The New Queen of 3D Platformers – Demon Tides PC Impressions

Fabraz, the creative force behind Demon Tides, has dubbed their latest project an “Expressive 3D Platformer“. After diving into the demo, I can’t think of a more fitting description. This direct sequel to Demon Turf doesn’t just build on its predecessor—it catapults it into a new realm, elevating everything from level design to move set complexity to the art style and graphics. The shift to a vibrant open-world adventure is the heart of what makes Demon Tides stand out, and it’s a bold move that pays off in spades.

The Mind Behind – Who is Fabraz?

Fabraz may not yet echo through the indie scene with the same resonance as titans like Supergiant or Team Cherry, but the potential to reach those heights doesn’t seem as far away. With their earlier hidden gem, the quirky 3D platformer Demon Turf, and the delightfully punishing 2D platforming series Slime-san, Fabraz has quietly carved a niche crafting standout platformers brimming with fresh ideas. While those titles haven’t garnered the widespread acclaim of a Cuphead or Celeste, Demon Tides feels poised to thrust Fabraz into the spotlight.

A New Wave – Intro to Demon Tides

In Demon Tides, you step back into the pointy shoes of Beebz, the beloved and freshly crowned Demon Queen of the prequel. This time, the formerly presumed orphan is sailing into uncharted territory after receiving a mysterious letter from the distant Demon King of Ragnar’s Rock claiming to be her father. The catch? He resides in an unreachable castle floating miles above the sprawling sea. What follows is a thrilling journey packed with inventive challenges as Beebz seeks a way to ascend to the sky-bound fortress. It’s a premise that hooks you from the start and sets the stage for a platforming epic unlike any other.

For years, I’ve held core 3D Mario experiences such as Super Mario 64, Sunshine, and Odyssey as the gold standard for their unparalleled sense of freedom and openness. While games like Astro Bot and Crash 4 shine in their own linear, but polished way, Demon Tides is the first 3D platformer since A Hat In Time to truly rival Mario’s legacy in that regard. Its sprawling tropical open world feels alive and begs to be explored, offering a level of design ambition that’s extremely refreshing.

As Deep as the Ocean – Demo/Gameplay Impressions

What sets Demon Tides apart is the character moveset. It’s one of the most intricate and robust I’ve ever encountered in a 3D platformer. Chaining Beebz’s demanding movement combos feels less like platforming and more like pulling off a flawless string of moves in Tekken. It transforms the game into a speedrunner’s paradise, with near-infinite possibilities for creative traversal. Even if you’re not chasing world records, the mechanics invite you to experiment and play with style, making every platforming section a sandbox of fun. This complexity, however, makes the experience less welcoming to beginners, which feels like the antithesis of a genre traditionally celebrated as an accessible entry point into gaming.

The demo alone bursts with content, offering a tantalizing taste of the full adventure. In this open-world slice, you’re free to tackle a constellation of islands in any order that sparks your curiosity. Each island brims with secrets—a treasure chest awaits, along with various collectibles that demand you flex your platforming prowess to claim them. Beyond that, most islands hide a second chest tied to a unique quest, ensuring every locale feels fresh and distinct.

This addictive gameplay loop hooks you fast: crack open both chests to score rewards like quirky costumes, game-altering talismans (think a paraglider to soar across gaps), currency for the shops, and more. Once you’ve plundered both, a speedrunning challenge unlocks, pitting you against the clock (and a worldwide leaderboard) as you race from the starting line to the now-familiar chests, pushing your skills to the limit.

A Beautiful Beach Bash – Presentation & Soundtrack

Visually, Demon Tides marks a noticeable evolution from Demon Turf. The prequel’s unique art style was striking but divisive, and while you can still switch back to it if you’re a fan, the sequel’s updated look is a step forward—though it’s not without its quirks. Environments and texture details aren’t the sharpest, occasionally showing the game’s rough edges, but the overall world and character design carry an undeniable charm. Beebz herself is a standout, with expressive animations and a charismatic flair that make her a joy to control, even if the occasional glitch can interrupt the flow.

The soundtrack simultaneously complements the tropical vibe perfectly, delivering groovy tunes that fit the sun-soaked open world. It’s not quite on the level of a Sonic or Mario OST, but it’s satisfying and keeps the energy high. Speaking of energy, Beebz brings plenty of it with her quippy, playful dialogue, backed by a lovable crew that feels akin to One Piece with their camaraderie and heart. The minor NPCs scattered across the island add even more flavor—some offer laugh-out-loud exchanges, while others hint at the darker undercurrents of a kingdom abandoned by its once-beloved King. It’s a narrative thread that deepens the world and keeps you invested.

The Shallow End – My Nitpicks

That said, not everything is flawless. A few gripes I had are that the camera can be a hassle, especially when entering buildings where it tries to lock into place but sometimes stumbles. It’s a minor frustration, but it can break the flow of exploration. Another nitpick is that the world occasionally feels disjointed and random, even for a 3D Platformer. There might be story reasons for this that I haven’t uncovered yet, but out of context, navigating this world can feel jarring and disrupt the otherwise cohesive vibe. Lastly, as an indie title that strives towards ambition with a vast scale and scope, it lacks the polish of its more linear, AA counterparts in the genre. Yet, this minor trade-off feels trivial when weighed against an experience that boldly redefines the boundaries of its field.

The Ebb – Closing Thoughts

After 12 hours with the demo, which is available now on Steam—I’m still hooked on Demon Tides. The replayability, driven by its stellar mechanics and open-ended design, is off the charts. Demon Tides isn’t just my most anticipated game of 2025; it’s a title that could give the Reigning Champion, a next-gen 3D Mario, a run for its money. Fabraz has crafted something special here—a bold, expressive platformer that’s as ambitious as it is fun. With the full release slated for sometime in 2025, this demo has already cemented Demon Tides as a must-play for fans of the genre. Dive in now and see why it’s poised to make waves.