Arc System Works is set to bring a fresh yet nostalgic twist to the twin-stick shooter genre with its upcoming title, Damon and Baby. Combining the fast-paced action of games like Nex Machina and Enter the Gungeon with playful mechanics reminiscent of classic arcade hits such as Smash TV, the game invites players into a chaotic world filled with monsters, exploration, and inventive traversal. Gamers take on the role of Damon, an exiled demon king tasked with finding his way home and reclaiming his powers, all while carrying a tiny human girl on his shoulder.
I spent around an hour with Damon and Baby ahead of The 2025 Game Awards and found the experience both challenging and oddly charming.
A tutorial that actually teaches
The tutorial section, set in a cavern, introduces the game’s core mechanics, including clearing rooms of enemies, using cover, and unlocking impassable doors. One of the game’s standout features is the “launch the child” mechanic, which allows players to propel the girl to reach new heights or cross gaps, effectively performing a double jump or altering movement angles. Damon starts relatively weak, and careless play quickly results in a game over. However, as players progress, they can earn levels and skill points to boost health, defence, attack power, and proficiency with various weapons.
Initially, I struggled with the twin-stick controls, often taking damage while lining up shots. But Damon and Baby are designed around aggressive play rather than precision aiming, which quickly became apparent. Melee attacks also help, as hitting an enemy triggers automatic gun lock-on, encouraging players to move in close rather than hang back. While tutorials in many games feel superfluous, this one struck the right balance, giving players a few flubbed attempts to grasp the mechanics before moving on to more formidable challenges.
Exploring a chaotic suburban mansion
Midway through the demo, the difficulty increased while the environments became more expansive and detailed. My level 20 Damon, equipped with more health and a larger arsenal including a machine gun, sniper rifle, and rocket launcher, felt significantly more capable. Players can restore health and tweak their stats at beds scattered throughout the mansion settings. The game offers flexibility in character progression, allowing players to focus skill points on preferred abilities rather than spreading them evenly.
The latter portion of the demo took place in a suburban mansion, offering a striking contrast to the earlier cavern. The mansion featured cars in the driveway, garden furniture, and a variety of rooms to explore, from bedrooms to kitchens. Combat remained intense, but the cramped hallways and numerous corners rewarded players who engaged enemies head-on rather than attempting precision shooting. Exploration also added layers of enjoyment, as searching cabinets and shelves often revealed keys or triggered amusing enemy encounters. One memorable moment involved opening a cupboard that sprouted bulging eyes and fangs, leading to a frantic chase down a hallway before dispatching the creature.
The game balances modern conveniences, such as skill trees and fast travel, with nostalgic design elements. Its pace and humour evoke memories of classics like Zombies Ate My Neighbours on the Super Nintendo, and it supports two-player co-op for shared chaos. The mix of inventive traversal, varied weaponry, and quirky enemy design gives Damon and Baby a unique identity, promising a fun experience for both casual players and genre enthusiasts.
Damon and Baby will launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC via Steam. Arc System Works has yet to confirm a release date, leaving fans eager to see when they can finally dive into this devilish adventure.
