storyline with moral ambiguity that keeps players invested.
- Decent character progression and skill system that allows for customization.
- Rich lore and immersive world that appeals to fans of the Dark Eye universe.
- Clunky combat mechanics that can feel slow and unresponsive.
- Linear gameplay with limited exploration and few side quests.
- No manual save option, relying solely on auto-saves which can be frustrating.
- story246 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The game's story is a mixed bag, with many players noting its intriguing dark themes and moral choices, but criticizing its linearity and lack of meaningful consequences for those choices. While some found the narrative engaging and reminiscent of classic RPGs, others felt it was poorly executed, with repetitive quests and a rushed ending that undermined the overall experience. Overall, the story is seen as a highlight for some, but its execution leaves much to be desired, making it a polarizing aspect of the game.
“The primary reason why this game is getting a positive review is because they tried going places with their story most games don't go.”
“The story is dark, set in a world plagued by demons and monsters after some sort of cataclysmic magical apocalypse.”
“Demonicon's strengths lie in its commendable use of the dark eye universe, its RPG & skill systems, the creative and thoroughly engaging storyline, the focus on narrative and characters, and a well-implemented choice system that affects the story and game world.”
“The story is extremely linear: all main story missions must be done in an exact order, without deviation.”
“Since there are no side missions (aside from some notice board kill/fetch quests), all you do is talk to an NPC, follow the compass to the objective, complete some puzzle, get some object and/or kill some enemies, return to the NPC, get some story beats, move to the next objective, rinse and repeat.”
“The story feels superficial and doesn't change much; it's just there to make the story feel more your own.”
- gameplay62 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 24 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its dated mechanics, clunky combat, and linear progression as significant drawbacks. While some found enjoyment in the simple mechanics and engaging story, others criticized the repetitive nature and lack of innovation, leading to a generally mediocre perception of the gameplay experience. Overall, the game offers moments of fun but is often overshadowed by its flaws and a reliance on familiar RPG tropes.
“The graphics are good, the gameplay is fun, and the story is very captivating.”
“Demonicon may be a bit rough around the edges, particularly regarding dialog continuity and the occasional frustrating camera angle, but the core gameplay is a spot-on mixture of live action combat and rewarding character progression.”
“Nice fighting mechanics with hit chains and special skills/spells can compete with any modern high-title game.”
“The game itself is flawed - clunky gameplay, linear story, and moral choices are but an illusion.”
“The repetitive gameplay, area reuse, and trash mob fights are its biggest flaws.”
“The terrible combat mechanics just ruined it :( - I played 2 hours to give it a fair shot, I would have liked to play more but it was just horrible to play.”
- graphics61 mentions
- 16 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated and mediocre, often described as clunky or reminiscent of titles from a decade ago. While some players find them tolerable and appreciate the immersive environments, many criticize the visuals for lacking polish and detail, with occasional bugs and performance issues. Despite the graphical shortcomings, some reviewers prioritize gameplay and story over visuals, indicating that the graphics do not significantly detract from the overall experience.
“The graphics are good, the gameplay is fun and the story very captivating.”
“The graphics is great, especially the landscape.”
“A deep and rich storyline coupled by immersive visuals and player choice are where the game shines the most.”
“The graphics and the game mechanics all felt dated even by its release date.”
“The graphics feel old and, even if my PC is mostly current, the performance sometimes dropped some frames.”
“Graphics look to be from something 10 years ago which isn't bad just not up to par with some games today.”
- music10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the combat music initially but growing tired of it due to its repetitive nature. While the end credits feature an unexpected funky track that contrasts with the medieval dark fantasy setting, the overall soundtrack and ambient sounds are praised for enhancing the game's immersive atmosphere. However, some players noted that they struggled to remember much of the music outside of the battle themes.
“Very good game with nice story and music.”
“Graphics are a bit outdated, but the combination of graphics, music, and effects still feels very real and immersive.”
“The music and ambient sound are also done superbly, and complement the atmosphere quite well.”
“Maybe the most baffling end credits song choice since that rap on Rogue Warrior.”
“I honestly can't remember any of the music except for the battle music.”
“I actually did like the combat music at the start, but since combat takes so long and there's so much of it, I tired of it a few hours in.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game's optimization features allow players to choose between different variants for maneuvers and spells, enhancing gameplay options. However, many users report significant performance issues, including frame drops and stuttering, even on relatively modern hardware, indicating that overall optimization is lacking.
“Each maneuver also offers two optimization variants, both of which can be selected, e.g. that a maneuver uses less stamina and also causes more damage.”
“However, like the weapon skills, every spell has two optimization variants, both of which can be selected.”
“This provided major improvement to the gameplay and performance!”
“Optimization is terrible... this is just a bad game.”
“The graphics feel old and, even if my PC is mostly current, the performance sometimes dropped some frames.”
“I sometimes noticed some stuttering while running around, and some slight framerate dips during combat.”
- character development8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the depth and satisfaction of evolving their characters within the "dark eye" universe, others find the options to be shallow and lacking in meaningful impact. The game offers a variety of paths for crafting characters, but the absence of a comprehensive tutorial and the limited utility of certain skills detract from the overall experience. Overall, character development is seen as a redeeming quality by some, yet criticized for its execution by others.
