Demons Roots
- January 13, 2023
- Quick nail Aristocrat
- 35h median play time
Get on SteamIn Demons Roots, play as demons who have returned to the human world after a thousand years in the Dark Realm. With humanity on the brink of self-destruction, allies among the downtrodden find common ground with the demons to fight their oppressors. This unique twist on the classic demon-invasion narrative explores a world where alliances shift and power dynamics are overturned.
Reviews
- Demons Roots features a captivating and intricate story that keeps players engaged from start to finish, with numerous twists and emotional moments.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable, making players genuinely care about their journeys and struggles throughout the game.
- The game boasts a fantastic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, with original compositions that fit the narrative perfectly.
- The gameplay can feel repetitive at times, with standard RPG Maker mechanics that may not appeal to everyone.
- Some players may find the H-content to be jarring or unnecessary, as it can detract from the overall narrative experience.
- The ending has been criticized for being unsatisfying or controversial, leaving some players feeling disappointed after investing so much time in the story.
- story486 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of "Demons Roots" is widely praised for its depth, emotional engagement, and intricate character development, often described as a standout feature that rivals many mainstream RPGs. Set in a richly detailed world, it explores themes of oppression and rebellion from the perspective of demons, offering unexpected twists and mature narratives that resonate with players. While some critiques mention pacing issues and occasional plot holes, the overall consensus is that the storytelling is compelling enough to overshadow its flaws, making it a must-play for fans of story-driven games.
“I've never seen an indie game with such an intricate story, unforgettable characters, and expansive world-building.”
“The story doesn't shy away from sensitive topics and keeps you engaged with thoughtful and important conversations between friends and foes.”
“Demons Roots really is a masterpiece; the characters are well-written, and the story is peak fiction.”
“Listen, if the decent story part starts to show up only after 30+ hours, that simply means that the whole story is garbage!”
“The gameplay is aggressively average, and what I've played of the story really isn't as good as people hype it up to be.”
“The story doesn't make any sense - I ended up just skipping it.”
- music120 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many praising the original tracks composed by Shade, which enhance emotional moments and fit seamlessly into the gameplay. While some tracks are stock RPG Maker music, they are well-integrated and do not detract from the experience. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's atmosphere and storytelling.
“The soundtrack has, as far as I can tell, original tracks and some nostalgic RPG Maker themes, but supports the story quite well and the emotions you are supposed to feel.”
“I found myself listening to the soundtrack regularly for months after playing, just to relive the moments that got ingrained in my mind with it.”
“The music by composer Shade really shines and makes beautiful and tense moments feel really impactful without the need for voiceover.”
“There are a lot of stock RPG Maker sprites and graphics, as well as royalty-free music.”
“The engine used sucks; in my playthrough, the music paused mid-loop frequently enough to irritate me and spoil a few hype moments.”
“However, there does seem to be a bug with the new music not looping properly. The song will pause for a few seconds after it ends before starting over again.”
- gameplay88 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is generally described as standard for an RPG Maker title, featuring traditional turn-based combat that is often considered mediocre but occasionally shines with creative mechanics and character design. While some players find the gameplay enjoyable and well-balanced, others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking innovation. Overall, the game is praised for its engaging story and characters, which often overshadow the gameplay experience.
“Even as someone who detests turn-based RPG gameplay, Demons Roots hooked me with its phenomenal characters.”
“In terms of gameplay, it is what you would expect from an RPG Maker game: nothing overly complex, but this one shows that the dev put some thought into making it fun.”
“The gameplay in Demons Roots is also top-notch.”
“I try to endure this torture of a bloody amalgam of crappy gameplay, lousy script, and cheap pictures drawn in MS Paint for 3.5 hours, but man, I give up.”
“The gameplay is aggressively average and what I've played of the story really isn't as good as people hype it up to be.”
“The gameplay is traditional JRPG turn-based combat that is not very difficult outside of a few fights.”
- emotional62 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Demon Roots" is highly praised, with players experiencing a profound connection to the characters and story, often leading to tears and deep reflection. The game masterfully blends heartfelt moments with darker themes, creating an emotional rollercoaster that keeps players engaged and invested in the narrative. Many reviewers highlight the well-crafted character development and impactful plot twists, making it a standout experience in the JRPG genre.
“It tackles serious themes and takes the player on an emotional rollercoaster, pulling them into the depths and allowing them to linger on their feelings for minutes to hours, before pulling them to peaks that would not be possible without.”
“I rarely ever cry when it comes to games, but I cried on two separate occasions while playing this game. Granted, it had 50 hours to tell its story to me, but not once in those 50 hours did I feel like the game was a chore or getting boring; there was always something going on.”
“The story has the right amount of twists and turns, and each one has an emotional impact because each character's story is pretty well developed.”
- graphics30 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 10 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the unique and gritty art style as well as the vibrant character designs, while others criticize the use of stock RPG Maker sprites and the overall visual quality. Despite the limitations typical of RPG Maker games, many players find the visuals appealing and well-executed, contributing positively to the game's atmosphere and storytelling. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, enhancing the experience even if they don't reach the heights of more advanced titles.
