Demonschool is finally here after a few delays, and it’s bringing something fresh to the tactics RPG genre. Developed by Necrosoft Games and released on November 19, 2024, this game mixes turn-based tactical combat with social sim elements reminiscent of Persona. You’ll balance demon hunting with attending classes, building friendships, and managing a university schedule on a mysterious island caught between the human and demon worlds.
What Makes Demonschool Stand Out
The core hook is what Necrosoft calls “motion equals action” combat. Unlike traditional tactics games where you select abilities from menus, you simply move your characters toward enemies and they automatically execute contextual actions. Run at an enemy and you’ll attack them. Move near an object and you’ll interact with it. This streamlined approach makes battles feel more fluid while still maintaining tactical depth.
Combat takes place on an isometric grid with a shared action point pool for your team of up to four characters. The clever twist is that each subsequent action costs more points, so your first move costs one point, your second costs two, and so on. This encourages you to spread actions across your entire team rather than relying on a single overpowered character. You can also rewind any action during the planning phase, letting you experiment until you find the perfect combination of moves.
Planning Phase Meets Action Phase
Battles happen in two distinct phases. During the planning phase, you set up all your moves while enemies telegraph their upcoming attacks. You can see exactly what will happen and adjust accordingly, rewinding as much as needed. Once you’re satisfied, you let everything play out in the action phase where all moves execute simultaneously in a visually dynamic sequence.
The system emphasizes combos and elemental attacks. Buffing allies and debuffing enemies compounds damage output, and certain character combinations produce unique elemental attacks that exploit enemy weaknesses. Many fights have a puzzle-like quality where you need to figure out the optimal sequence to defeat enemies efficiently. Once you’ve eliminated enough demons, you move a unit to the far side of the battlefield to seal the rift and end combat.
University Life Between Battles
When you’re not fighting demons, you’re living the life of university student Faye and her misfit companions. You can explore the island, talk to various NPCs to deepen relationships with 14 other characters, and plan your school schedule to customize traits and build skills. Instead of traditional leveling up, you study specific skills at the university to improve your characters.
The social elements directly impact the tactical gameplay. The choices you make about who to spend time with can influence which abilities you unlock and even affect the game’s multiple endings. You can also upgrade your clubhouse, giving the game a light base-building element alongside the relationship management.
Platform Availability and Performance
Demonschool launched simultaneously on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and PC through Steam and Epic Games Store. The game supports Windows, macOS, and Linux on PC. Early player reports on Switch OLED describe it as a chill and fun experience that runs well on the handheld, making it a solid option for portable play.
Development Journey
The game was originally scheduled for September 3, 2024, but Necrosoft delayed it to November 19 to avoid competing with the release of Hollow Knight: Silksong. While some fans were frustrated by another delay, especially since Demonschool was originally meant to launch in 2024, the extra time appears to have been used for polish. Early reviews highlight the standout art style, graphics, and music as major strengths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Demonschool single-player only or does it have multiplayer?
Demonschool is purely a single-player experience. There are no multiplayer modes or online features. The focus is entirely on the story campaign and tactical battles.
How long does it take to complete Demonschool?
Based on early player reports, a full playthrough can take anywhere from 20 to 30 hours depending on how much you engage with the social sim elements and side quests. Players who focus mainly on the main story will finish faster than those who maximize all relationships.
Can I play Demonschool without any tactics RPG experience?
Yes, the streamlined combat system is actually more accessible than many traditional tactics games. The ability to rewind moves during the planning phase means you can learn through experimentation without being punished for mistakes.
What’s the difficulty level compared to other tactics games?
Demonschool sits somewhere in the middle. It’s less punishing than games like XCOM or Fire Emblem but offers more challenge than casual strategy games. The puzzle-like nature of fights means success often comes from figuring out the right approach rather than grinding levels.
Are there romance options like in Persona?
While the game features relationship building with 14 characters, the available information doesn’t specifically mention romance options. The focus seems to be on friendships and how they impact combat abilities and story endings.
How does the game run on Nintendo Switch?
Early reports from Switch OLED players indicate the game runs well with smooth performance. The turn-based nature means frame rate isn’t as critical as in action games, making it well-suited for portable play.
Is there any DLC planned for Demonschool?
Necrosoft Games hasn’t announced any DLC plans yet. As a newly launched game from a smaller studio, it’s unclear whether they’ll pursue post-launch content or focus on their next project.
Conclusion
Demonschool offers a fresh take on tactics RPGs by simplifying combat mechanics while adding social sim depth. The combination of streamlined action-oriented battles and university life management creates something that feels distinct in a crowded genre. Whether you’re a tactics veteran looking for something different or a Persona fan curious about turn-based combat, Demonschool delivers an accessible entry point with enough strategic depth to stay engaging. Now available across all major platforms, it’s worth checking out if you want something that mixes the best parts of Japanese and Western RPG design.