Sony’s latest State of Play may have been headlined by heavyweight reveals like the God of War remakes and a new John Wick adaptation, but the announcement of Crimson Moon has quickly carved out its own space among action-RPG enthusiasts. Developed as a high-fantasy co-op experience, the title is currently slated for a PlayStation 5 release, promising a level of visceral, “brutal” combat that is already drawing significant comparisons to some of the industry’s most established franchises.
The gameplay shown thus far leans heavily into “soulslike” territory, emphasizing deliberate, high-stakes swordplay reminiscent of the Dark Souls series. However, it is the game’s unrelenting aggression and gore that have prompted critics to liken its intensity to Doom. By blending the methodical pacing of a dark fantasy RPG with the frantic bloodshed of a modern shooter, the developers appear to be targeting a niche of players who find traditional fantasy settings perhaps a bit too sanitized.
Visually and narratively, Crimson Moon distinguishes itself through a focus on biblical mythology, specifically highlighting creatures like the Nephilim. This aesthetic choice has naturally led to comparisons with the Darksiders franchise, suggesting a world that is both bleak and epic in scale. The soundtrack and art direction work in tandem to reinforce this grim atmosphere, ensuring that the high-fantasy setting feels grounded in a sense of ancient, supernatural dread rather than whimsical exploration.
Despite being overshadowed by the surprise “shadow drop” of a new God of War game, Crimson Moon is being positioned as a standout for those looking for a cooperative challenge on the PS5. In an era where many multiplayer titles lean toward live-service models, a focused, brutal co-op action RPG could provide the refreshing change of pace that Sony’s current lineup needs. Whether the final product can live up to the pedigree of the “classics” it is currently being compared to remains to be seen, but its debut has certainly set a high bar for expectations.