“As for art, the art style is pretty unique and, in my opinion, is a bit grittier than other games out there.”
“The game's art style is unique and memorable, and it's a pleasure to see the game's world in motion.”
“This game is very much a slow burn, but the graphics are so pretty (bonus points for the resolution to work and move around seamlessly); the H-scenes are good as well, and there is an option to turn them off or on. The game has excellent worldbuilding.”
“Unfortunately, this reflects in its visuals.”
“There are a lot of stock RPG Maker sprites and graphics, as well as royalty-free music.”
“I know, I know; I hate people who complain about graphics as much as anyone else might, but video games are just as much a visual art as they are a musical and written art, and Demons Roots is, visually, absurdly boring.”
- grinding14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 86 % negative mentions
Overall, players have mixed feelings about grinding in the game. While some appreciate that it isn't overly grindy and allows for a focus on the story, others find the mid to late game excessively tedious, which can diminish motivation. A few users noted that grinding can be avoided, making the gameplay more enjoyable, but others still felt it was a significant aspect that detracted from the experience.
“At least it's not very grindy.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Surprisingly decent writing and depth, but the mid-late game is so grindy it really kills a lot of motivation to continue.”
“It's not frustrating, just somewhat grindy and boring.”
“No amount of grinding is going to change anything.”
- humor13 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending unexpected comedic moments with emotional depth, leading players through a rollercoaster of laughter, fear, and triumph. The dialogue is often witty and engaging, particularly among the diverse and well-developed cast of characters, each bringing their own unique brand of humor. While the story may falter under scrutiny, the entertaining interactions and likable personalities keep players invested and amused throughout the experience.
“I was laughing out loud, crying like hell, sometimes even got a little scared, screaming at the monitor 'why did you do that?' or 'please don't leave us, we can make it through' and so on.”
“It is especially funny because it took me by surprise with the prologue since I hadn't actually read the synopsis before starting the game, so I had no idea that I was supposed to lead demonkind in their conquest.”
“The writing can be funny, the plot is easy to understand and (most importantly) the characters are likable and entertaining folks that you want to spend time with.”
- atmosphere9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its emotional depth and mature themes, enhanced by well-crafted narratives and diverse environments that reflect different cultures and situations. While the soundtrack is not particularly memorable, it includes tracks that complement the overall ambiance. Players appreciate the beautiful artwork and the vibrant, life-filled world, which effectively immerses them in the story despite a desire for more impactful choices.
“The levels are beautiful, the music is tasteful, the characters are charming, the atmosphere is fantastic and the world is just brimming with life!”
“As the story goes, you see more and more of the world of demon roots and boy is there certainly a lot to see, every area feels different from the last with its own atmosphere and culture, one day you'll be fighting in a wasteland full of barbarians who enjoy torturing people for fun, the next you'll be in a massive merchant city planning a coup d'état.”
“+ great artwork, it captures the situation and atmosphere of the situation really well.”
“The soundtrack isn't something to write home about, but there are some good tracks here and there that improve the atmosphere and feeling well.”
“As the story goes, you see more and more of the world of demon roots and boy is there certainly a lot to see, every area feels different from the last with its own atmosphere and culture; one day you'll be fighting in a wasteland full of barbarians who enjoy torturing people for fun, the next you'll be in a massive merchant city planning a coup d'état.”
“Each territory to conquer has its own atmosphere, landscape, and king to fight.”
- character development6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight strong character development, noting that the adult content enhances rather than detracts from the narrative in a violent fantasy setting. Players appreciate the intriguing twists and epic moments, alongside well-crafted character designs that contribute to the overall experience, despite some designs catering to specific fetishes. Overall, the game is recommended for those who enjoy JRPGs with a blend of mature themes and engaging storytelling.
“Great character development, interesting twists, epic moments, just a gem of a game really.”
“What drives it all home is the excellent character design and narrative, which house the entire experience.”
“The adult content is not over-the-top, and I thought it added to character development well; after all, it's a violent fantasy world, it wouldn't be normal for it to be prudish.”
“The character designs (party members at least) are designed for fetishes.”
“How does an RPG Maker ero-game hit so hard above its seeming weight-class to the point that I'd unconditionally recommend it to everyone who has a passing interest in Dragon Quest-inspired JRPGs and has, at minimum, a tolerance for horny character designs?”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is not heavily criticized, but players express disappointment that it does not align with the expectations set by its publisher and marketing, which suggested a different genre. Overall, the monetization seems standard for a classic RPG, focusing more on story and character development rather than exploitative practices.
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is noted for its high replayability, making it highly recommended for players seeking a lasting experience.
“High replayability and highly recommended.”
“The game offers endless possibilities, making each playthrough feel fresh and exciting.”
“With multiple endings and diverse character choices, I find myself coming back for more every time.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game suffers from numerous glitches that hinder gameplay, particularly affecting the ability to unlock achievements, which may be essential for completing certain endings.
“Glitches galore, and I can't unlock many of the achievements even when following guides, which might be needed for some endings.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly impossible to progress.”
“I experienced constant frame drops and stuttering, which ruined the overall experience.”
