Demon Tides surprises as a 3D platformer, with dynamic moveset and Steam Deck adjustments

Complete review of Demon Tides, a 3D platformer with versatile mechanics and open exploration; see how it runs on the Steam Deck and the best settings.

Overview

Demon Tides arrives as a bold proposal in the genre, seeking to stand out among 3D platforming classics. The review received the game from Fabraz to test its proposition, which combines an open world with agile gameplay and a striking oceanic aesthetic.

Movement Mechanics

The game places movement at the center of the experience, offering a set of actions that expand through transformable forms. Basic jumps, wall-jumps, and climbing form the base, while boosts accelerate the action for a limited time. Unlockable forms include:

• Bat form for double jump
• Serpent form for ground and water speed
• Spin form for greater jump range, quick dive, and cannon attacks

By creatively combining these forms, challenges become opportunities for experimentation, bringing a feeling similar to that of great titles in the genre, but with its own identity.

Talismans and Customization

Throughout the adventure, it is possible to equip Talismans that instantly alter the moveset. Want to increase the jump, boost the bat's speed, or make the Spin generate more thrust? Just equip the corresponding talisman and the gameplay changes immediately, expanding the options for facing the obstacles in the way.

Progression and Open World

The structure combines well-defined progression with free exploration. The player travels the ocean to find islands full of coins and challenges that unlock gears, Talismans, and outfits. Although crossing between islands is free, the world is divided into three areas that require a specific amount of gears for unlocking. The idea of mixing open exploration with blocked areas might seem strange, but it does not compromise the experience.

Quality of Life and Minor Observations

There are some occasional setbacks, but the gameplay remains fluid when crossing water, climbing walls, and jumping between platforms. The game offers quality-of-life features such as a direction indicator when pressing a button, in addition to a photo mode and an optional checkpoint system for those who prefer more control over progress.

Accessibility and Technical Options

The settings allow adjusting features like cutscene skipping, hiding the UI, changing the game speed, and activating Invincibility. Support includes 16:10 resolutions, cloud saves, and compatibility with different controllers. There are no HDR options.

Performance on Steam Deck

On the Steam Deck, performance does not remain stable at 60 FPS like in some other works from the studio. The game offers a specific preset for the Deck, but the GPU may not be fully utilized, causing drops in more demanding areas. The recommendation for a consistent experience is to lock the frame rate at 40 FPS at 80 Hz and keep the preset to balance power consumption. At medium quality, power consumption can reach about 18 W with frame drops, while with the preset it stays between 12 and 14 W.

Despite the occasional visual limitations, the experience remains fully playable and enjoyable in portable mode, especially for those looking to play on the go.

Conclusion

Demon Tides exceeds expectations as a 3D platformer, with sharp mechanics, high customization, and an engaging open world that rewards exploration. Rewards for completing challenges are significant, and minor setbacks do not compromise the overall experience.

Regarding performance on the Steam Deck, the experience is desirable, but not perfect. The best practice is to maintain 40 FPS/80 Hz for stability, keeping the Deck preset to balance battery and quality. This review is based on the PC version of the game.

Curious to know more? Leave your comment below Answering: what aspect of Demon Tides did you find most captivating, and do you prefer exploring the ocean freely or with blocked areas to unlock content?

Veja mais artigos como Demon Tides surprises as a 3D platformer, with dynamic moveset and Steam Deck adjustments na categoria News.