Labyrinth of the Demon King Review (Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One & PC)

Labyrinth of the Demon King is a game that’ll appeal to anyone who loves a good dungeon crawler. But fair warning, this game is tough. It’s packed with dark, twisted moments, creepy monsters, and brutal challenges that will keep players on their toes. For players who are into old-school dungeon crawlers with a mix of horror elements, this game is definitely something you’ll want to check out. But is it really worth your time? Well, let’s break down everything about the game and see if Labyrinth of the Demon King lives up to the hype.

A Story of Revenge and Betrayal

The story of Labyrinth of the Demon King is simple but effective. Set in feudal Japan, you play as a regular foot soldier, which is a nice twist compared to the usual heroic protagonists you find in most games. Your lord, Ted Nabomitsu, decides to team up with a demon. Surprisingly, things don’t go according to plan. The demon betrays him, and your entire army gets wiped out. The only survivor? You. And, naturally, you’re not happy about that. Therefore, you set off on a quest for revenge, determined to hunt down the demon who caused this mess and make them pay for your fallen comrades.

While the plot is a classic revenge story, it works because of the personal stakes. Players are not out to save the world or become legendary heroes. It’s much more personal. It's about finding justice for the people you lost, and that really pulls players into the game. Mostly, revenge is all about mindlessly killing some monsters, but in this game, players are on a mission, and that keeps the plot engaging.

The game takes place in a massive, creepy castle split into four towers. A different demon controls each tower. You’ll need to conquer each of these towers to reach the final boss. The story provides a solid foundation for the gameplay and keeps players motivated to push forward, even when things get tough in this adventure game.

Retro Horror Meets Dungeon Crawling

One of the standout features of Labyrinth of the Demon King is its atmosphere. The game takes inspiration from 80s horror movies, which gives it a unique retro vibe. The pixelated graphics may not be for everyone, but they actually fit the game’s dark, eerie tone. Similarly, the visual style might remind you of old-school monster flicks, and it works perfectly to create an unsettling atmosphere.

The castle you explore is dark, grimy, and full of dangerous creatures. The environment's design really helps to sell the feeling that you’re trapped in this terrifying place. The lighting is low, and plenty of shadows keep you guessing. You never know what might be lurking around the next corner. It’s not just about how creepy things look, either; the sound design plays a huge role in setting the mood. From the subtle, eerie music to the creepy sounds of monsters in the distance, the game does a great job of creating a sense of dread that never lets up.

Furthermore, the monsters you encounter are one of the game’s biggest highlights. They’re all uniquely designed, and they’re downright terrifying. Each demon or creature you face feels like a real threat, and the game reminds you of that constantly. The low-fi graphics may seem dated to some, but they work in the game’s favor. Notably, they add to the old-school horror games vibe, making every encounter feel more intense.

Classic Dungeon Crawling

When it comes to gameplay, Labyrinth of the Demon King sticks to the classic dungeon crawler formula. Players will explore dark and twisted hallways, battling dangerous monsters, and solving puzzles along the way. The game features a first-person perspective, which adds to the immersion. Consequently, players feel like they’re really there in the castle, walking through narrow corridors and peeking around corners, unsure of what’s waiting for them.

Surprisingly, the combat is simple but challenging. Players have their usual attacks, blocks, and dodges, but things get tricky as you encounter tougher monsters. The game offers plenty of weapons to choose from, starting with basic swords and axes, and later on, you can unlock rifles. But here’s the catch: ammo is limited, so players must be smart about when they use their powerful weapons and when they stick to the basics.

What sets Labyrinth of the Demon King apart from other dungeon crawlers is how the monsters behave. Instead of just charging at you, enemies in this game will fight each other if you can lure them into doing so. This adds an interesting layer to the gameplay. If you can get two monsters to fight each other, you can stand back and watch them duke it out while you save your energy for the winner. Of course, this trick doesn’t always work, and sometimes players will have to fight the monsters head-on. But when it does work, it feels like a clever strategy that gives you an advantage during combat.

 RPG Stats

Surprisingly, the game doesn’t use the usual RPG stats like agility or endurance. Instead, you just have health and stamina to manage. While some players might miss the complexity of traditional RPG stats, this simplified system makes the gameplay feel more focused on survival and strategy. On the other hand, stamina is especially important, as it affects players’ ability to dodge and block. Therefore, players must think carefully about how to manage their resources to survive.

Additionally, as you explore the castle, you’ll find plenty of weapons, armor, and items to help you along the way. These items come in handy, but the game doesn’t give you an endless supply. Players must make sure they’re using everything wisely. The inventory system is simple but functional, making it easy to keep track of your items without feeling cluttered.

A Nice Break from the Action

While Labyrinth of the Demon King is mostly about combat, it also throws in some puzzles to keep things interesting. These puzzles aren’t too complicated but add a nice break from the non-stop action. For example, you might need to find an item to unlock a door or solve a small side quest before you can move on.

One of the first puzzles players encounter involves opening a chest covered in fungus. To do so, you need to collect salt. Now here is the twist: getting the salt isn’t as simple as walking into a room and picking it up. Players must explore the castle, unlock doors, and complete tasks before they can even access the salt. It’s a small side quest, but it’s the kind of challenge that adds variety to the gameplay.

On the flip side, these puzzles aren’t groundbreaking, but they help break up the monotony of constant combat. They give players a reason to explore the environment and interact with NPCs. While the puzzles won’t blow your mind, they keep things interesting and balance the game’s action-heavy sections.

The challenge

If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to breeze through, Labyrinth of the Demon King is probably not for you. The game is tough, and the combat can be unforgiving. Regular monsters can be tough to beat, but the bosses take the challenge to the next level. These bosses are no joke. They require strategy, precision, and a bit of luck to defeat.

One thing that makes the combat so satisfying is how you’re forced to learn from each encounter. Every time you die, you pick up on something new. Notably, there’s a learning curve, but that’s what makes the victories feel so rewarding. It’s not just about mindlessly fighting, it’s about figuring out the best strategy for each enemy.

Ultimately, the difficulty might be frustrating for some players, but it’s a big part of the appeal for those who enjoy a challenge. Fortunately, the game doesn’t punish you too much for dying. Players won’t lose progress or items when they die. That means they can experiment with different strategies without worrying about losing everything. This helps keep the frustration to a minimum and makes this action-adventure game feel fair, even when it’s tough.

Verdict

Now, is Labyrinth of the Demon King worth playing? If you’re a fan of dungeon crawlers, horror games, and tough challenges, then absolutely. The game is brutal, but in a way that’s satisfying and rewarding. The atmosphere is dark and creepy, and the combat is tough but fair. The puzzles, side quests, and the overall challenge keep players engaged from start to finish.

That said, this game isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for an easy, casual gaming experience, Labyrinth of the Demon King might not be the right fit. But if you love a game that challenges you and makes you think strategically, then it’s definitely worth your time.

Ultimately, Labyrinth of the Demon King is a solid dungeon crawler that mixes classic gameplay with modern mechanics. It’s got a creepy atmosphere, tough combat, and enough variety to keep things interesting. If you’re up for the challenge, it’ll provide hours of intense, rewarding gameplay.