Are you tired of furiously masturbating to mediocre MTL asset flips until it chafes? Do you want to play a game that actually makes you feel something? (Other than the feeling of your dick/pussy in your hands). Do you want to play a game that leaves you with that feeling of "what now?" after the credits roll? That makes you remember why playing obscure indie games is worth it? If yes, then put that bottle of lube down for a moment, and give Demons Roots a try. Keep the tissues with you however. You will still be needing those.
So, what makes Demons Roots worthy of the praise it's been getting over here? I played the game for around 50 hours until the credits rolled to find out. Lets start with the big guns:
Story:
Comparisons with Yoko Taro games are adept here. You can tell the creator has a fucking fetish for pulling at your heart strings. But you will let him, because you secretly enjoy it too. The thing is that the pacing is just right such that the comedic or wholesome parts actually manage to relieve the tension, and it does not feel cheap. Unfortunately it is hard to say too much here without spoilers, beyond what is already in the summary of the game. But I assure you that you will not see some of the plot twists coming. Another thing that drew me in is the fact that the game manages to be dark and raw in it's storytelling in a way only an H-game made by a single person can be. And it does this without falling into the pitfalls of endless misery porn, edginess or cucking by making use of it's good character writing, and the cast's optimistic outlook.
Character writing:
This is the bread and butter of the game, and what elevates the story even further. Every single party member is pretty lovable and has an interesting story line that is explored throughout the game. Your team will include an interdimensional police officer in search of her family, a futa prince fighting in the royal game of succession, a gladiator forced to do unspeakable acts for the cheering crowds, and a magic student in a school that makes 1984 look like a relaxing summer vacation. They all have one thing in common: They are essentially slaves, brought together as brothers (and sisters) in arms by their will to change their fates, and by the leadership of the main character: Deathpolca. What can I even say about her? I don't think there are any H games with a better written protagonist. (Yeah, that's a pretty low bar, I know). Even other games with otherwise great stories can still end up with the clueless "UwU, what are you doing goblin-san. Yamete kudasaaaai!" girl as MC. Either that or a dude with absolutely no personality beyond the desire of getting his dick wet at every opportunity and by any means necessary (looking at you, Rance). Yeah, sometimes they are funny, but I am sure Deathpolca's smugness and humour will get a good laugh out of you too.
The fact that the cast is so relatable, combined with the ever-present threat of the gruesome "Prison of Warning" (the Bad End mode) increases the stakes of the story and gives a weight to the character's struggles. It's not just implied: Should Deathpolca and her party lose a fight, you will see your beloved team experience what happens to those who oppose the empire, in around 20 or so different scenarios you can chose from. For example, being sent to the frontlines to live as cum-dumps for the rest of their lives. If you ask me, that is some pretty good motivation to not lose. The art here is also not as tame as my description makes it sound. I think most people will have trouble fapping to the bad end scenes, so that is not the intended purpose here (but who am I to judge, you crazy bastard!). Luckily the scenes are also not as cruel as to require immediate eye bleach and therapy either. No gore, severed body parts flying around, and that kind of stuff. Instead, the scenes kept me constantly hoping there would be a better end. A satisfying payoff, and a respite to Polca and her party's perils. I also know that these indie devs are crazy enough not to do that just to fuck with you. But you will have to see for yourself what happens. Just don't fall for the "fake ending" mid way through. Gotta see it all the way till the end.
Music:
Since I mentioned Rance before, I could also tell you that one of the composers of that game (Shade) also composed the key tracks of the Demons Roots OST. And they slap. Check it out:
How many games here even have the luxury of an OST that is at least decent? Furthermore, the tracks are used pretty well. They will play during the emotional moments, or the climaxes of the boss fights.
Art:
The character and H art is solid. (Of course it is, the author is a Doujin illustrator). There is also plenty of artwork beyond the H scenes for increased emotional damage. The style varies a bit here. Other than the regular anime art, some of the other drawings styles are perhaps references to the style of other "staples" in the genre.
Attention to details:
The game is very well polished. It's crazy to think it was done by a single person (over a couple of years I am sure). Each character's ultimate attack has a special cut-in animation. There are extra challenging side bosses, hidden puzzles that reward you with gear, and small side quests. I have not encountered any bugs, and the translation is great. With MTL games the impact of some scenes or the jokes can just not come through, which is thankfully not the case here. You also get a certificate png upon completing the game, with your total play time and party level. Small details all around to remind you that this is a labor of love.
H content:
Some scenes are sprinkled throughout the story. Most of the time they do not feel "forced", and help set the dark tone of the world. There is also the aforementioned Bad End mode, and a "theme park" where you can experience the more vanilla H content at your leisure.
The bad stuff:
- The story and characters might just not be your cup of tea. This could be the case if you really despise some or all of the following: RPG maker games, 1000 year-old loli demons, porn in your games, crying, or women.
- What am I supposed to play now? When will I find another little gem like this? Fuck.