“I really enjoyed Demonicon more than most RPGs I've played. The 'Dark Eye' universe was new to me, and I enjoyed exploring it. The character development choices and powers really made me feel like I was evolving into a demonic weapon. It was a very satisfying experience and an underrated game.”
“The most redeeming quality of this game is its character development.”
“Maybe it doesn't have as many character development options, but it still has many options for crafting and designing your character's paths.”
“The character development is shallow; there are only so many useful combat skills, and the out-of-combat skills are for flavor but not really needed.”
“Lacking a tutorial that explains the connection of different values means that only certain players will be satisfied with the character development: DSA gamers, roleplay gamers, people with a lot of time, or those who can grasp the concept fairly quickly.”
“Slow response time, awkward animations and voice acting, and sadly even the story and character development are lacking seriously.”
- humor8 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by witty and often dark dialogue, with memorable lines that resonate with players who appreciate a mature sense of comedy. While the graphics and gameplay may be lacking, the humorous interactions and interesting characters provide a redeeming quality that enhances the overall experience. Players who enjoy a blend of humor with a serious narrative are likely to find enjoyment in the game's comedic elements.
“Usually, you may ask for additional info, learn new things about the world, and if you have the skill, try intimidation, persuasion, etc. Some lines are hilarious (for example: 'Have you nothing better to do than worry about my virginity?!' or when your character says with the tone we would probably say it: 'You milk spiders.'). The voice acting was also good.”
“If you have a taste for the dark and mature, and if you're immature enough to appreciate a good sense of humor, there's a good chance that you will enjoy this game.”
“That game has terrible graphics and gameplay, a simple progression system, and is buggy, but it had a lot of humorous dialogue and a decent storyline and lore continuing from Risen 1.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
Overall, the reviews present a mixed perspective on replayability. While some players appreciate the presence of story branches and choices that encourage multiple playthroughs, others criticize the lack of meaningful impact from these choices, leading to a perception that the game lacks true replay value. Additionally, the absence of a robust save system further diminishes the incentive to replay the game.
“Meaningful in a world impacting way which leads to high replay value.”
“There are a lot of story branches to add replayability.”
“It also has replay value if you'd like to see where the different choices would take you.”
“But to me, Demonicon commits a cardinal sin when it comes to RPGs: it is not replayable.”
“Replayability isn't on the radar; this is a play-until-you-beat-it, then uninstall game.”
“No save system beyond 'checkpoints' means this is a point-and-click adventure game with very badly implemented combat - there are 'choices', but it boils down to 'choose between A and B' and the replay value is to go back through the game and pick the opposite choice.”
- stability6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is characterized by a number of bugs and glitches, particularly in graphics and gameplay, which can lead to occasional crashes. While these issues detract from the experience, many players find the game enjoyable enough to overlook the rough edges, especially due to its engaging story and humor.
“I really liked this game; it's a diamond in the rough. The story was not bad, and I found the world interesting. Despite some bugs, I believe it's worth pushing through, and I would love to see another game set in this world.”
“Graphics seem buggy, even when not.”
“A bit rough on the edges and a bit buggy (various crashes here and there) but a fun game nevertheless with a very interesting story and mature content.”
“I played the game before the first patch was released, so the game was quite buggy but playable.”
- atmosphere6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is described as dense and dark, effectively enhanced by superb music and ambient sounds that create an immersive experience. Reviewers appreciate the imaginative and detailed world, noting it surpasses previous titles in its ability to evoke mood and intrigue, moving beyond generic fantasy tropes. However, some critiques highlight a lack of descriptive depth in storytelling that could further enrich the atmosphere.
“A dense dark atmosphere, consistently well done.”
“The music and ambient sound are also done superbly, and complement the atmosphere quite well.”
“Demonicon possesses its own imaginative, sepulchral take on the Dark Eye universe that extends from impressive locations, atmosphere, mood, and detail to outright kooky and disturbing events and supporting characters.”
“Reminds me of bad storytellers who say 'the forest looks spooky' instead of describing how the trees look weird and seem to move, how the shadows look too dark for that time of day. You know, instead of building actual atmosphere.”
“Why build atmosphere?”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and slow, with many expressing that while the gameplay is initially enjoyable, it becomes monotonous as the game progresses. The lack of opportunities for level grinding and limited combat options contribute to the overall sense of tedium.
“The gameplay is pretty straightforward; I found it fun in the beginning, but at least for me, when the end drew near, it was getting a bit tedious.”
“It's slow and tedious.”
“Combat and the ability to gain 'AP' are limited to quests only; there's no level grinding here.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find "Demonicon" emotionally engaging, particularly appreciating its character development and the immersive experience of exploring the "dark eye" universe. The game evokes a sense of evolution and satisfaction, making it a standout RPG for fans of the genre.
“I really enjoyed Demonicon more than most RPGs I have played. The 'Dark Eye' universe was new to me, and I enjoyed exploring it. The character development choices and powers really made me feel like I was evolving into a demonic weapon. It was a very satisfying experience and a very underrated game.”
“If you're a fan of the Dark Eye, then Demonicon is also for you, since this is the only game besides Drakensang that made me feel like I was actually walking through Aventuria.”
