Previously, we’ve expressed our admiration for Crow Country, essentially a tribute from SFB Games to the classic survival horror titles that shaped the PS1 era, like Resident Evil and Silent Hill. With the recent releases for the Switch and PS4 coinciding with the Halloween season, I found it necessary to revisit this gem. After this experience, it became evident that the Switch version of Crow Country stands out as an ideal horror game, catering to a wide range of players during Halloween and beyond.
The story revolves around Mara Forest, a woman on a quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the deserted Crow Country amusement park. Where has Edward Crow, the park’s owner, vanished? What eerie events transpire in the dilapidated remains of this attraction? Can we make it through the terrors that lie ahead? It channels the essence of games from that iconic time, albeit with smoother controls.
A notable feature of Crow Country is its accessibility, making it an appealing choice on the Switch for gamers of all preferences, including those who typically steer clear of horror. The game offers a classic Survival Horror mode that will bring to mind elements from Resident Evil and Silent Hill. In this mode, precision is key; wasted shots could mean disaster. For those seeking a greater challenge, the challenging Murder of Crows mode ensures that every bullet counts, elevating the stakes significantly. I attempted this harder mode prior to delving deeper into the game, and it was definitely intense. Conversely, the Exploration Mode provides a gentler experience, focusing on visual and narrative elements without the violent confrontations.
This design choice also contributes to Crow Country’s wider appeal. The game’s ambiance is intentionally dark and foreboding, filled with fog and eerie mascots. While blood and bizarre, unsettling entities feature prominently, there’s a unique challenge where players must engage with gruesome tasks to collect essential items, creating a disquieting but fascinating experience. The artistic direction allows players to engage with its unsettling themes without the intense pressure typically found in horror games.
I found Crow Country to be an excellent choice for the Switch because, despite its horror elements, the gameplay focuses significantly on solving puzzles and unraveling mysteries. It evokes a Scooby-Doo vibe, infused with lethal risks and surprising humor from Mara’s witty remarks. Surprisingly, this horror game manages to create a comfortable atmosphere for players.
Cozying up with Crow Country on the Switch, wrapped in a blanket while navigating the challenges of a chilling amusement park, was an enjoyable experience. Its performance on the handheld is excellent, and the concise storyline is perfectly suited for portable gaming sessions, making it a delightful option for this spooky time of year.
Crow Country is available on Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC via Steam.
Images Credit: Siliconera.com
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