The year is 1990. It’s been two years since the mysterious disappearance of Edward Crow and the abrupt closure of his theme park, Crow Country. But your arrival has broken the silence, Mara Forest. If you want answers, you’ll have to venture deep into the darkness of Crow Country to find them…
Players take on the role of Mara Forest, tasked with unraveling the mysteries surrounding the sudden closure and owner's disappearance of the abandoned Crow Country amusement park. The game's level design cleverly utilizes shortcuts and backtracking, allowing players to navigate the interconnected environments with a growing sense of familiarity. This encourages thorough exploration as players discover new areas, secrets, and items that aid their progression.
At the heart of the gameplay loop are the various puzzles and challenges scattered throughout the park. Players must use their wits and observation skills to solve these mind-bending riddles, which are often tied to unlocking new areas or acquiring crucial items. Reviewers praise the puzzles' logical design and the satisfying "aha!" moments when solutions are finally uncovered. The game strikes a balance between providing guidance and preserving a sense of accomplishment when a puzzle is solved.
While not the primary focus, the game does feature combat encounters with the park's mysterious and mutated inhabitants. The gameplay in these situations is deliberate and tactical, as players must carefully manage their limited ammunition and other resources. The fixed camera angles and tank-style controls add to the tension, requiring players to position themselves carefully to effectively engage threats. Reviewers note that the combat, while not overly challenging, still requires a degree of thoughtfulness and resource conservation.
The gameplay loop is designed to encourage multiple playthroughs, with players rewarded for exploring thoroughly and uncovering hidden secrets. As the story progresses, new areas, items, and gameplay modes are gradually unlocked, providing additional incentives to revisit the park. Several reviewers highlight the game's scoring system and the ability to unlock a harder difficulty mode, which add to the overall replayability and longevity of the experience.
The developers have implemented several features to cater to a wide range of players. The game offers both classic "tank" controls and more modern, free-moving controls, allowing players to choose the scheme that best suits their preferences and comfort level. Additionally, an in-game hint system is available, providing guidance for players who may become stuck on puzzles, without compromising the overall challenge and sense of accomplishment.