Demonschool is a delightfully offbeat blend of demon-hunting and campus life, wrapped in a tactical RPG that feels part puzzle, part Persona-inspired life sim. On a remote university island, Faye and a ragtag team navigate daily classes, friendship-building, and monstrous incursions – all while trying to prevent apocalyptic chaos. The story leans into absurdity, with dry humour and playful horror rather than genuine terror, creating a tone that is more sitcom than nightmare.
The narrative structure uses a semester-like weekly cycle, pushing the player to balance class attendance, social obligations, and side-missions. There is real charm in the interactions: minigames such as karaoke, cooking, and fishing populate the free time, and relationships with up to fifteen characters offer moments of genuine warmth. Yet, the systems don’t always feel fully baked – some character arcs remain superficial, and the rewards for friendship don’t quite land as meaningfully as one might hope. There’s also a sense that the familiar weekly-rhythm can repeat itself, making parts of the campaign feel longer than strictly necessary.
Combat is the game’s true highlight – a clever two-phase system where planning matters as much as execution. At the start of each turn, action points can be allocated and moves previewed, including rewinding to refine strategies. When execution comes, all decisions play out in one go, creating a tension-filled resolution as opposing forces act simultaneously. Character mobility is key: one ally can phase across enemy lines, another buffs and heals, and careful deployment of abilities can swing a battle. Boss encounters raise the stakes further, forcing creative team composition and careful use of each character’s unique moves. The system feels like a thinking person’s tactical RPG, although some fights begin to feel repetitive over time.
Visually and aurally, Demonschool is striking. The pixel art merges with touches of early 3D design, evoking nostalgia for classic JRPGs while also offering a stylistically bold presentation. Cutscenes experiment with more dynamic camera angles, giving certain moments a cinematic flourish. The soundtrack leans into gothic and post-punk influences, with synth lines, deep bass, and occasional choral touches that reinforce the game’s eerie but playful mood.
That said, there are rough edges. Technical glitches like small bugs can temper the experience. The length also tests the pacing: around twenty hours or more, the campaign does not always justify its runtime, especially when some of the looped mechanics begin to wear thin. Meanwhile, for players not deeply familiar with tactical RPGs, the depth of the combat system can feel complex or even slightly inaccessible.
Still, Demonschool’s personality carries it. The tone is confident in its weirdness, the world is charmingly strange, and the tactical combat offers rewarding strategic moments. The blend of horror homage, school routine, and grid-based battles makes for a memorable package. On PS5, its presentation and polish feel like a strong match for the platform. For players who appreciate stylish, thoughtful tactics and don’t mind a few narrative or technical stumbles, Demonschool delivers a semester worth attending – even if it’s not the perfect grade-A experience.
Score: 8.0/10
Press Play Media 