Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Mountain King Studios, Inc.
- Publishers: Ionos, Inc, Mountain King Studios, Inc.
Demonstar (1997): A Classic Vertical Scrolling Shooter
Demonstar is a 1997 indie vertical scrolling shooter shareware computer game designed and developed by Mountain King Studios, Inc. and published by ionos, Inc. It is the first original DemonStar series of top-down vertical scrolling shooter computer games. The version was also 3D parallax air and ground was published by ionos, Inc. The game shares many similarities with the Raiden series. DemonStar features various power-ups, including smart bombs and other power-ups which modify the types of projectiles that the player’s ship fires.
The full version of the game features 18 levels. At the end of each level is a boss ship that the player must destroy.
DemonStar was very successful in the shareware computer game market, despite Mountain King Studios being a relatively new company at the time. In addition to the original game, two additional titles have been released: DemonStar Secret Mission 1 and DemonStar Secret Mission 2.
Gameplay
Demonstar is a vertical scrolling shooter in which the player controls a ship that can fire in eight directions. The player’s ship can also be upgraded with a variety of power-ups, including smart bombs, lasers, and spread shots.
The game features 18 levels, each with a unique boss ship. The levels are set in a variety of environments, including space, cities, and forests.
Graphics and Sound
Demonstar’s graphics are colorful and detailed, and the game runs smoothly even on older computers. The game’s soundtrack is also well-composed and catchy.
Reception
Demonstar was very well-received by critics and players alike. The game was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics and sound. DemonStar was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Demonstar is considered to be one of the best vertical scrolling shooters of all time. The game has been praised for its fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics and sound. DemonStar has also been cited as an influence on a number of other vertical scrolling shooters, including Ikaruga and Radiant Silvergun.
Conclusion
Demonstar is a classic vertical scrolling shooter that is still a lot of fun to play today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, challenging difficulty, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Additional Information
- Developer: Mountain King Studios, Inc.
- Publisher: ionos, Inc.
- Release date: 1997
- Platforms: PC
- Genre: Vertical scrolling shooter
- Number of levels: 18
- Bosses: 18
- Power-ups: Smart bombs, lasers, spread shots
- Graphics: Colorful and detailed
- Sound: Well-composed and catchy
- Reception: Critical and commercial success
- Legacy: Considered to be one of the best vertical scrolling shooters of all time
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
