Demonschool Preview: Persona-insprired tactics romp!
Demonschool Combat Screen
Welcome to Demonschool! This turn-based tactical RPG from Necrosoft Games combines seasonally spooky vibes with the meticulous planning of a chess match. With a Persona-inspired daily timeline and sharp, humor-laden dialogue, Demonschool throws you into the role of Faye—a dedicated demon hunter navigating university life on an island that’s hiding secrets and swarming with supernatural threats.
Demonschool follows Faye and her band of misfit allies as they uncover mysteries in a school that just might be run by demons. While the exact truth of the school’s administration remains a bit murky, one thing is clear: demon portals keep appearing across campus, and there’s a gang of greaser-like goons waiting to ambush you at every turn. Players must balance Faye’s studies, friendships, and demon-slaying duties as they discover the true story behind the island and its monstrous inhabitants.
Tactical Combat: Streamlined, Satisfying, and Strategic
At first glance, the combat in Demonschool is deceptively simple. Each character in your party has a unique movement style, and some characters don’t attack at all. This system requires players to think several moves ahead, planning combos and positioning characters to maximize damage and survivability. The turn-based action is reminiscent of chess but infused with the intensity and unpredictability of classic RPGs. Losing a damage dealer mid-fight quickly ups the challenge, though the game’s quick battles and rewind feature allow you to adjust strategies on the go, making each encounter satisfying and manageable.
Designed with accessibility in mind, Demonschool removes the usual "clicks" found in tactical games. Instead of selecting each attack manually, simply moving a character determines the action they perform. During the planning phase, players can test different approaches, rewinding moves and setting up complex combos to earn greater rewards. When the action phase begins, the tactical positioning plays out smoothly, immersing you in the battles and giving you a sense of flow as your characters react to their environment.
A Distinctive Aesthetic and Horror-Tinged Narrative
The game’s visual style blends 2D sprites with dynamic 3D backgrounds and eerie lighting inspired by 70s Italian horror films. This choice gives Demonschool a familiar yet fresh look, enhanced by the soundtrack’s dark synths, haunting chorals, and bass-heavy melodies that heighten the eerie atmosphere. Characters are influenced by horror manga, and their oversized avatars deliver expressive, sometimes chilling narratives. Players can look forward to a story filled with humor and light horror, complemented by plenty of side quests and chances to build meaningful relationships.
Building Friendships and Customizing Skills
Outside of battle, players can develop friendships with 14 other characters, each with unique personalities and storylines that unfold based on player choices. A Persona-like schedule allows you to organize Faye’s daily activities, from building character traits to learning new skills that directly influence performance in battles. The customizable clubhouse adds a social layer to the game; as you gather new furniture and decorations, you’ll see how your companions react, adding charm to your downtime between demon encounters.
Release Details
Demonschool is slated for release in 2025 across major platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. With its unique style, horror-inspired story, and engaging tactical mechanics, Demonschool is shaping up to be one of the year’s standout RPGs. If you’re a fan of strategic gameplay, rich storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural, keep an eye out for Demonschool.
