Publisher Top Hat Studios, Inc., is pleased to announce a wicked treat for Halloween; the highly anticipated, PS1-style dungeon crawler Labyrinth of the Demon King has released a surprise demo release on Steam, available today (10/31) at 12pm EST / 9am PST / 4pm UTC! Set in a world authentically inspired by ancient feudal Japanese and Buddhist folklore, Labyrinth of the Demon King combines brutal, hardcore dungeon crawling with survival horror themes to create a visceral, heart-pounding experience. The game is planned for a full release in 2025, and this surprise first demo serves as an initial taste of Labyrinth's somber world.
The world is in chaos, and has entered the latter age of the Dharma.
Society is crumbling and war has spread throughout the country.
Disease and famine have killed thousands, and demons walk the very earth itself.
You are an 'Ashigaru', a foot soldier in the service of Lord Takeda Nobumitsu.
Deceived by a powerful demon king, your lord led his army into an ambush. All perished except for you. Against your wishes your lord sacrificed his life to aid your escape from the battle.
You have made a vow to track down the demon who betrayed your lord and end its life.
You take what could possibly be your final breaths on this mortal plane, and prepare yourself to enter…
The Labyrinth of the Demon King!
Discover A Grim World
Immerse yourself in the hopeless, dark, cruel world of the Demon King, a setting inspired by both feudal Japan and Buddhist folklore, and brought to life in a gorgeous low-poly, retro-grim art style - complete with dithering filters for that genuine PS1 feel.
Prove Yourself in Combat
Arm yourself with your wits and a select range of weapons, from katanas and naginatas to muskets and bows as you engage in brutal, challenging combat. Revel in accomplishment and extreme satisfaction as you take down not only various Yōkai from ancient myth, but the other horrific abominations that dwell in the labyrinth. The brutal world of the game ensures your soul will not find peace until the very end of your quest. Horrific enemies will test you... and oblige you to revive time and time again.
Explore the Labyrinth
As you trudge through the dark, twisted corridors of the ubiquitous Labyrinth, be sure to explore every nook and cranny for limited resources. Sets of armor and magical talismans may change your fortunes in combat, and scour for important clues to help solve the puzzles laid out before you by the Demon King.
Decide, Friend or Foe?
Engage with other strange characters on your journey. Some offer things you may need (for coin, of course), others a simple moment of respite, but be careful who you decide to trust - it could affect your fate.
About Top Hat Studios, Inc.
Top Hat Studios is your favorite publisher of fine indie delicacies, primarily supporting Japanese-inspired, retro-themed, and highly creative titles. As a company started by and working with grassroots developers and incubating developer talent, Top Hat Studios focuses on supporting games all the way from blockbuster productions through to niche and boutique experimentations.
Top Hat Studios' diverse portfolio includes hits such as Crypt Custodian, Alisa, Athenian Rhapsody, Labyrinth of the Demon King, and many more. Unique in its relationship to its partnered developers, Top Hat Studios is more than just a publisher but rather a strategic long-term partner, providing a holistic suite of resources to its developers. Amongst these are publishing, business development, corporate advisory, product & long-term strategy, creative media, tools, co-development, and engineering & porting expertise working with all major engines and codebases.
Top Hat Studios is your favorite publisher of fine indie delicacies, primarily supporting Japanese-inspired, retro-themed, and highly creative titles. As a company started by and working with grassroots developers and incubating developer talent, Top Hat Studios focuses on supporting games all the way from blockbuster productions through to niche and boutique experimentations.
Top Hat Studios' diverse portfolio includes hits such as Crypt Custodian, Alisa, Athenian Rhapsody, Labyrinth of the Demon King, and many more. Unique in its relationship to its partnered developers, Top Hat Studios is more than just a publisher but rather a strategic long-term partner, providing a holistic suite of resources to its developers. Amongst these are publishing, business development, corporate advisory, product & long-term strategy, creative media, tools, co-development, and engineering & porting expertise working with all major engines and codebases.
