Demon Turf: Neon Splash Review

If you have played the original Demon Turf game that was released in 2021 on the 4th of November, you are in for a surprise; developer Fabraz has been busy and a sequel called Demon Turf: Neon Splash is here. This title is a 3D platformer, but has you playing as a 2D character trying to complete courses as fast as possible. To successfully finish the level, you just have to reach the mirror at the end.

All the original characters from the first Demon Turf game are here: Beebz, the main demon character you will play as; Midgi, the kappa with a unicorn horn that makes and sells you items; and Luci, who gives you hints on where to go next. Demon Turf: Neon Splash is more of a 3D racing platformer game, so there are no bosses to fight — except for the clock if that counts — so the ability to punch isn't included in this title. The first course you tackle is Pool Party. This is where you can learn all the different types of moves Beebz can perform, but this level is not just a fun tutorial, it is also a challenge course all of its own. 

There are three different trophies to earn — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — and to get the Gold trophy in this level you must complete it in two minutes or less. Just because this is a tutorial, that doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park; on my first attempt, my time was 21:52.67 — I was not getting a trophy! The tutorial level teaches you how to do a large variety of jumps while switching between demon and bat forms, including: short, high, triple, side, wall, double, and super jumps. Beebz can also perform spins, dashes, and a move called a rollout. A rollout is when she takes on the form of a ring and rolls around like a tyre. You can buy additional mods that will give you upgrades to your existing moves as well as other perks from Midji, using lollipops that you can collect while playing through the courses.

When I began playing Demon Turf: Neon Splash, one of the trickiest things to learn was how to properly control the camera. Even having the camera set to auto, a lot of times I found that I wasn’t sure where I was jumping; I suggest using the right thumbstick to rotate the camera so you can see the platforms and hazards that surround you. After attempting the level a few times you learn where you have to go and what moves work the best to get you there; muscle memory is extremely helpful in this game, though I can promise you that feeling frustrated is something you will become very familiar with. Once you beat a level the next one will be unlocked for you to challenge, and when all 10 courses are completed you can use the remix mode that will give you access to harder versions of the levels.

Demon Turf: Neon Splash has fun, colourful 3D levels mixed with 2D hand-drawn characters and a charming photo mode for Beebz to take all the selfies she wants. There are 10 different courses to challenge, each taking place in a unique location including subways, cities, highways, and even a vineyard. The music that accompanies the levels is upbeat and cheery, and honestly, when you spend 20 minutes on one level it can get irritating. There I was, super frustrated, and this music sounded so happy and chipper it made me mad.

I have a real love/hate relationship with Demon Turf: Neon Splash. Sure it’s a fun game but damn, I suck at it! 12 hours in I still feel like I’m still not getting any better. My fastest run so far is over 21 minutes; I definitely won’t be earning one of those trophies anytime soon. At this point, I am just happy if I successfully reach the goal at the end. I love that you can place a checkpoint flag at any spot to make that where you will start if you die. This is incredibly helpful, and if this wasn't an option there is no way I would have been able to complete any of the levels! 

If you are a fan of 3D platformers, especially challenging ones, Demon Turf: Neon Splash may be a title that you are going to want to check out. With leaderboards to keep track of your best runs and compare them to other players, trophies to earn on each of the courses, and other challenges, there is a lot to do here. Now excuse me as I go and try to beat my personal best record of over 20 minutes, and probably swear a ton as I get super frustrated… oh and don’t forget, if you fall into the water you will die and have to start over again at the checkpoint.