Demon Turf is a hodgepodge of great ideas and self-sabotage. The game's strong moveset and early linear levels are great, but momentum dissipates as the game leans into half-baked overly long levels and terrible combat. Top that off with an unnecessarily lengthy path to the final boss, and I can't see myself finishing this one.

The moveset is unique and fun to handle thanks to a plethora of jumps, transformations, and a deliberate pace that provides full control of Beebz, the player character. Unfortunately, the moveset best accommodates moments of linear platforming in which you try to use your many movement options to skillfully and quickly navigate a perilous, narrow path while setting your own checkpoints (another of Demon Turf's quirks -- you set your own checkpoints). It's less fun to aimlessly wander through open levels and slap around enemies in a repetitive, slippery combat system that adds nothing to the game but time. For unknown reasons, Demon Turf quickly loses interest in linear platforming, and I can't stomach any more long, open levels.

Here is the math that made me drop the game: you get a battery each time you finish a level. There are 28 levels and 28 "remixes" that, well, remix the main game's levels, but not enough to feel fresh or different. You need 50 batteries for the pleasure of facing the final boss. You nearly need to play the game twice to beat it, but I've realized I don't even want to play it once. I really wanted to like this one.

(I will, however, check out Neon Splash, which seems to provide a quick set of linear levels that should be a much better use of Beebz' moveset).

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2023


2 Comments


7 months ago

Yeah, levels can get tiring after a while and in later levels difficulty comes in patience rather than a real hard challenge. A more self-contained level design with gimmicks like Super Mario 3D World would have helped a lot. However, I think the platforming bits are great, if not for filler in beteen sections.

It isn't worth completing if I'm honest either. But I heard Neon Splash is good.

7 months ago

@moister I am hopeful that Neon Splash works better for me. It is apparently free with the main game on Steam as of a few days ago so I'll definitely check it out. More focused platforming with this moveset sounds like a dream.