- I know. I don't have much to say here. Yes, I'm pretty biased. I have a god-damn Deathpolca profile picture too so you could have honestly seen that coming. Check the other reviews if you want more details on this part, but hopefully from someone that at least finished the game and experienced the character's stories before writing their opinion about them.
TLDR: Big sadge
So, what makes Demons Roots worthy of the praise it's been getting over here? I played the game for around 50 hours until the credits rolled to find out. Lets start with the big guns:
Story:
Comparisons with Yoko Taro games are adept here. You can tell the creator has a fucking fetish for pulling at your heart strings. But you will let him, because you secretly enjoy it too. The thing is that the pacing is just right such that the comedic or wholesome parts actually manage to relieve the tension, and it does not feel cheap. Unfortunately it is hard to say too much here without spoilers, beyond what is already in the summary of the game. But I assure you that you will not see some of the plot twists coming. Another thing that drew me in is the fact that the game manages to be dark and raw in it's storytelling in a way only an H-game made by a single person can be. And it does this without falling into the pitfalls of endless misery porn, edginess or cucking by making use of it's good character writing, and the cast's optimistic outlook.
Character writing:
This is the bread and butter of the game, and what elevates the story even further. Every single party member is pretty lovable and has an interesting story line that is explored throughout the game. Your team will include an interdimensional police officer in search of her family, a futa prince fighting in the royal game of succession, a gladiator forced to do unspeakable acts for the cheering crowds, and a magic student in a school that makes 1984 look like a relaxing summer vacation. They all have one thing in common: They are essentially slaves, brought together as brothers (and sisters) in arms by their will to change their fates, and by the leadership of the main character: Deathpolca. What can I even say about her? I don't think there are any H games with a better written protagonist. (Yeah, that's a pretty low bar, I know). Even other games with otherwise great stories can still end up with the clueless "UwU, what are you doing goblin-san. Yamete kudasaaaai!" girl as MC. Either that or a dude with absolutely no personality beyond the desire of getting his dick wet at every opportunity and by any means necessary (looking at you, Rance). Yeah, sometimes they are funny, but I am sure Deathpolca's smugness and humour will get a good laugh out of you too.
The fact that the cast is so relatable, combined with the ever-present threat of the gruesome "Prison of Warning" (the Bad End mode) increases the stakes of the story and gives a weight to the character's struggles. It's not just implied: Should Deathpolca and her party lose a fight, you will see your beloved team experience what happens to those who oppose the empire, in around 20 or so different scenarios you can chose from. For example, being sent to the frontlines to live as cum-dumps for the rest of their lives. If you ask me, that is some pretty good motivation to not lose. The art here is also not as tame as my description makes it sound. I think most people will have trouble fapping to the bad end scenes, so that is not the intended purpose here (but who am I to judge, you crazy bastard!). Luckily the scenes are also not as cruel as to require immediate eye bleach and therapy either. No gore, severed body parts flying around, and that kind of stuff. Instead, the scenes kept me constantly hoping there would be a better end. A satisfying payoff, and a respite to Polca and her party's perils. I also know that these indie devs are crazy enough not to do that just to fuck with you. But you will have to see for yourself what happens. Just don't fall for the "fake ending" mid way through. Gotta see it all the way till the end.
Music:
Since I mentioned Rance before, I could also tell you that one of the composers of that game (Shade) also composed the key tracks of the Demons Roots OST. And they slap. Check it out:
How many games here even have the luxury of an OST that is at least decent? Furthermore, the tracks are used pretty well. They will play during the emotional moments, or the climaxes of the boss fights.
Art:
The character and H art is solid. (Of course it is, the author is a Doujin illustrator). There is also plenty of artwork beyond the H scenes for increased emotional damage. The style varies a bit here. Other than the regular anime art, some of the other drawings styles are perhaps references to the style of other "staples" in the genre.
Attention to details:
The game is very well polished. It's crazy to think it was done by a single person (over a couple of years I am sure). Each character's ultimate attack has a special cut-in animation. There are extra challenging side bosses, hidden puzzles that reward you with gear, and small side quests. I have not encountered any bugs, and the translation is great. With MTL games the impact of some scenes or the jokes can just not come through, which is thankfully not the case here. You also get a certificate png upon completing the game, with your total play time and party level. Small details all around to remind you that this is a labor of love.
H content:
Some scenes are sprinkled throughout the story. Most of the time they do not feel "forced", and help set the dark tone of the world. There is also the aforementioned Bad End mode, and a "theme park" where you can experience the more vanilla H content at your leisure.
The bad stuff:
- The story and characters might just not be your cup of tea. This could be the case if you really despise some or all of the following: RPG maker games, 1000 year-old loli demons, porn in your games, crying, or women.
- What am I supposed to play now? When will I find another little gem like this? Fuck.
- I know. I don't have much to say here. Yes, I'm pretty biased. I have a god-damn Deathpolca profile picture too so you could have honestly seen that coming. Check the other reviews if you want more details on this part, but hopefully from someone that at least finished the game and experienced the character's stories before writing their opinion about them.
TLDR: Big sadge