Crow Country (Steam version played for review)

Is it a compliment to say “Crow Country” makes me regard “Paratropic” in a lesser light? The needle has turned from “PS1 graphics were ugly and horrific and that’s a bad thing” to “PS1 graphics were ugly and horrific and that’s perfect for horror games”, and while “Country” is closer to 1996 PS1 than 1999 PS1 (real ones know the difference), this 2024 title feels like it belongs in the modern age thanks to its tight pacing, inventive puzzles, and a surprisingly mature story that doesn’t overstate itself, a rarity for the genre. Arguably too easy, though that’s a nitpick.

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