Crow Country Preview: Retro Fright Done Right

Yes, Crow Country is another retro-inspired spoopy title reminiscent of the classics like Resident Evil. However, Crow Country manages to naturally nail the nostalgic vibes while standing on its own and establishing a high-quality, unique experience. Whether it is the balanced combat and overall speed, the enigmatic mystery, or the game's deliberately crafter-help system, Crow Country nails its frightening vision.

What’s Old is Rad Again

Upon booting up the Crow Country demo, you are met with an ambiance that is both stylish and eerie, courtesy of the retro PSOne vibes. The retro vibe carries the experience, but it alone doesn't deliver. That retro vibe paired with the tunes and capable creepy crawlies potentially around every corner succeeds in providing a winning blend of sounds and feelings. A sense of tension and mystery befalls you, and you must continue.

I was more intrigued by this style. It's as if the game can get away with minimal thought-provoking things, but they are just as effective in evoking a sense of fright or helplessness.

Theme Park Ambiance

You play as Mara Forest, who investigates Edward Crow's disappearance. Of course, the location of the investigation is an abandoned and run-down theme park that has been closed for the past two years. 

The demo doesn’t detail the theme park’s history or Mr. Crow himself. Despite that, the game does an excellent job evoking an enigmatic vibe about the park’s dark secrets, both physically and speculatively. 

You do encounter one other character besides creepy baddies: an injured Andrew. Later, you find out he snuck in by cutting into a fence, but to ensure his safety, you take him to your car offscreen. While not precisely a pivotal character moment for either Andrew or Mara, the encounter portrays even more of the danger and mystery the park has to offer.

A Gameplay Loop to Die For

My favorite aspect is the subtle sense of existential dread and humor that comes with the gameplay. For instance, you rummage through trash a lot to find critical items like antidotes for poison, ammo, medkits,  and, you guessed it, trash that is so minuscule that it won't even appear in your inventory. In fact, you come across many medkits, which are helpful and concerning to the overall feeling of danger. 

In a much more informal format, the Crow Country demo contains two modes, so it's safe to assume the released final version will also. The two modes are Survival and Exploration. Survival is the intended experience, but if you want a more puzzly experience with less trepidation, Exploration could suit you.

The shooting mechanics and camera are reminiscent of top-down bullet hell featuring full 360 motion, but much slower. I've never loved these aiming styles, but it's essential to know that it appears very likely that you can outrun most of the enemies or simply avoid them. So, I wouldn't stress too much on the combat. Besides, odds are you are much better than me, and the game features explosive barrels and grenades if all else fails. I did also end up finding shotgun shells, but no shotgun, so either I missed it, or shame on you, SFB Games. It would be best if you didn't tease us like that.

To describe the enemies featured in more detail, they appear slow and unaware of you. The whole game feels slow, which works if the speed remains consistent. I encountered four enemy types: slow zombie-like creatures, glob boys reminiscent of that one fish (you know what I am talking about), tiny speedier spiders, and tall, skelly people. The last of which I did not manage to kill. 

Nonetheless, tip posters are strung about giving control advice for headshots of certain enemies, explosive barrels, electrical devices, etc., and a fortune teller attraction that gives story and progression hints. These systems proved very helpful and well thought out. These aspects are even heightened in the game's version of a safe room where the game has sources like journals that recap what you've learned since you've been there for both lore and puzzles. 

The flow of Crow Country feels a lot like solving the room, finding an item, backtracking to where you read you need said item, selecting in inventory, using, repeating, shooting baddies, and hoping you don't die. Personally, this loop has been done before, but coupled with the creepy PSOne sense of dread and mystery, it makes for an experience I dig.

Breakdown

Game: Crow Country

Developer: SFB Games

Availability: PC & PlayStation 5

Previewed on PC

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Crow Country demo made for an admittedly short experience that accurately describes what greatness could come from it. If you like retro-style titles and enjoy a good mystery or scary Friday night, Crow Country is right up your dark alley whenever it plans to release.

Previewed by Austin Ernst