Avenging Spirit (1991). Play online
Game Info
3.6 / 5
- Platform
- Arcade
- Player Perspective
- Third person · Side view
- Developer Companies
- C. P. Brain
- Publishers
- Jaleco
- Release date
- 1 May 1991
- Languages
- 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 English
Summary
Avenging Spirit (known as Phantasm in Japan) stands out for its daring possession mechanic. Up to two players choose from four starter characters, each with a signature ability, then hop into enemy bodies to gather power‑ups and push through increasingly varied foes. The enemy roster swells level by level, forcing you to experiment with new forms to keep the action fresh.
Even back in 1991 the game earned a niche following; Game Machine listed it as the 17th most‑successful table arcade unit in July, while Western reviewers were split. Sinclair User called it a “superior action game with a rather odd scenario” and praised its longevity, yet warned that the steep learning curve could alienate casual gamers. The One conceded it wasn’t headed for classic status, but noted its “originality and nice touches” that keep it worth a try for any arcade‑hungry retro fan.
Storyline
During a walk with his girlfriend, the protagonist is ambushed by agents of a mysterious crime syndicate. They kidnap the girl, shoot him dead, and leave his body behind. His spirit awakens with the power to possess other people and is soon summoned by the girl's father, a researcher of ghost energy. The father tasks the wandering spirit with rescuing his daughter from the syndicate, which also seeks ghost energy and abducted her to force the father's cooperation.
The game spans six stages inside the syndicate’s hidden base. The spirit must collect three keys hidden in stages 2, 5, and 6 while possessing various enemies to progress. If all three keys are gathered, the final door opens to the girl’s cell, allowing the spirit to possess her and help her fight out. Without the keys, the spirit must confront the syndicate leader alone. Defeating the leader triggers an explosion; the spirit’s power fades on a grassy field. If the girl is saved, she reaches the field and the spirit wishes her happiness before vanishing. If not, she perishes in the blast, and the spirit joins her in the afterlife.
Edited by Maya Carter
