Demon's Crest

"An SNES classic that more people should experience"

There are a large variety of great mythology based action sidescrolling titles on the Super Nintendo. Castlevania 4 and ActRaiser are the best of the bunch, at least at first sight. There is another sleeper title for Super Nintendo that happens to be just as good, if not better. Introducing....Demon's Crest

There's much to love about this title, playing as a fire breathing demon is certainly a good start. Firebrand, first introduced in the Ghosts & Goblins series, was such an interesting character that he got his own spinoff series. Unfortunately, I was never able to play the GameBoy titles, but this entry alone proves that this spinoff surpasses the series that it is based on. Unlike the Ghosts & Goblins games, this game is not usually too frustratingly difficult, but it certainly poses a great challenge to any seasoned gamer, especially in its tough boss battles. The final boss battles are some of the most ruthlessly hard bosses I have ever faced, but luckily these bosses are only optional for obtaining better endings.

After tackling a ferocious demon/dragon in an exciting introduction, Firebrand fights against his fellow species immediately. His most notable abilities are fire spitting and flight. He can also cling to walls. When these abilities are combined with a solid level design, a great game is already a near guarantee. Additionally, like Megaman X, Demon's Crest has upgrades like powerups or health increases hidden in the levels. Firebrand has many different forms like the Earth form (which lets Firebrand break blocks and shoot ground beams) and the Air form (which lets Firebrand fly higher and shoot air discs). These forms vary the gameplay greatly by allowing Firebrand to open up passageways or be more useful in platforming or enemy/boss fight situations. There is some backtracking involved in order to complete the game fully, because power ups obtained in later areas can be used in earlier levels for opening up secret paths.

Levels are selected from an overworld area that Firebrand hovers over. One of four sidescrolling levels can be chosen from the start, but there is a general order that is suggested with marked Roman Numerals. There are later sets of levels to be unlocked as well. There are also other areas on the map like houses which sell potions or have playable minigames. These houses resemble a dark twist of those that might be seen in Zelda. Unfortunately, there are only a few places to go outside the main levels. There are also only a few main levels in the entire game, but they are at least expansive and enjoyable to play.

The music is also of amazing quality. The organs played truely resemble sounds that would be heard in a church. One might feel as if they are in the depths of hell when playing this game, yet they would crave it. The surroundings are standard horrors, like skeletons, broken down areas, dark forests, caves, etc. The best thing to compare it to is the Castlevania series in atmosphere. Everything pieces together to create a game that is a lot of fun to play.

Story: 7- It's a reasonable story that gets right to the point. Firebrand is fighting his fellow demons for control of the world.

Gameplay: 9- The game is excellent. Aside from the fact that the overworld has little outside areas, Demon's Crest is a blast to play. While Firebrand could afford to be more flexible in his actions, the ability to fly is a great help that saves this game from falling into mediocrity. It rectifies his below average jumping and his lack of ducking.

Audio: 10- Simply amazing soundtrack that empowers the demonic atmosphere.

Graphics: 8- It's a nice looking SNES game located in a world of hell. Mode 7 effects are always a nice touch

Lasting Appeal: 6- The powerups hidden throughout the stages open extra rooms which can allow players to go back to the levels.

Overall: 9/10- One of the best games on the Super Nintendo, and a Capcom classic. Hopefully people can experience it through the Wii Virtual Console.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/03/09, Updated 08/07/09

Game Release: Demon's Crest (US, November 1994)