Demon's Crest

Demon's Crest is a gothic action-platformer developed and published by Capcom for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. The game was directed by Ryo Miyazaki and produced by Tokuro Fujiwara, who was closely involved in many of Capcom’s 16-bit and arcade-era hits. Demon's Crest is part of the Ghosts 'N Goblins universe and serves as a continuation of the subseries that started with Gargoyle’s Quest on the Game Boy, which introduced Firebrand, the red demon who was originally a minor enemy in the original Ghosts 'N Goblins.

Unlike the mainline Ghosts 'N Goblins titles, where players control a human knight, Demon’s Crest flips the perspective, putting players in control of Firebrand, the demon protagonist. The plot revolves around a war in the demon realm over six magical crests, each granting a specific elemental power. After collecting five of them, Firebrand is betrayed and loses them. The game begins with him attempting to recover the crests and defeat Phalanx, the demon who took them.

Gameplay in Demon’s Crest blends action-platforming with light RPG and exploration elements. The game features a world map that allows for non-linear progression, and as Firebrand recovers each crest, he gains the ability to transform into new forms with unique powers — such as flying, swimming, or breaking through obstacles. This Metroidvania-style structure encourages players to revisit earlier levels to uncover secrets and unlock new paths.

Combat is slower-paced and more methodical than in other action games of the era. Firebrand can hover in place, cling to walls, and shoot projectiles. Each transformation offers new abilities that are not only useful in combat but also essential for progressing through certain areas. Boss battles are often large-scale and emphasize pattern recognition and strategic use of powers.

Graphically, Demon’s Crest is one of the most visually detailed games on the SNES, with a dark and moody art direction. The sprite work is elaborate, the animations are fluid, and the backgrounds are richly textured to reflect the bleak tone of the demon world. The soundtrack complements this with atmospheric, orchestral-style compositions that reinforce the gothic horror theme.

Upon release, Demon's Crest received critical praise for its graphics, sound, and innovative gameplay. However, it struggled commercially, possibly due to limited marketing and its unconventional protagonist. Over time, it has gained a cult following and is now frequently cited as one of the most underrated gems on the SNES.

Sticking closely to its gothic setting and offering a deep gameplay experience that goes beyond traditional action games, Demon's Crest stands as one of Capcom’s most artistically ambitious titles of the 16-bit era.