As a giant fan of horror video games typically, I’m all the time keeping track of which one I ought to decide up subsequent, huge or small. Crow Nation is an indie sport that has come from seemingly nowhere to develop into one of many higher horror video games of the 12 months and in current reminiscence. It received’t be for everybody, however these of a sure age will adore it. Many players’ first foray into horror video games can be the unique Resident Evil again in 1996. At first look, Crow Nation seems prefer it was made round that very same time. From the best way characters transfer, the graphics and all-around basic gameplay, it’s clear that the inspiration was from these early Resident Evil (and Silent Hill) titles. It simply modernises the system in sure methods.
I say this received’t be for everybody as a result of you must keep in mind that 1996 was nearly 30 years in the past, that means that what labored again then – particularly contemplating 3D video games have been very a lot model new on the time – doesn’t essentially imply it’ll work at the moment. If we proceed to take Resident Evil for example, the gameplay of these earlier titles feels primitive in comparison with the extra just lately launched, over-the-shoulder video games. Having stated that (and whereas I really like the path Resident Evil has gone within the final 7 or so years), I personally suppose there’s completely a spot for this fashion of sport at the moment and Crow Nation reveals us precisely why.
Crow Nation takes place in 1990 and also you tackle the function of Mara Forest, who visits a preferred amusement park to seek for the proprietor, Edward Crow. Issues (clearly) don’t fairly go as easily as one would hope, as she should make her approach by means of every distinct space of the park. The setting works nicely. Whereas it’s by no means going to be as iconic because the Spencer mansion or the police station from Resident Evil or Resident Evil 2 respectively, a creepy, deserted amusement park works in addition to you’ll suppose.
Whereas the similarities are there for all to see, it’s not a case of copy and paste. There are elements that Crow Nation does higher than its contemporaries on the time. For starters, whereas tank controls are nonetheless right here to some extent, it’s a lot simpler to maneuver Mara round and the digicam is player-controlled, from left to proper. This implies you now not should shoot blindly down a hallway at an enemy you can’t see. A number of the variations are merely high quality of life adjustments, akin to having the ability to change weapons on the fly and marks on the map for which keys unlock which doorways.
If you encounter enemies, you often have two choices. The primary of which is to easily keep away from them, and that is truly an honest choice from time to time because it isn’t important to kill each single enemy you come throughout. The second choice is to kill them with a trusty firearm, and that is the place it differs from old-school Resident Evil. You see, when you purpose your gun, you don’t lock on to the enemy. As an alternative, a crosshair seems on-screen, and you need to manually purpose your self. It takes some getting used to, however when you do, you’ll realise how a lot better that is than it was up to now. It lets you precisely pinpoint which a part of the enemy you wish to shoot, somewhat than capturing at a basic space and hopefully getting a headshot at random. This mechanic additionally permits different gameplay concepts to come back into place, akin to having the ability to shoot chandeliers from the ceiling or destroy traps on the ground. This nearly seems like a mix between the PS1 period video games and Resident Evil 4, in that you could freely purpose, however you need to stand nonetheless when doing so.
Fortunately, puzzles are a part of Crow Nation as a lot as they’re in Resident Evil. Whereas none of them have been notably mind-boggling to unravel, it’s nearly a core characteristic of the style. Many merely require you to go looking for clues, whether or not that be a code on the wall that you need to keep in mind or a letter from a thriller individual with hints at what to do. The extent of element is a giant power of Crow Nation and the puzzles be sure that the participant is exploring always, as you may work together with many elements of the atmosphere to seek out out little titbits.
As talked about earlier on, this sport seems prefer it was made within the 90’s and deliberately so. For these on the lookout for a sport with cutting-edge graphics (for the Swap, not less than), you’re not going to seek out that right here. Whereas the visuals are very reminiscent and blocky trying, they’re not a carbon copy of something that has come earlier than within the style. The characters particularly appear to be one thing out of Remaining Fantasy 7, the place they’ve further fats round their joints. The environments aren’t a muddy blur like they’d have been within the 90’s, both. They’re much smoother, and it’s simpler to identify issues in your environment.
Coming in at round 5-6 hours, Crow Nation isn’t a very lengthy sport. You may get by means of it in a few sittings, which for some individuals is ideal. Whereas I’d have preferred a bit of bit extra, it makes certain that it doesn’t falter at any stage all through everything of the sport. It’s a powerful efficiency all through and for that, I can’t fault it. That is bite-sized, sure, however don’t let that idiot you into pondering that you just don’t get bang on your buck.
As a fan of the style relationship again to the 90s, regardless that I fully perceive why titles akin to Crow Nation aren’t being made by the Capcoms of this world anymore, I do miss this fashion. Whereas it has clearly been impressed by the early Resident Evil video games, the modernisations and high quality of life additions go a great distance to make sure that this isn’t only a carbon copy of one thing that has gone earlier than. If old-school survival horror is what you need in 2024, put Crow Nation proper on the prime of your checklist.
Model Examined: Nintendo SwitchReview copy offered by SFB Video games
