I do not generally play games like Crimson Moon, I do generally listen to the music IN Crimson Moon. So, I thought it would be cool to give the genre another chance with a heavy metal vibe to a gritty and intense game. I was surprised to find the game extremely intuitive and fun to work through. Punishing, yes, but never unfair. I had an enjoyable experience with the Crimson Moon demo I got to play at Summer Game Fest. I played solo for the demo, but there is indeed co-op!
Dropped in with limited instruction, a card with directions in front of me, and told I had about 25 minutes to get as much as I could done. A challenge for someone stressed about returning to a genre that has terrified me for years. The game did a great job of easing me into the gameplay with small enemies that gradually became more difficult as I progressed through the demo itself.Â
The gameplay was smooth, with light attacks, heavy attacks, and a super cool angelic transformation to do massive damage when the meter was full. I mainly used the sword and shield, but had access to axes, spears, and more. I was a huge fan of the shield as it actually felt like it was helping, unlike many games where the shield is an afterthought. Dodging and blocking my way through, I methodically made it from area to area killing enemies left and right. I didn’t feel any lag or stuttering of the game during the demo, a good sign for a game that requires TIGHT controls.Â
You actually have multiple chances to not die, which may have been my saving grace. During the demo, I had five instant revives that allowed me to come back with a righteous blast that sent the enemy that killed me flying back as I got ahold of my bearings. This concept allowed me to not get too irritated when I did die fully. I knew I had messed up because I died multiple times. It was fair but also made it a tad more accommodating to those of us who aren’t amazing at this genre of gaming.
The graphics were solid and fell in line with other games in the genre with their heavy metal inspiration throughout. I fought through temples, factories, and grassy open areas. Each area feels as alive as you can when your enemies look like death incarnate.Â
I ALMOST finished off the final boss of the demo, but the poison was too much for me and I succumbed to the death screen with about 10 seconds left in my demo time. I felt extremely proud of myself and how I was able to make it that far when many around me didn’t even get to the final boss.Â
Crimson Moon will be available in September of 2026.
