https://gamejolt.com/games/crowsarecool/880940

Scourge of scavengers is a indie rpg created by @Fanimator_Animations that takes inspiration from other popular indie rpg titles (the ones listed above)

Before I get into the review, I should probably warn you that the game contains themes of depression, and references to stuff like suicide and self harm. It’s not super in your face about this (don’t expect any graphic depictions or anything) but if you aren’t comfortable with those topics, you’re free to leave.

Anyway, the game follows the adventure of a guy named… “guy”… or at least that’s what he is referred to as. A depressed shut in who finds out that the world has gone through a crow apocalypse. Most of humanity having been turned into crow hybrids by an entity referred to as, “the devil” or “crow demon”. On your journey you’ll be accompanied by a girl named “angle.” The two of you being immune to the virus turning people into crows. And it’s up to the duo to stop the crow demon and its plan.

The combat is a good mix of simple and complex. Specifically with enemy attacks. Attacks will either have a red, blue or white aura.

Red aura can be on the enemy or projectile. This means you can attack it by pressing right arrow, either as a way to deflect or do small damage to the enemy. Blue aura means you can press the left arrow to block it. And white auras work similar to blue, but it means you press up arrow to jump

The writing is also pretty good too, and I’d say the game handed its themes and topics pretty well and tastefully. The game has a mix of comedy and dark comedy, but the dark comedy never really goes to far to the point of being distasteful. Might not be for everyone, but honestly I genuinely got a couple out loud laughs from this game.

I also like guy as a character. He’s a pretty decent depiction of someone struggling with depression. I don’t think I’m the best person to accurately talk about this in detail, since I have no experience with depression personally, and even if I did I’m not the best at words and describing things. But what I will say is that I kinda like his “I don’t give a shit” attitude. He’s pretty blunt and jaded, mostly just wants to get this whole “saving the world from the apocalypse” thing over with, and there’s literally a point where he just starts insulting someone pointing a gun at him with jokes about doing his mom for no reason. (This was one of the moments that make me laugh by the way)

Angle is more of an optimist, a complete contrast to guy. The two having a good dynamic.

The game also has something called “confidence points” it kinda works like exp, you get more to increase your attack and defense, but not your max health, I don’t think at least. You get a slight bonus if you win a battle without getting his, and loss some point if a character gets knocked out. Also something I like is that you can’t just grind points, as eventually after you kill enough of a enemy type it will stop giving you points, though you will still get some money, it’s a nice touch.

The art style is nice giving that old retro super Nintendo like vibe. The music is also good, and fits the game pretty well. It’s not super upbeat or grand, but that fits well with the games themes and setting. Though some of the tunes are pretty catchy. The game also as a pretty even difficulty. If your good with not getting it and getting perfect hits, you shouldn’t have to much trouble, but the game isn’t overly easy either.

The game currently is in the demo stage, and at this point is about 3-4 hours.

As of now I’m getting close to the end. Currently stuck on a puzzle that I kept failing on, it got a hit as to what I was doing wrong, so I think I’ll give it another go. All in all, 8/10 in my opinion.

If this game sounds interesting to you I recommend checking it out and supporting the creator.