DemonStar - Original Missions | Game Brain

DemonStar - Original Missions Game Cover

About

DemonStar - Original Missions is a remastered version of the 1997 shareware legend, known for its intense 2D space shooter gameplay. The game now includes new game modes, enhanced graphics, and updated soundtracks by Bobby Prince and Pfeffermouse. It also features 60 or 120fps, tate/vertical mode, and various weapon upgrades to defeat bosses.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

DemonStar - Original Missions screenshot

99%

Audience ScoreBased on 162 reviews

music16 positive mentions

stability2 negative mentions

The game successfully captures the nostalgia of the original, with updated graphics and sound that enhance the experience while retaining the charm of the 90s.
Gameplay is smooth and enjoyable, with satisfying explosions and humorous dialogue that adds to the fun.
The inclusion of both Legacy and Enhanced modes allows players to choose their preferred experience, catering to both nostalgic fans and newcomers.

The Enhanced mode has received criticism for changes that some players feel detract from the original experience, such as less responsive controls and altered power-up mechanics.
There are complaints about the lack of mouse control options and the inability to remap controls, which were features in the original game.
Some players find the game too easy in certain modes, while others feel that the new mechanics make it unnecessarily challenging.

music
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
73%
4%
The music in the game has received high praise, with many players enjoying the new soundtrack by Pfeffermouse while also expressing nostalgia for the iconic original MIDI tracks by Bobby Prince. The enhanced mode features a fresh musical experience, but some players wish for the option to switch between soundtracks for a more personalized experience. Overall, the music is described as "banging" and a significant highlight of the game, contributing to its enjoyable atmosphere.
- “This is a wonderful re-release for modern systems, even if I have a preference for the legacy mode (shoutouts to Bobby Prince's music).”
- “The new music by Pfeffermouse surprised me as I never expected Bobby Prince's original soundtrack to be topped.”
- “The new music was a treat to listen to while playing along with discovering the new attack mechanics added into the remake.”
- “The music is no longer midi/chiptunes, which you'd think would be a good thing, but the original Bobby Prince soundtrack is iconic and fits the game a lot better too.”
- “I only wish we could play the enhanced version with the original soundtrack or with a remixed version of the original soundtrack.”
- “Controls have inertia (because western shmup developers believe this is a good thing to have), design is very unimaginative, music is there because video games are supposed to have music, and by far the worst problem of all, you are way too underpowered all of the time.”
graphics
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
62%
9%
The graphics of the game are a mix of nostalgic 90s charm and modern enhancements, with the enhanced mode offering updated visuals and a higher frame rate that breathe new life into the experience. While some players appreciate the remastered graphics and sound effects, others note that the upscaling can result in uneven pixelation, detracting from the overall visual quality. Overall, the graphics are seen as a significant improvement over the original, though they still retain a retro feel.
- “The enhanced mode's graphics and sound effects really breathe new life into this game!”
- “Great graphics and soundtrack, fun gameplay, definitely a challenge.”
- “Oh, the times I used to play this, both shareware and the full version, this is one of the best shmups ever made, it has awesome graphics, awesome boss battles, and awesome controls!”
- “Graphics are still 90s though, but that's all part of the charm!”
- “What happens here (at least in v1.1) is that legacy mode may use early graphics from the late 1990s as a basis, while enhanced mode uses updated versions of graphics which came later, but still earlier than 2010.”
- “Despite the ship graphics looking the same as in the original, the remade bomb and sound effects managed to make the game feel more modern.”
gameplay
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
70%
20%
10%
The gameplay has been praised for its solid arcade mechanics, enjoyable combat, and nostalgic elements reminiscent of classic titles like Raptor and Tyrian, enhanced by updated visuals and a new soundtrack. However, some players have noted issues with difficulty balance, particularly in boss battles becoming easier over time, and concerns about the new power-up mechanics potentially being flawed. Overall, while the core gameplay remains fun and engaging, it has its share of challenges and inconsistencies.
- “Solid arcade gameplay, fun and crunchy enemies, true to the traditional gameplay of games like Raptor and Tyrian, which were my personal favorites in that genre.”
- “Great graphics and soundtrack, fun gameplay, definitely a challenge.”
- “The new music was a treat to listen to while playing along with discovering the new attack mechanics added into the remake.”
- “Second, the gameplay is nigh-on insufferable.”
- “Keep in mind, this is still the same game from the late 90s, with some very welcome improvements mostly visual, gameplay, and UI.”
story
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
50%
13%
The story aspect of the game is primarily centered around the nostalgia and enjoyment of the original missions, enhanced by new recordings of the classic soundtrack. Players express a strong desire for the remastering of the secret missions, which they found particularly enjoyable, while opinions on the enhanced mode are mixed, reflecting a bias from those who preferred the legacy version. Overall, the original missions are celebrated for their incredible feel, though some content is noted as missing.
- “I sure hope you will remaster the secret missions as well, as they were so enjoyable to play.”
- “Overall, the original missions feel incredible.”
- “The original and original missions 2 should have been included, and they're not.”
- “Life story aside, you have no idea just how much joy this brings me.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
150%
The humor in the game is highlighted by the hilarious fighter pilot speech lines, which have received consistent praise from users for their comedic value.
- “The fighter pilot speech lines are absolutely hilarious!”
- “The humor in the game is top-notch, especially the fighter pilot speech lines.”
- “I can't stop laughing at the witty fighter pilot speech lines!”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The reviews do not provide specific information about the stability of the games mentioned. Instead, they focus on the enjoyment of various arcade games available, suggesting a positive experience but lacking details on performance or stability issues.