SFB Games presents Crow Country, a new survival horror game that shakes up the genre by daring to streamline the mechanics and redefine what truly captivates fans. They’ve taken a bold approach by scaling back on the typical horror elements, challenging players to rethink what draws them to games like Resident Evil or Silent Hill. As the game asks players to pinpoint their favorite aspects of survival horror—be it the graphics, jump scares, puzzles, or expansive maps—it prompts a deeper reflection on what makes these classics timeless. Initially picking it up as a fun Halloween distraction, I found myself grappling with more profound questions about the genre itself.
Our story unfolds with Mara Forest, the determined protagonist, entering the eerie confines of Crow Country, an abandoned amusement park steeped in mystery. Mara is on a mission to find the elusive Edward Crow, armed only with a handgun and her own veiled motivations. As Mara uncovers clues and solves puzzles, she encounters a colorful array of characters, each drawn to unravel the enigma of the park’s founders. The plot, while straightforward with a few surprising twists, progresses predictably, delivering just enough intrigue, particularly through its engaging cast. Yet, it wasn’t the storyline that resonated with me the most.
With a nostalgic nod to the PlayStation 1 era, Crow Country’s visuals embrace grainy filters and block-like character models. This intentional retro design, complemented by a Resident Evil-style inventory, strikes a familiar chord with fans of classic horror. The tilt-shifted camera adds a unique perspective, allowing players to explore richly detailed, Halloween-themed environments like intricate dioramas. I found myself absorbed in each setting, eagerly inspecting every detail and delighting in the entertaining flavor text that enhanced the world-building. The game’s soundtrack masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue, ensuring a constant state of unease that never relents.
What truly captured my attention in Crow Country were the puzzles. As a fan of the Resident Evil series primarily for its intricate puzzles, I appreciated how Crow Country shifted its focus toward exploration and puzzle-solving. Whether deciphering a passphrase from a staff memo or finally finding a keycard tucked away in a distant safe, each discovery brought a wave of satisfaction. The park’s relatively compact layout ensures that backtracking remains manageable, while the amusement park theme adds a whimsical touch—like locating a mermaid’s trident to unlock new areas.
Monsters like zombies, blobs, and tree beasts inhabit the park, yet most encounters can be sidestepped with a quick dash. Fortunately, ammo and health packs are plentiful, turning combat into a more forgiving aspect of the game. While Crow Country offers a faithful nod to the original Resident Evil’s gunplay, with its slow, deliberate aiming, this element felt like the weakest link in the experience. The imprecise aiming and exaggerated sway made evading foes my preferred strategy.
By dialing down the scare factor, SFB Games refocuses the experience on atmosphere and puzzles, which are precisely what I relish in such games. Crow Country feels like a haunted house escape room, delivering an impeccable blend of intricate puzzle design and atmospheric tension perfectly balanced in difficulty. With a handy hint system available, you’ll never be stuck on a puzzle for too long. My time with Crow Country was thoroughly enjoyable, and it’s undoubtedly earning a spot on my Game of the Year list.
