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Demonschool Review: Persona-Style RPG Meets Sitcom-Like Humor

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 11:58 GMT by siliconera

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Demonschool: A Persona‑Style Slice‑of‑Life RPG With a Sitcom Twist

SiliconEra’s recent review of Demonschool (published in March 2022) paints the game as a fresh, if uneven, entry in the retro‑inspired JRPG canon. The developers—Japanese indie studio Magma Dream—have clearly drawn inspiration from the likes of Persona and Shikigami, but have added a uniquely humorous, sitcom‑like tone that sets the title apart. In this piece, we’ll break down the key takeaways from the review, covering the game’s premise, gameplay mechanics, art and audio, narrative, and overall strengths and shortcomings.

1. The Premise: Demon School Meets School Life

At its core, Demonschool follows Akira—an ordinary high‑schooler who discovers he’s actually a demon. The story starts in a familiar high‑school setting: lockers, cafeteria, and a senior‑year “detention” that turns out to be a portal to the demon realm. The review notes that while the basic premise sounds contrived, the writing turns it into a quirky comedy. Akira’s classmates are a mix of standard archetypes (the jock, the delinquent, the nerd) but all have demon‑related quirks, and the dialogue is peppered with jokes that echo the light‑hearted banter of sitcoms.

The “school life” aspect is not just a backdrop; it’s a core gameplay loop. Players attend classes, participate in club activities, and engage in social encounters that affect Akira’s relationships. The review credits the developers for integrating these side‑quests into the main narrative, making them feel more like part of the story rather than filler.

2. Combat System: Turn‑Based, But With a Kick

The combat in Demonschool is a blend of classic turn‑based mechanics and action‑oriented combat. Each turn, Akira and his demon‑powered teammates can select from a range of “spell” attacks or “action” moves that execute in real time. The review highlights the “combo” system: chaining multiple attacks into a single, visually satisfying attack that deals amplified damage.

One point of criticism is that the action segments can feel rushed. The review notes that while the idea of fast‑paced combat is refreshing, the controls are sometimes sluggish, making it difficult to land precise attacks against fast‑moving enemies. Despite this flaw, the combat remains engaging, especially when you pair Akira’s abilities with the unique skills of his demon allies.

3. Visuals and Audio: A Nostalgic Blend with Modern Polish

SiliconEra’s reviewer points out that the game’s art style is a throwback to 16‑bit RPG sprites but updated with smoother animations. The character sprites are highly detailed, with expressive facial animations that bring the sitcom vibe to life. The environments—school halls, dorm rooms, and demon‑realm dungeons—are richly painted and consistently themed.

The soundtrack is a strong highlight. The review praises the upbeat, synth‑heavy tracks that accompany class scenes and the more ominous, organ‑driven melodies in the demon dungeons. Even the incidental music during combat is memorable, adding to the overall mood. Voice acting is limited but well‑executed; the English dub (the version available at the time of review) adds an extra layer of humor thanks to its over‑the‑top delivery.

4. Narrative and Writing: A Blend of Humor and Heart

The review spends a good portion of time dissecting the narrative. While Demonschool does a solid job of weaving humor into its plot, it occasionally stumbles when trying to balance comedy with stakes. The main antagonist—a demon lord who wants to “reset” humanity—is introduced abruptly, and the villain’s motivations feel underdeveloped. However, the supporting characters—especially the demon‑powered classmates—offer genuine emotional moments, such as a heartfelt confession about their fears of becoming “real demons.”

A noteworthy point the reviewer makes is the inclusion of “sitcom moments” outside combat. Random cutscenes between scenes often break into gag‑filled dialogue, complete with awkward pauses and laugh tracks that might feel out of place in a serious RPG. Some players might find this jarring, while others will appreciate the lightness it brings to the experience.

5. Pros and Cons: What Makes the Game Tick and Where It Falters

Pros:

• Unique Tone: Combining Persona-style exploration with sitcom humor creates a memorable atmosphere.
• Engaging Combat: Turn‑based with a unique combo system that keeps fights lively.
• Strong Audio: A mix of catchy synth tracks and atmospheric background music.
• Rich World‑Building: School life and demon realm blend well, making the setting feel lived-in.

Cons:

• Repetitive Gameplay: Certain dungeon layouts and enemy types feel redundant after a few hours.
• Pacing Issues: The transition from comedic to dramatic moments is sometimes abrupt.
• Control Clunky: Action‑based attacks can feel less responsive than expected.
• Story Depth: Main antagonist’s motivations and backstory are underexplored.

6. Final Verdict: A Worth‑while Pick for Fans of Light‑Hearted RPGs

SiliconEra’s review concludes that Demonschool is an “endearing, if uneven, gem” that will appeal most to players who enjoy retro‑styled RPGs with a splash of comedy. The game offers a solid core experience with its combat and school‑life mechanics, but the humor‑heavy tone may not be for everyone. For those who appreciated Persona or Shikigami and are looking for something new and light‑hearted, Demonschool comes highly recommended.

The review also provides links to additional resources for deeper insights: a link to the game’s official website, a trailer on YouTube, and a fan‑made guide that dives into each demon’s abilities. While the article doesn’t mention any official patches, the developer community is active on Discord, where players share tips for optimizing combat and uncovering hidden secrets.

Quick Takeaway

• Genre: Retro‑inspired JRPG with a comedic, sitcom‑like twist
• Platforms: PC (Steam), later released on Nintendo Switch and PS4
• Price: $9.99 at launch
• What to Expect: Turn‑based combat with action combos, a school life simulation, over‑the‑top humor, and a handful of under‑developed plot points.

In a crowded RPG market, Demonschool finds its niche by marrying classic gameplay with a fresh, humor‑filled narrative. If you’re looking for a game that feels both nostalgic and surprising, the SiliconEra review suggests that Demonschool is worth a try—just brace yourself for a few laugh tracks along the way.