Review of Crow Country

Crow Country offers a fresh spin on the survival horror genre, challenging our assumptions of what makes a great horror game. SFB Games has artfully trimmed down the typical horror elements and streamlined its puzzles, creating a focused experience that distills the genre down to its core essence. Right from the start, the game poses a compelling question: What do you truly value in survival horror? Is it the chilling graphics, spine-tingling jump scares, intricate puzzles, or the vast maps? What sets iconic titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill apart from ordinary horror games? I dove into Crow Country anticipating some Halloween fun, only to find myself pondering these deeper questions.

The story kicks off with our protagonist, Mara Forest, stepping into the foreboding yet strangely intriguing world of Crow Country, an abandoned amusement park. Her mission is to uncover the whereabouts of the enigmatic founder, Edward Crow, who vanished without a trace. Armed with a handgun and her own mysterious motives, Mara embarks on a quest filled with puzzles, clues, and a diverse cast of characters also drawn to the park’s secrets. While the plot unfolds in a fairly linear and predictable manner, with just enough twists to keep it captivating, it’s the ensemble of characters that truly shine here.

Embracing nostalgia, Crow Country’s visual style takes you back to the era of the original PlayStation with its deliberately grainy filters and minimalist character models. This aesthetic choice, combined with a throwback inventory system reminiscent of Resident Evil, taps into those nostalgic feelings often associated with classic games. The tilted-shifted camera provides a unique perspective, allowing for deeper exploration of environments. Each area feels reminiscent of a spooky Halloween diorama, inviting close inspection to reveal delightful hidden details. I found myself engrossed, meticulously exploring every nook and cranny, rewarded with humorous or insightful flavor text that enriched the game’s world. The soundtrack deserves special mention; its suspenseful, atmospheric score creates a gripping sense of unease that remains constant throughout the experience.

The puzzles are, without a doubt, one of Crow Country’s standout elements. As a fan of puzzles, especially in games like Resident Evil, I was thrilled to find that Crow Country places a significant emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving over overt horror elements. Looking for a door passphrase? Expect to find a note from a disgruntled staff member that points you in the right direction. Need computer credentials? The satisfaction of finding the keycard in a safe hidden two buildings away is undeniable. The park itself is compact, so when you hit a stumbling block, retracing your steps doesn’t feel like a burden. The theme park’s whimsical yet eerie aesthetic adds a unique flavor, especially when you uncover something as quirky as a mermaid trident to unlock the next area.

Soon after your adventure begins, the park fills with various creatures, including zombies and monstrous blobs. While these entities offer some challenges, they can typically be outmaneuvered with a quick dash. When confrontation can’t be avoided, there’s always a trusty handgun, among other weapons, scattered throughout the park. However, resources like ammo and health packs are generously provided, signaling that fright isn’t the main agenda here. Personally, this shift is appreciated, as my priority lies in solving the puzzles, like discovering two distinct gems to place into a statue’s eyes, rather than combat. Shooting mechanics, reminiscent of the original Resident Evil’s methodical aiming, seem clunky and imprecise, reinforcing my preference to sidestep enemies whenever possible.

SFB Games made a bold choice by dialing down the terror factor, opting instead to focus on atmosphere and puzzles. This pivot plays to my strengths as these elements are what draw me to games of this nature. If you’re seeking a thrilling escape with the allure of a haunted house, Crow Country meets those expectations splendidly. As the game progresses, combat takes on a larger role, somewhat dampening my enthusiasm due to the awkward aiming mechanics. Nonetheless, Crow Country offers a compelling package for fans of cerebral gameplay and eerie ambiance. The puzzle design is meticulously crafted, and the game’s clever hint system ensures you won’t remain stuck for long. Crow Country was a delightful experience for me, and it has firmly secured a place on my Game of the Year list.