Demon's Crest (1994). Play online

Summary

Demon's Crest follows Firebrand, the red gargoyle from the Ghosts ’n Goblins mythos, into a richly layered side‑scrolling adventure. The game blends classic platforming with light RPG mechanics: six expansive zones, a world map and Metroidvania‑style back‑tracking unlocked by collecting magical Crests. Each Crest transforms Firebrand—Ground, Aerial, Tidal, Legendary, and Ultimate—granting new combat moves and traversal options that keep exploration fresh. Beyond transformations, the player can gather extra health, flasks, spell vellums and ability‑boosting talismans, deepening the strategy without sacrificing the frantic action of fire‑breathing claws and brief hover flights. Although the title impressed reviewers with its atmospheric graphics, tight controls and nuanced progression—earning an aggregate 87% on GameRankings—Capcom deemed it a commercial flop, even shelving a planned Game Boy Advance port. Retrospectively, critics routinely slot Demon’s Crest among the SNES’s elite, citing its enduring depth, striking visuals and the memorable evolution of Firebrand’s powers.

Storyline

Demon's Crest follows six elemental Crests—Fire, Earth, Water, Air, Time and Heaven. United they form the Crest of Infinity, granting limitless power. Red demon Firebrand held five Crests after defeating the Demon Dragon for the Heaven Crest, but Phalanx ambushed him, stole all but the Fire Crest, which shattered into five shards. Imprisoned in an arena, Firebrand fights the zombified Dragon Somuleiro, escapes, and vows to reclaim the Crests.

During his journey Firebrand repeatedly clashes with Phalanx’s general Arma, who grudgingly returns most Crests out of respect. Each recovered Crest brings him closer to Phalanx’s castle in the Demon Realm. The final battle yields three endings: Phalanx dies and the realm falls into chaos; Phalanx seals himself in the Heaven Crest while Firebrand hides the Crests; or Phalanx summons the Crest of Infinity, transforms, is slain, and Firebrand discards the Crests.

The third ending unlocks a password that lets Firebrand continue as the Ultimate Gargoyle and face a secret Dark Demon. Defeating it triggers a hidden fourth ending where Firebrand casts away all Crests and leaves to find a new worthy opponent.