Why Is Everyone Obsessed with DemonSchool?

Why Is Everyone Obsessed with DemonSchool?

4 min read

Sierra is a retro game preservationist and journalist documenting the lost and overlooked titles of the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Her archival project includes rare interviews with developers and deep dives into how gaming history is written and remembered.

I remember my first time booting it up—nervous, excited, and totally unprepared for the chaos of demon-taming and school rivalries. If you’re new to this gem inspired by Persona and Pokémon, don’t worry. This beginner’s guide will walk you through the basics.

What Is DemonSchool, Anyway?

DemonSchool is a turn-based tactical RPG developed by Necrosoft Games, blending school-life simulation with demon-collecting and grid-based battles. Think Persona’s social vibes meets Fire Emblem’s strategy, with a dash of Pokémon’s creature-collecting charm. You play as Faye, a freshman at a mysterious academy where students bond with demons to fight off otherworldly threats. The game alternates between daytime school activities—attending classes, building friendships, and uncovering secrets—and intense nighttime battles where you command a team of demons on a tactical grid. It’s a lot to juggle, but that’s what makes it so addictive. The story pulls you in with its mix of teenage drama, occult mysteries, and a retro aesthetic that feels like a love letter to ‘90s anime.

Getting Started

When you first launch DemonSchool, the game throws you into a vibrant world with a lot of systems to learn. My first day was a mess—I accidentally insulted a demon, flunked a class, and got wrecked in my first battle. Let’s make sure you don’t repeat my mistakes. After the opening cutscene, you’ll create Faye’s character and choose a starting demon companion. Each demon has unique abilities, so pick one that matches your playstyle. Love dealing big damage? Go for a fiery Imp. Prefer support? A ghostly Wisp might be your vibe. Don’t stress too much about this choice; you’ll recruit more demons soon. The game eases you in with a tutorial battle, teaching you movement, attacks, and “Rewind”—a mechanic that lets you undo one move per turn. Trust me, Rewind is your best friend when you misjudge an enemy’s range (yep, been there).

Mastering the School-Life Balance

The daytime school segments are where DemonSchool’s storytelling shines. You’ll attend classes, join clubs, and hang out with classmates, each choice shaping Faye’s stats and relationships. My first playthrough, I thought I could skip classes to focus on demon training—big mistake. Classes boost stats like Intelligence or Charm, which unlock new dialogue options and make demons easier to recruit. For example, I once flubbed a demon negotiation because my Charm was too low, and that demon would’ve been a game-changer in battle. Spend your daytime wisely: balance studying, socializing, and exploring the school for secrets. Pro tip: talk to every NPC. One time, a random janitor gave me a tip about a hidden item in the library, and it turned out to be a rare demon contract.

Tactical Combat: Surviving the Night

Nighttime in DemonSchool is where things get wild. You’ll lead Faye and her demon squad into grid-based battles against rogue demons or rival students. The combat is turn-based, with each character having movement points, attacks, and special abilities. Positioning is key—flanking enemies or using environmental traps can turn the tide. My first big battle was against a hulking demon boss, and I learned the hard way to keep my squishy demons out of its smash zone. Use Rewind to experiment with risky moves without committing to disaster. Also, pay attention to demon synergies. Pairing a tanky Golem with a healer Wisp saved my team more times than I can count. As you progress, you’ll unlock combo attacks where Faye and her demons team up for massive damage—super satisfying when you pull it off.

Demon Collecting and Customization

The heart of DemonSchool is its demon-collecting system. You’ll recruit demons by battling, negotiating, or completing side quests. Each demon has a unique personality and skill tree, which you can customize with points earned from battles. I once spent hours tweaking my Imp’s fire skills to maximize burn damage, only to realize I’d neglected its defense—cue a quick game over. Balance your demon’s stats and experiment with different builds. Some demons, like the tricky Kitsune, can debuff enemies, while others, like the brute Minotaur, are all about raw power. You can also equip Faye with accessories to boost her leadership skills, making her demons hit harder or move farther. Check the Demon Compendium often to track which demons you’ve unlocked and their weaknesses.

Storytelling That Hooks You

What makes DemonSchool stand out is its storytelling, inspired by the likes of Persona and classic anime. The narrative unfolds through Faye’s relationships and the school’s dark secrets. Early on, I got attached to a shy classmate named Leo, only to discover he was hiding a demon pact that changed everything. The game uses a “Hero’s Journey” structure, where Faye starts as an ordinary student but grows into a leader facing supernatural threats. Each choice you make—whether to trust a rival or investigate a creepy teacher—shapes the story. I once chose to confront a suspicious club leader, which led to an epic side quest but cost me a friendship. The story keeps you guessing, blending humor, heart, and horror in a way that feels personal.

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