The wait is nearly over for fans of spine-chilling dungeon crawlers. Labyrinth of the Demon King, the highly anticipated survival-horror RPG from solo developer Jacob R. Hudepohl and publisher Top Hat Studios, will slither onto Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, and Xbox consoles on May 13 at 11 AM EST. This global launch will include support for 10 languages, ensuring players worldwide can experience its haunting tale.

A Descent into Feudal Nightmares

Set in a world steeped in feudal Japanese and Buddhist folklore, Labyrinth of the Demon King merges hardcore dungeon crawling with survival horror tension. The game’s striking low-poly, retro-grim aesthetic—complete with dithering filters for an authentic PS1-era vibe—brings back the feeling of games like Fatal Frame and the original Doom. But don’t get cocky and expect the same old clunky animations. The gameplay is smooth, and ready to drag you to hell.

Labyrinth of the Demon King fully transports you to a realm where every shadow hides unspeakable horrors. Armed with traditional weapons like katanas, naginatas, and muskets, you must navigate a labyrinthine hellscape teeming with yōkai and other grotesque abominations. Combat is brutal and deliberate, demanding precision and strategy—one wrong move could mean a grisly end.

Survival at Every Turn

Resources are scarce, and every decision carries weight. Scavenge for armor sets, magical talismans, and clues to solve the Demon King’s twisted puzzles. Along the way, you’ll also encounter mysterious figures—some offering aid for a price, others hiding sinister intentions. Remember, trust is a luxury you can’t always afford. You are surrounded by demons, after all.

The game’s demo, unveiled during Steam Next Fest, earned praise for its oppressive atmosphere and challenging gameplay, setting high expectations for the full release. It is still available for those who want to give it a try before full release.

About Top Hat Studios

Known for championing Japanese-inspired and retro-themed indies, Top Hat Studios continues its mission to support innovative developers. Labyrinth of the Demon King exemplifies their commitment to niche, high-quality experiences that push boundaries.

Prepare to face the darkness on May 13. Will you conquer the labyrinth, or become another lost soul in the Demon King’s domain?