You remember the arcade-style space shooters where one more run always felt possible, and you'd like that feeling back on a modern PC. DemonStar Classic is a remastered take on a vertical scrolling shooter from Mountain King Studios, created by Scott Host, who also made Galactix and Raptor: Call of the Shadows.
Quick facts
- Developer: Mountain King Studios Inc.
- Genre: vertical scrolling 2D space shooter
- Frame rate: 60 or 120 fps
- Modes: Legacy Mode and Enhanced Mode
- Levels: 18 progressive levels in the original game
Key features
Two game modes: Legacy for the original feel, Enhanced for revised gameplay
The remaster adds Legacy Mode and Enhanced Mode. You choose between the game as it was and a version with revised gameplay.
Smooth 60 or 120 fps display with screen improvements
You can run the game at 60 or 120 fps. The vendor says the video and screen improvements are not available in other versions of the game.
Two soundtracks: the original by Bobby Prince, or a new one by Pfeffermouse
You get the original soundtrack composed by Bobby Prince and a new soundtrack by Pfeffermouse.
Tate mode for vertical monitors
Tate/vertical mode lets you rotate your monitor and fill it with the playfield, as you would in an arcade cabinet.
Space, ground and water combat against bosses
The game description lists kamikaze fighters and asteroids in space, enemy tanks on the ground, and ships firing at you over water. Each boss calls for the right weapon, such as lasers or homing missiles, which you collect as you play. The original game has 18 levels and ends with the mega-boss, the DemonStar.
Who it's for
This is for you if you like fast, reflex-driven shooters and want a classic one on a modern PC. It also suits anyone who played the original and wants to see what the remaster changes. If you have a vertical monitor, Tate mode is a real reason to pick it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Legacy and Enhanced modes let you pick how faithful to the original you want to be.
- Two soundtracks, including the original by Bobby Prince.
- High frame rates and support for vertical monitors.
Cons
- It is a 2D shooter with a classic arcade structure, so don't expect modern open-ended design.
- The vendor also points to a separate newer version of the game on Steam, so check which edition you are buying.
FAQs
Is this the original game or a remake?
It is a remaster by the original creator, Scott Host. It adds new game modes and revised gameplay, and it keeps the original soundtrack as an option.
Can I play on a vertical monitor?
Yes. Tate/vertical mode is built in for vertical monitors.
Does it have multiplayer?
The original game was described with multiplayer and network capabilities. The remaster's own page doesn't list multiplayer, so don't count on it.
What frame rates does it run at?
You can run it at 60 or 120 fps.