Whether you’re a fan or not, there’s no denying that Stranger Things has set an iconic tone. Personally, while I don’t count myself among its most devoted supporters, I readily acknowledge that the Upside Down makes for a fantastic Halloween setting. So when I dived into the Steam Next Fest demo for Kingdom of Night, I anticipated it would capture a similar spooky spirit. Set in the ’80s, you’re a high school student navigating a world overrun by demons—what’s not to love?
What took me by surprise was how well-crafted and engaging this action RPG turned out to be. I spent around thirty minutes exploring the Rogue class, which enables you to stealthily traverse the haunted streets of Miami, Arizona—an actual boomtown just a few hours from my home. I’m eager to return for more gameplay.
Exploring the Nostalgic Atmosphere
The game effectively plunges you into an ’80s-inspired cosmic horror tale. It kicks off in a classroom where gossiping teens conspire to break a newly established 7 PM curfew, set by an ominous hooded figure disguised as a doctor, in favor of attending a covert house party. Accompanied by the unsettling notes of a xylophone, a minor-key string arrangement builds the tension as you interact with classmates and uncover details about a missing child—a mystery that deepens with each moment spent playing.
You’ll want to savor this brief period of tranquility, which includes a tutorial segment where you dodge basketballs and strike your school bully with a wiffle ball bat, as it doesn’t last long. Once classes are over, a host of club-wielding demons, lunging zombies, and werewolf-like creatures emerge to disrupt the peace. Luckily, as a hack-and-slash action RPG, the game is designed for you to take down these foes en masse.
Familiar Horror Elements
It’s interesting to note that many players, including myself, draw parallels between Kingdom of Night and Stranger Things, as both feature horror motifs that may feel somewhat cliché. The game borrows monsters not just from Lovecraftian lore but also from common horror tropes, like ghosts and ghouls. While this might seem like a criticism, it’s important to point out that this homage makes for a rich and immersive experience, especially since I haven’t explored every aspect of the demo yet.
I spent minimal time navigating the skill tree, opting instead to focus on the gameplay to make the most of my limited demo time. However, it’s clear there’s significant depth in the five available classes—Rogue, Necromancer, Barbarian, Knight, and Sorcerer—alongside a variety of gear and abilities aimed at encouraging multiple playthroughs.
Returning for More
With Kingdom of Night, I was initially drawn in by the nostalgic vibes, but I plan to return for the gameplay itself. Having enjoyed hack-and-slash action RPGs since my childhood, starting with the original Diablo on PC, I can confidently say this indie title punches above its weight. Coupling captivating ’80s horror references with the enchanting atmosphere of a small, haunted town in Arizona makes it perfect for the Halloween season. I have no regrets about the time spent with Kingdom of Night, and I can confidently suggest you won’t either.
For additional thrills, check out the top horror games available right now.