The Devil Within: Satgat arrives on PlayStation 5 as a visually stylish and ambitious 2.5D action game that blends Metroidvania structure with fast-paced swordplay and a hauntingly bleak setting. Developed by Newcore Games, this is a title that wears its inspirations on its sleeve – think Dead Cells meets Sekiro, filtered through a dark, techno-feudal Korean lens. And while some rough edges remain, particularly in terms of polish and balance, this is a game that shows real heart and a promising foundation for something special from the studio in the future.
Set in a ruined version of the Joseon era after a towering monolith brings both miraculous technology and demonic catastrophe, the narrative sets a brooding tone from the outset. You play as Kim Rip, a stoic swordsman possessed by a demon yet tasked with purging the land of hellspawn. The story is delivered with minimalistic dialogue and environmental cues, and while it’s light on cinematic depth, the overall world-building is effective, with corrupted machinery and traditional architecture fused into a unique dystopian backdrop. The game’s premise isn’t particularly original in its “fight demons with demonic power” arc, but it’s held together by solid atmosphere and some interesting lore beats.
Gameplay-wise, Satgat thrives on its core combat loop. Movement and swordplay feel weighty and satisfying, with deliberate strikes, dodges, and special abilities that reward patience and precision. The inclusion of ranged weapons and unlockable skills adds welcome variety as the game progresses, and bosses often push players to master the finer details of the combat system. There’s an impressive range of mobility options too, with traversal upgrades that open up the world in classic Metroidvania fashion. Some players may find the platforming a touch stiff at first, but as you unlock new abilities, navigation becomes far more fluid and enjoyable.
One area where Satgat makes a strong impression is its art direction. The 2.5D visuals combine stylized character designs with layered backgrounds and dynamic lighting to create a world that feels alive and corrupted all at once. The environments are varied, ranging from rusted cityscapes to eerie forests and bleak military ruins, and the contrast between traditional Korean architecture and futuristic decay is visually compelling. That said, the animations can occasionally look stiff, particularly when it comes to enemy behaviors, which may detract slightly from the immersion during more intense battles.
The audio work also supports the mood well. The soundtrack leans into ambient dread with subtle synths and distorted industrial tones that never overwhelm but keep the tension simmering. Sound effects for combat and exploration are satisfying overall, though some weapon and enemy sounds could use more variation to better distinguish between threat types and action feedback.
While the game succeeds in many areas, it’s not without flaws. Some difficulty spikes feel uneven, particularly in boss fights where attack patterns can be erratic or not well telegraphed. There are also a few pacing issues in the early hours, where the upgrade progression feels a bit stingy, leaving players underpowered for longer than necessary. And though the interconnected world map is well-designed overall, the lack of fast travel options early on makes backtracking more of a chore than it needs to be.
Still, there’s a lot to like in The Devil Within: Satgat. It’s a bold and atmospheric title that manages to stand out in a crowded genre through its distinct visual identity and weighty combat. While it may not reach the same level of refinement as the genre’s elite, it’s clear that Newcore Games is aiming high – and often gets surprisingly close. With some additional polish and balancing, this could become a cult favorite among fans of stylish, punishing action games. As it stands, it’s a flawed but memorable journey through a world where beauty and ruin walk hand in hand.
Score: 7.1/10
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