A 2021 release developed by Clock Wizard Games, Demonologist is a wonderful little title for fans of ghouls, spooks, and the paranormal. A first-person adventure horror game that is ripe with puzzles, mystery, and atmospheric tension, Demonologist brings together a collection of spirits of the like that has never been seen before.
To successfully negotiate around this charming puzzle, players must take charge of Sarah, the main character. The story unfolds into a narrative of dark actions and terrible consequences when Sarah is hired to investigate a decrepit old mansion after reports of disturbing goings-on. So, to give players a head start when entering into the ghastly world of a demonologist, here is a list of tips to get them up and running.
7 Devices
A game of tools, devices, and ghoul-grabbing gadgets, Demonologist players will find their utensils indispensable as they traipse about the haunted mansion as Sarah. Thermometers, ouija boards, and tarot cards are just some of the tools players are going to use to locate, capture, and document evidence of demons.
To explore every single part of every room, players must master the use of their flashlight. Learning how and where to use each device will benefit a player greatly.
6 Search Thoroughly
Leave no stone unturned; search every nook and cranny. Those same tools listed above are going to come in handy when looking for puzzles, clues or demons.
Use flashlights to bring light in the darkness. Use thermostats to check for ghostly temperatures, and bring out the UV lights to reveal fingerprints. Sarah is armed with the equipment to find what is needed. Additionally, searching may involve making contact with the demonic spirits possibly present in each room. For this, it’s time for the ouija board.
5 Get To Know The Demons
Know thy rooms and, just as importantly, know thy demons. Every entity has its own unique flavor of spook, and players will want to get to know them to hunt them efficiently.
Wraith, Oni, Myling, Thaye, Goryo, Raiju, Shade and Jinn are just a few of the 24 types of spirit that Sarah will encounter on her journey. As the player progresses, they will become more attuned to the signs of each ghoul as they collect evidence.
4 Keep An Eye On Sanity
As one might imagine, exploring a haunted mansion can have its downsides. One of those, unsurprisingly, is the toll it can take on Sarah's sanity. Being constantly accosted by demons from the spirit realm is somewhat disconcerting, and can have a negative impact on one’s state of mind. Throughout the game, this becomes evident with Sarah.
As players make their way about the mansion, they will have to keep a close eye on their sanity bar and determine whether they are on the brink. The combination of spooky sights, sounds, and sensations will reduce Sarah’s sanity bar. If the bar is empty, this will result in a mental breakdown and the death of Sarah. To avoid death and increase her sanity bar, players can make use of candles, holy water, and medicine. Use these when the sanity meter gets too low, but be careful not to waste them.
3 Prepare Gear & Tools
Like any good demonologist, players will need to prepare. Knowing what gear to use and how to use it and where to do so is a good start. This game is laden with items and devices that will aid Sarah as she makes her way about the mansion. As such, preparations before heading out is going to be important.
For players to come fully prepared, they’re going to have to know their EMF, ESG, Ecto Glass, and Spirit Boxes. And, just as importantly, with consideration for Sarah’s sanity, players are going to need to remember to bring their medication.
2 Survive The Hunts
Wandering haunted mansions, finding and confronting demons, and having one's mental state tested at every turn is not an easy experience to survive. And, as players might imagine, surviving is a huge part of the game. Within this creepy environment, numerous elements will test their sanity and push Sarah closer to death.
One particular element of Demonologist is the hunts. At these times, Sarah will be locked in the mansion with no means of escape to return to base and heal. Moreover, hunts involve a frenzy among demons. At these times, players should make sure they are well-stocked with medication and have a crucifix handy to ward off enemy attacks.
1 Set The Scene
Every good and atmospheric game deserves the right setting. When game developers have put such meticulous work into providing an onscreen experience, then players should set the scene correctly. And, for those games of the spooky-scary-horror genre, it’s not too hard to do so.
Lights off, closed curtains, and candle-lit nighttime gaming is a good start to journeying into Sarah’s world. For those too scared to play in full darkness, not to fear. Demonologist provides plenty of suspenseful moments to give players a fright.
Demonologist is available to download on Steam.