Crow Country Review (PS4): An Ode to the Classics

The AAA modern survival horror scene has recently seen a resurgence, especially with Bloober Team’s outstanding remake of Silent Hill 2 and the acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 4 and Dead Space. However, the game in question today breaks away from modern conventions, choosing to resurrect the classic survival horror formula of the ’90s. Crow Country not only revives the narrow corridors reminiscent of Resident Evil but also does so with finesse.

“Crow Country,” developed and published by SFB Games, pays homage to the golden era of survival horror, channeling the essence of iconic PlayStation 1 titles such as Resident Evil and Silent Hill. Launched on May 9, 2024, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, and subsequently on October 16, 2024, for PS4 and Switch, the game has swiftly established a following among aficionados of the genre.

Not a Cake Walk

The game plunges players into the eerie world of an abandoned theme park circa 1990, where they take on the role of Special Agent Mara Forest, tasked with uncovering the fate of the missing park owner, Edward Crow. The narrative is deeply rooted in classic horror storytelling, with a blend of mystery and supernatural elements, heavily inspired by its genre forebears.

That said, given its challenging nature and recent achievements amidst contemporary horror titles, it may not cater to the general public. Nonetheless, genre enthusiasts will likely find it highly appealing.

Back to the Roots

Crow Country distinguishes itself by blending contemporary intuitiveness with traditional gameplay mechanics. The controls have been enhanced to be more accessible than those of its spiritual predecessors, yet the fundamental survival horror experience remains intact. This balance allows newcomers to easily immerse themselves in the game, while veterans will value the preservation of the genre’s quintessential elements.

In comparison, the game sets itself apart from Resident Evil by delivering a more story-focused experience, featuring puzzles that are intricately woven into the narrative. The distinctive setting of a deserted theme park offers a new spin, serving as an original setting for the emerging horror.

Back to the Last Gen

Technically, the PS4 version of Crow Country holds up quite well against the PS5 version, running at a stable 60 fps. However, it lacks notable features from the PS5 release, such as Dualsense haptics, and unfortunately, there is no option for a free or paid upgrade to the PS5 version.

The decision by the team to release a new port for the PS4 and Nintendo Switch demonstrates their commitment to the platform, similar to how Respawn ensured a playable experience with Jedi Survivor on last-gen consoles.

Real Talk

Crow Country skillfully blends the nostalgic allure of classic survival horror with modern game design advancements. The game’s atmospheric environment, captivating puzzles, and user-friendly controls render it an essential experience for both long-time fans and new players. Still, given its challenging nature and fixed camera angle perspectives, it’s not something that may appeal to everyone.

FINAL RATING: 80/100