At Gamescom 2025, I had the opportunity to try out Davy X Jones, the latest IP from Polish studio Parasight, thanks to a special invite. Right from the start, it’s clear the team has a passion for reimagining legendary figures from human history—always with their own unique twist.
Their previous title, Blacktail, retold the tale of Yaga (yes, Baba Yaga) through Parasight’s narrative lens. In Davy X Jones, as the name suggests, we step into the boots of the infamous Davy Jones, who’s on a revenge-fueled quest against Blackbeard. After being killed, Davy’s head is separated from his body—creating a bizarre but brilliant duo of protagonists.
This split isn’t just for laughs (though the banter between head and body is genuinely funny); it also plays a key role in gameplay. The head performs specific actions, like devouring orbs that restore health, adding a clever layer to combat and exploration.
Speaking of combat, it channels the frantic energy of the DOOM franchise. Each of Jones’s arms wields a weapon—a bladed hook and a pistol. While the ranged mechanics felt solid, the melee system could use some refinement. At times, hits lacked impact. Thankfully, the game still has time to polish things up, thanks to the early access launch plan.
One thing that caught me off guard was the difficulty. You need to stay on the move constantly, dodging and parrying enemy projectiles—or you’ll be dead in a few hits. Sadly, the demo didn’t include any scenes with Abby, the whale-ship that serves as the game’s hub and crew management area.
Progression systems weren’t showcased either, so I didn’t get a taste of how character upgrades or gear improvements work. Still, I walked away impressed. Having played Parasight’s previous work, I can confidently say Davy X Jones feels more refined across the board—even in its pre-release state. I’ll definitely be diving into early access when it drops on August 28.
And while you’re here, don’t miss our hands-on preview of Valor Mortis, straight from Gamescom 2025!
