Developer: Fabraz
Publisher: Fabraz
Genre: Action, Platformer,
Price: $24.99
Release Date: Feb 19th, 2026
Where to buy: Steam
Released on February 19, 2026, by indie developer Fabraz, Demon Tides is a 3D open-world platformer that expands upon the foundations of its predecessor, Demon Turf. Moving away from the segmented levels of the past, this title introduces a seamless oceanic setting where exploration and high-speed traversal are the primary focus. Players return as Beebz, who must navigate a sprawling archipelago known as Ragnar’s Rock after receiving a mysterious invitation from her long-lost father.
World and Narrative Structure
The game centers on the vast, open sea of Ragnar’s Rock, a shift that emphasizes player agency and discovery. After Beebz’s initial vessel is lost, she and her crew use a mobile hub called the Floating Fashionista to coordinate their journey across the waves. The world is divided into diverse biomes, ranging from tropical paradises and ruined floating cities to industrial drilling platforms with unique mechanical themes.
The Mechanics of “Schmovement”
The core of the experience is an expressive movement system designed to reward player creativity. Beebz begins the adventure with a robust toolkit that allows for nearly infinite combinations of momentum-based travel. Key mechanical features include:
- Shapeshifting: Beebz can instantly transform into a snake for rapid movement across land and water, or a bat for verticality and hovering.
- Combinatorial Depth: Basic moves like triple jumps, wall-running, and air-dashes can be chained together to cross massive gaps.
- Talisman Customization: Over 50 unique talismans allow players to modify their move-set, adding tools such as hookshots, paragliders, and bubble jumps.
Visual and Technical Style
Demon Tides departs from the 2D-sprite-in-3D-world aesthetic of the original game in favor of a vibrant, anime-inspired cel-shaded style. This shift was intended to increase visual fidelity and allow for more cinematic storytelling. Technically, the game is optimized for modern hardware and is Steam Deck Verified, ensuring that the high-speed “schmovement” remains fluid and legible on handheld displays.
Exploration and Objectives
Progression is tied to the collection of Gold Gears scattered throughout the islands. Unlike many platformers that hide items in obscure locations, Demon Tides emphasizes the challenge of reaching the objective rather than finding it. To assist with this, a dedicated “item finder” button points toward nearby collectibles. Players can also engage in:
- Ghost Racing: Compete against the speedrunning times of other players worldwide.
- Graffiti System: Create and share messages that appear in the worlds of other players as asynchronous hints or decorations.
- Custom Checkpoints: Players can place their own flags anywhere, allowing for immediate restarts during difficult platforming segments.
In Closing:
Ultimately, Demon Tides represents a bold step forward for independent 3D platformers by prioritizing mechanical freedom over linear constraints. By fusing a vast, nautical open world with a sophisticated “schmovement” system, the game offers a playground that respects the player’s intelligence and creativity. Whether through its vibrant new art style or its innovative asynchronous social features, the title successfully transforms the traditional collect-a-thon into a modern, expressive experience. As Beebz claims her place in this expanded universe, Demon Tides stands as a testament to how refined controls and thoughtful world design can breathe new life into a classic genre.
