Demon Tides Review: The Unquestioned Champion of 3D Platforming in 2026
In a gaming landscape where 3D platformers have largely faded from mainstream prominence, indie developer Fabraz has delivered a masterclass with Demon Tides, the full sequel to 2021's Demon Turf. This title not only revitalizes the genre but stands as the best 3D platformer of the year, offering an experience that competes directly with the quality of Super Mario games.
A Genre Reborn Through Indie Innovation
With Nintendo currently silent on new 3D Mario releases and no Astro Bot in sight, the responsibility for advancing 3D platforming has fallen to independent studios. Fabraz, already celebrated for Demon Turf and Neon Splash, has risen to the occasion spectacularly. While the developer is also working on a Bubsy revival—a challenging endeavor—Demon Tides represents their most ambitious project to date.
The game transitions protagonist Beebz from a 2D sprite into a fully realized 3D character, set against the vast, diverse archipelago of Ragnar's Rock. The narrative follows Beebz visiting her estranged father, only to become embroiled in a civil war between the ruling class and the oppressed proletariat. Her decision to oppose her father sets the stage for an expansive platforming adventure across impressively large environments.
Unprecedented Freedom and Customization
Ragnar's Rock is divided into three oceanic sections, each containing dozens of distinct locations that players can explore in any order. This non-linear structure emphasizes player choice, a core philosophy that extends to gameplay mechanics. Beebz possesses a wide array of standard platforming moves, but the game truly shines with its demonic transformation system.
- Transformations include a drill, bat, and sea snake, each offering unique traversal options.
- Players can only transform once before landing, requiring strategic planning and foresight.
- Multiple pathways through levels encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving.
This design creates an organic difficulty curve, allowing players to tackle challenges incrementally or in daring combos. The collection of talismans further expands abilities, enabling modifications like a double jump for the snake form or adjustments to the drill's functionality. Additional power-ups, such as a Zelda-style glider or roller-skates, provide even more versatility, all without being mandatory for progression.
Refined Gameplay and Accessibility
Building on lessons from earlier titles, Demon Tides offers a more forgiving experience than Demon Turf, thanks to customizable checkpoints. While difficult sections exist off the beaten path, the main game is accessible to players of all skill levels. However, those who prefer structured, linear experiences may find the open-ended nature disorienting, as the game's loose structure can occasionally feel random or empty despite its clear inspiration from Super Mario Odyssey.
Combat has been simplified, with most enemies defeated in a single hit, making melee encounters feel perfunctory. The shared button for dash and attack sometimes leads to input errors, and the lack of memorable boss battles or set pieces means the focus remains almost exclusively on platforming.
A Triumph of Indie Development
Despite minor flaws, Demon Tides excels where it matters most: the core platforming mechanics are exceptional, and the freedom it grants players is invigorating. Fabraz's consistent improvement with each release suggests a bright future, potentially even elevating the upcoming Bubsy revival to new heights. If they succeed, Fabraz could cement its status as the leading developer of non-Nintendo 3D platformers.
Demon Tides is a testament to indie innovation, proving that with creativity and passion, niche genres can produce timeless classics. Available on PC and Nintendo Switch, this game is a must-play for platforming enthusiasts and a strong contender for game of the year in its category.
