Crimson Moon Review Summary

Stunning visuals and smooth performance with enjoyable co-op, but the lack of keybind customization, erratic camera, and unfinished polish hold it back.

Visuals and graphics praised: Many reviews highlight the game's beautiful graphics, art direction, and aesthetic appeal. The visual presentation is a standout positive aspect.

Game runs and plays well: Players consistently report smooth performance, good visuals, and an overall enjoyable experience. The game is described as fun, smooth, and visually appealing.

Co-op enhances fun: Playing with a friend in co-op is highlighted as a fantastic experience. The game shines in co-op mode, adding to the overall enjoyment.

High potential for improvement: Many players see great potential in the game, noting it is good with room for improvement. Minor patches could elevate it further.

Decent gameplay overall: Some reviews describe the gameplay as acceptable and decent, with promise. It is considered fine and enjoyable, though not exceptional.

Keybinds cannot be customized: Players consistently report that keybindings cannot be changed or remapped, with only flawed preset profiles available. This affects both keyboard and controller users, making controls unintuitive and frustrating.

Camera is problematic and erratic: The camera, especially lock-on targeting, is poorly implemented, often blocking views, spinning wildly, and going under the ground. This makes combat, particularly boss fights, nearly unplayable and disorienting.

Game feels unfinished and unpolished: Players feel the game is in a rough state, resembling an early access or alpha build rather than a finished product. The lack of polish and overall jankiness makes the game feel poorly put together.

Parry timing is inconsistent: The parry window is described as early, janky, and unreliable, with players missing parries frequently due to unclear timing and input delay. The mechanic feels broken and inconsistent, even when performed at the same moment.

Mouse sensitivity cannot be adjusted: There is no option to change mouse sensitivity, and the default sensitivity is very low, making aiming difficult. Players are forced to use a fixed sensitivity that feels unresponsive and hampers gameplay.

Soulslike combat and mechanics: The game is widely described as a souls-like with combat similar to Dark Souls, Nioh, and Elden Ring. It combines soulslike and roguelike elements, featuring parry, dodge, and block mechanics.

Controller support and preference: The game plays well on both controller and keyboard/mouse, but many reviewers prefer or recommend using a controller. Controls are often compared to Dark Souls, especially the first game.

Souls-roguelike hybrid: The game combines soulslike mechanics with roguelite elements, creating a unique hybrid experience. This is a key selling point for many players.

Co-op multiplayer modes: The game supports solo and co-op play, including online co-op for up to two players. Co-op is generally praised, though progression is not shared between players.

Parry and dodge mechanics: Parrying is a key combat feature, along with dodging and blocking. Players must master these mechanics to succeed, as the game is punishing without them.

Mixed performance reports: Players report both smooth high-FPS experiences and severe stuttering or low FPS, indicating inconsistent optimization across different hardware configurations.

Optimization widely criticized: Many reviews label the game as poorly optimized, with complaints about inability to hit 60 FPS on high-end GPUs and poor scaling across settings.

Crashes and launch errors: Multiple reports of crashes at launch, during gameplay, or when changing settings, with some issues persisting after driver updates or file verification.

Frame rate caps and locks: Players note the game is locked to 60 or 120 FPS, with limited options for uncapped or custom frame rates, frustrating those with high-refresh monitors.

Visual settings limitations: Many graphical options are hidden or limited, such as motion blur not fully disabling and DLSS causing visual artifacts like blurriness or rippling.

Cannot recommend current state: Many reviewers advise against purchasing the game in its current state due to unresolved issues. They suggest waiting for patches or a sale before buying.

Refund recommended: A significant number of reviewers suggest using Steam's refund system, either immediately or after a short playtime, due to dissatisfaction. Some plan to repurchase after fixes.

Not worth the money: Several reviewers feel the game is overpriced for its current quality, with some calling it a waste of money. They recommend waiting for a discount or buying a different game instead.

Wait for patches: Many reviewers advise waiting for patches to address bugs, optimization, and control issues before playing. They believe the game has potential but needs fixes.

Recommended for soulslike fans: Fans of soulslike games, especially those with ARPG or loot mechanics, are likely to enjoy this game. Reviewers highlight its genre blend and recommend it to this audience.

Community fair range: $15.00 - $20.00.

Session length: 2.0h.

The game has a frustrating start with camera, control, and bug issues, but players who persist past the first hour report it becomes fun, especially in co-op.

Reported time to anchor: 1h.

Friction: Camera and lock-on issues; Clunky combat and poor hitboxes; Unrebindable controls and input lag; Tutorial bugs and crashes; Co-op progression and loot sharing problems.

Unlock drivers: Getting past the tutorial.

Co-op Enthusiast: Plays co-op with friends, focusing on runs, builds, and shared progression. Motivation: Shared fun and social play with friends in a co-op roguelike setting. Stance: buy.

Soulslike Veteran: Plays solo or co-op but critically evaluates mechanics, performance, and design against other soulslike games. Motivation: Seeking a polished, well-executed soulslike experience that meets genre standards. Stance: no buy.

Technical Critic: Attempts to play but is hindered by technical flaws, often refunding or not recommending. Motivation: Wanting a functional, well-optimized game with proper controls and QoL features. Stance: no buy.

Performance is inconsistent across hardware tiers: mid-range VRAM (8-15GB) systems predominantly report poor optimization and instability, while high-end (16GB+) systems show a split and low-end (<8GB) systems mostly run well.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: negative. Most users report serious performance problems including crashes, stuttering, and inability to maintain 60 FPS, though a few find it well optimized.

Windows 8-11GB VRAM: negative. The majority report frequent crashes, harsh frame drops, and poor optimization, with only a few experiencing stable performance.

Windows 16GB+ VRAM: mixed. Reports are split: about half praise smooth performance and high frame rates, while the other half cite crashes, input lag, and poor optimization.

Steam Deck: The game is currently broken on Steam Deck due to severe performance issues (low FPS, crashes), unresponsive and non-remappable controls, and broken menus with additional bugs, making it unplayable in its current state.

Linux and Proton: The available Linux/Proton evidence is exclusively negative and focused on Steam Deck performance. Users report a maximum of 10 FPS during gameplay and state the game is not working well on the Deck. No positive Linux/Proton reports or workaround mentions were provided. The generic crash report was excluded as it lacked a Linux/Proton context.

Souls-like comparisons are unfavorable: Reviewers frequently compare the game to Dark Souls, Demon's Souls, and other soulslikes, often stating it falls short of these titles. The game is described as a lighter or worse version of the genre.

Good value for price: Multiple reviewers consider the game to be worth its price, describing it as a decent project and a fair deal. The game is not considered expensive for what it offers.

Full release not Early Access: Reviewers note that the game is a full 1.0 release rather than an Early Access title. This is seen as a positive point, distinguishing it from unfinished products.

Should have been Early Access: Many reviewers feel the game should have launched into Early Access rather than as a full release. The game feels like an Early Access product to them.

Developers fixing pressing issues: The developers have announced they are working on fixing some of the most pressing issues. A hotfix is planned for a number of problems.