Demon Tides Review: Master the Schmovement or Wipe Out Trying.
https://www.geeksvsgeeks.com/2026/02/demon-tides-review-master-schmovement.html
There is something undeniably exciting about a new 3D platformer launch day, especially when it comes from a studio with a proven track record. Demon Tides is out now on Steam, Steam Deck Verified, with a Nintendo Switch version arriving later this year alongside a Fangamer physical release. That alone puts it firmly on the radar for platforming fans.
Created by Fabraz, the team behind Demon Turf and Slime-san, this new adventure sets its sights on something ambitious. Instead of tightly segmented levels, Demon Tides throws players into a seamless open ocean dotted with towering structures, hidden challenges, secrets, and mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
It is bold. It is colourful. It is bursting with personality. But does it stick the landing?
It is bold. It is colourful. It is bursting with personality. But does it stick the landing?
What Is It?
Demon Tides is a sequel to Demon Turf which was released in 2021. In this sequel the team goes bigger and better and sees the return of Beebz (the Demon Queen) in an expressive open world 3D platformer. Beebz once again is ready to race across oceans and uncover the kingdom’s darker secrets.
The hook here is freedom glazed with platform goodness. You and your team of misfits sail the ocean where you can jump ship any time and race at blazing speeds across open water, launch yourself toward distant structures, and then chain together jumps, hook shots, paraglides, bubbles, and shapeshifts in an effort to master what the developers proudly call “schmovement.”
You come equipped with a basic set of talents but various Talismans modify your move set as you explore and unlock them. Outfits, headgear, and hair dyes let you change your drip making sure you can express yourself in the best way. The more you put into the game the more you can get out of it , Hidden chests reward exploration, Ghost data allows you to race other players’ best times for those bragging rights and you can even tag walls with graffiti that appears in other players’ worlds to let them know YOU were here!
Gameplay
Demon Tides has both a chill and tense side to it, you can just take your girlypop and cruise around looking for things to do, placed to visit and explore. If you are getting fed up with an area and its challenging you can move on and try again later.
For the platforming the expressive move set is deep, but it demands precision and comfort with chaining mechanics together quickly. When it clicks, it sings. When it does not, it can sting. Which it did a lot for me and combined with the open world and "lack" of direction it was at times a bit frustrating for me at my old age, especially in the beginning of the game as I was still settling in.
The split reaction, fast movement gameplay might be the most telling thing about Demon Tides. If you are a movement purist or perhaps a speed running enthusiast, there is a lot of depth and challenge here. If you are more casual, you may need to willing to lean back, embrace experimentation and let go of perfectionism to truly your time in this game.
As I mentioned for me, the platforming often felt punishing in ways that especially in the beginning edged into frustration. Though I liked the presentation and the characters , it was other areas where I did not feel right at home. The open ocean structure, while impressive, occasionally made navigation feel disorienting. Missing a sequence of jumps after a long traversal segment could mean repeating sections that tested my patience more than my skill. ( this is where you come tell me to GIT GUD btw.)
My Daughter and co-founder of GVG, Kat tried the game as well however, had a very different experience. She found the vibe far more chill and she was all content exploring and letting the game surprise her. Instead of pushing for perfect routes, and forcing the narrative forward she explored at her own pace, experimented with abilities, and genuinely enjoyed the world’s personality.
Features like the ghost racing became a fun challenge rather than a stress point. The open ocean felt freeing rather than overwhelming. So I have to conclude that part of my experience, was caused by my own mindset and I am glad I was able to get Kat's perspective to share with you.
Presentation, World-Building, and Personality
Visually, you cannot deny that Demon Tides pops. The bright color palette and stylized character design give the world a playful tone. Beebz herself radiates confidence and charm, and that personality carries the experience forward even when the difficulty spikes.
Visually, you cannot deny that Demon Tides pops. The bright color palette and stylized character design give the world a playful tone. Beebz herself radiates confidence and charm, and that personality carries the experience forward even when the difficulty spikes.
The graffiti system adds a fun and clever layer, making the world feel inhabited by other adventurers, however distance they might be and locating tags is a blast as well. The option to race other players "ghosts" also reinforces that shared sense of world and provides a fun challenge. These small additions bring a subtle social energy to the game world that keeps the ocean from feeling barren and empty.
We all loved Beebz’s attitude and the expressive animations. And it is doing a lot of the heavy work in removing the issues I had with some of the mechanical friction. That speaks volumes about how strong the character work and tone really are.
Combined with good sound effects and a fun sound track the game provides a long exploration adventure .
Parental Advice
While there is combat and references to demons, the presentation is not horror, it is fun and whimsical and cartoony. The challenge level can be difficult at times but with patience and persistence the game has a lot to offer. I found no ESRB rating right now but once there is a release on switch you will definitely see it.
While there is combat and references to demons, the presentation is not horror, it is fun and whimsical and cartoony. The challenge level can be difficult at times but with patience and persistence the game has a lot to offer. I found no ESRB rating right now but once there is a release on switch you will definitely see it.
Final Thoughts
Demon Tides is ambitious. It pushes beyond traditional level based platforming into a seamless, movement focused playground. Sometimes that ambition results in exhilarating freedom and other times is can leads to frustration depending on your tolerance for precision and repetition.
If you want to check out the game first for yourself, there is a demo on steam as well.( I love the return of demos)
Game: Demon Tides
Developer: Fabraz
Publisher: Fabraz
Release Date: February 19, 2026
Platforms:PC (Steam, Steam Deck Verified), Switch later this year
ESRB Rating: N/A
Publisher: Fabraz
Release Date: February 19, 2026
Platforms:PC (Steam, Steam Deck Verified), Switch later this year
ESRB Rating: N/A
MSRP: $24.99
About the writer: DadGeek (Rob) is the co-founder of GeeksVsGeeks. He is a product of the eighties and never let go of his geek interest and hobbies no matter how often someone told him to stop. His love for gaming and all things geek has been part of his parenting style and permeates throughout the whole family. A family of Geeks vs Geeks.
