Just bought my first new SNES game in years; Demon's Crest, a game I never got around to playing.
And holy shit, it is awesome! I can't believe more people don't talk about this one. It's presentation is really different for a game of its era, very moody, gothic, almost cinematic. For example, it opens with you, the titular demon, in a castle; a dark monstrous shape stomps passed outside, then the gate opens, and a decaying, screen-filling dragon with flesh hanging from its bones attacks you, throwing you straight into a learn-or-die boss fight right off the bat. From the very beginning, it establishes itself as a game that doesn't stick to the usual conventions of the era and isn't afraid to go all out.
Once you escape and begin to explore the world, your ability to grip walls and fly to a limited degree makes movement and traversal more interesting than a standard 16-bit platformer, and while the game itself is tough as nails, it still feels fair. The developers went the extra mile in so many little ways; for example, where most any other gamer would've had a 2D world map, Demon's Crest features a huge 3D open world that you fly around, brought to life via the SNES's Mode 7 technology.
The art direction and music are superb, and the whole thing just feels very cohesive and draws you in a way most game even today don't manage to do.
I've only played about a hour and half but I am seriously impressed so far.
Last edited by curl-6 - on 03 January 2019
