Devil World (1984). Play Free Online

Summary

Devil World is Nintendo’s quirky maze romp that feels like a spooky twist on Pac‑Man. Miyamoto and Tezuka built the stages around a little red character who dodges enemies while navigating shifting, obstacle‑filled corridors – a design choice that kept the avatar squashed against walls for extra tension. The game’s sprites and power‑ups feature religious symbols, which under Nintendo of America’s policy at the time earned it an outright ban outside Japan and Europe. After lingering as the only Miyamoto title without a North American debut, it finally showed up on Switch Online in October 2023, letting a new generation experience its odd‑ball charm. The virtual‑console re‑issues on Wii in 2008 also reminded retro fans why the title earned a spot on several Pac‑Man clone rankings.

Storyline

In Devil World, Player 1 pilots Tamagon, a green dragon, while Player 2 can choose a red counterpart. The duo attacks the Devil’s World by navigating a series of maze‑like rooms filled with monsters. Tamagon must touch Crosses scattered throughout to gain fire‑breathing and dot‑eating abilities; without a Cross he is powerless. At the top of the screen a large winged demon called the Devil points, directing four minions that shift the maze using pulleys and ropes, capable of crushing Tamagon between a wall and the moving outer boundary.
After clearing a maze, the goal shifts to locating four Bibles and placing them in a seal, which grants the same powers as the Crosses. Completing the seal triggers the Devil’s flight to the next stage. Between stages, a bonus maze appears, challenging Tamagon to collect six Bonus Boxes before time runs out.

Edited by Maya Carter