DEMON'S BLAZON - MAKAIMURA MONSHŌ HEN
( Demon's Crest )
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デモンズブレイゾン 魔界村 紋章編
©Capcom 1994
Release: 1994-10-21 (¥9800)
Cartridge SHVC-3Z
Action / Platform game
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Released in America as DEMON'S CREST
( SNS-3Z-USA )
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Released in Europe as DEMON'S CREST
( SNSP-3Z-XXX )
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Demon's Blazon is a platform/adventure game by Capcom.
Red-Arremer (aka Firebrand) is a red flying demon and he most
certainly looks strangely familiar to anyone acquainted with Capcom's
popular Makaimura series (aka Ghosts 'n Goblins). Our demon's mission
is to collect six stolen crests (Fire, Water, Wind, Earth,
Time and Heaven). Interestingly, Demon's Blazon breaks away from
the linear progression laid down by previous games in the Makaimura series. After
the first introduction stage, Red-Arremer is able to fly over a pseudo-3D map
and is free to travel to new destinations. The levels unlock themselves as the game progresses
and a couple seem to always be available for exploration. Red-Arremer's first
abilities is to throw fireballs and to fly, or rather to hang in the air. He can also
use magic spells and potions that are usually symbolized by scrolls or empty bottles.
Each new crest gives our hero new powers and allow him to tranform into new and more
powerful demons. These new abilities open up new areas for exploration and some seemingly
inaccessible places become easily reachable. They are also the best reason to explore
previously visited levels again, the player never knows what he may find in there. Other
special items are also scattered throughout the game such as the health orbs which
give Red-Arremer a precious extra health slot. Shops and special stores are also
located on the world map and can be visited at any time - there, our hero can purchase
new spells or magic potions. Finally, the game's progress can be saved using a sixteen
character password - it comes as a cost though and all the collected money, potions and
spells are lost in the process...
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Game's story from the American documentation:
Many, many years ago it was a time of fantasy and intrigue. Legends
passed from generation to generation. People loved to spin takes of great
warriors rising up against the tyrannical forces of those who ruled. One such
legend spoke of a world that was once divided into two different lands.
The two realms existed in harmony: one ruled by humans, the other ruled
by demons. There was rarely conflict between the two realms until one
fateful day. Six magical stones fell from the sky into the demon's realm.
Inscribed on the stones were the Crests of Fire, Earth, Air, Water, Time
and Heaven. These crests, when united, would grant unimaginable power.
Soon the demons began to fight over these magical crests. The demon
realm erupted into civil war. The land was in turmoil over the stones until finally
one red demon emerged with five stones by defeating the others.
This demon was known as Firebrand. Firebrand was not satisfied that
possessing the Crests of Fire, Earth, Air, Water and Time would end the war.
He then challenged the Demon Dragon for the Crest of Heaven. After a
long and desperate battle, Firebrand slayed the Dragon and gained the
final Crest. But the price of victory was high. Firebrand was critically
wounded. Firebrand also did not realize that while he was obtaining
the Crests, his success only moved him closer to failure. The
jealous demon Phalanx secretly trailed Firebrand and waited for
just the right moment.
"I have defeated the Red Demon!" Phalanx cried.
"I shall reign supreme ! With the power of the Crest,
both the demon world and the human world are mine!"
Firebrand vowed revenge on Phalanx. Phalanx was clever, though.
He separated the crests in case someone did rise up to challenge the
power he possessed. And now someone has risen to the challenge. The legend
of Firebrand is about to unfold in the search of the Demon's Crest!
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Japanese Guidebook
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Japanese Guidebook
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Click on picture to enlarge |
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Add your Pov here !
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P
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Capcom has always been known for its innovative and AAA titles and
Demon's Blazon is another example of Capcom's commitment to providing
players with something different and fun. Demon's Blazon is a huge game with
countless hidden secrets and can be seen as a cross mix between Castlevania
and Metroid. The level design is also gorgeous with spooky Gothic backgrounds
and huge bosses. What amazes me the most is how the game throws the player right into
the action - Red-Arremer faces a huge undead-dragon and has to fight his way out
straight from the beginning! Do not worry, it is an easy task when you know the beast's
weak point, but the first time you'll certainly die a few times. I also like the game's
story, listen to that - Red-Arremer has to stop a second war between humans and
demons and, interestingly, the first one was actually won by Arthur at the end of
his epic journey in Makaimura! Capcom did here a really good job at
intertwining the games together into the same universe. The only bad point of the
game is the saving system - the fact that you lose all your money and spells when you
save your game is sort of dumb. A battery-backed Ram would have been a welcome addition
but I guess Capcom wanted to save on production costs. All in all, Demon's Blazon
is a real masterpiece and one of Capcom's finest accomplishments.
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