The demo version of Arrowman, a new project from the Croatian studio Better Plan, immediately makes it clear that the local indie scene has something to offer. It is a 2D action platformer that combines combat, exploration, and an interesting bow and arrow mechanic. The demo showcases an introduction to the world of Arrowtown, where the player encounters the first enemies, the first boss, the mask system, and the basic story structure. In this version, two masks, several introductory powers, one bow, two types of arrows, and four types of enemies are available, which is enough to get a clear picture of the game's ambitions.
The biggest emphasis in the demo is placed on the bow and arrow mechanics, as arrows are not just weapons but also a key tool for movement. They can serve as temporary platforms embedded in walls, creating an additional layer of strategy in platforming. However, the full potential of this mechanic is revealed only after some experimentation, as it is necessary to hit the charging strength very precisely for the arrow to embed in the wall instead of bouncing off. Once mastered, the system becomes very satisfying, but the demo clearly shows that a certain amount of practice and patience is needed for full enjoyment.
The game's difficulty also leaves a strong impression. The character is extremely vulnerable, and just a few mistakes can lead to death, although health regenerates quickly if hits are avoided. The early part of the demo is particularly brutal, mainly because the player temporarily has no weapons, so they must avoid traps and aggressive enemies like jumping snails that are quite aggressive. Once the bow is finally obtained, the game becomes more balanced, but it remains challenging, especially in the arena with "eyes" that close off the exit and summon endless waves of opponents until the main source of danger is destroyed. The boss fight also shows potential for tense and intense confrontations in the full version.
The masked power system in the demo provides only a partial insight into what the game could become. It is possible to try out two masks and several introductory powers, but upgrades are limited as the demo serves only as an introductory segment. Still, it is already clear that the system can nicely complement combat and movement when fully developed.
Visually, Arrowman relies on a stylized 2D aesthetic that builds atmosphere very well. Strange characters, talking stone statues, and dark environmental tones create an interesting and almost mythical ambiance. Although the demo is not large, it convincingly showcases a world that has its own identity and could stand out even more in the full version.
Only after playing the demo, it is clear that this is a domestic project with serious potential. Better Plan studio demonstrates that it can create an atmospheric, challenging, and mechanically interesting game, although there is still room for polishing, especially in the tutorial and clearer explanations of specific mechanics like shooting arrows into walls. Despite this, the demo manages to achieve what every demo should: it leaves a strong first impression and encourages the desire to continue playing.
Conclusion:
The Arrowman demo is a short, challenging, and creative experience that shows that the domestic Croatian indie scene has a project worth following. If you enjoy demanding 2D action platformers and want to support local development teams, this demo is definitely worth trying and adding the full version to your wishlist.
