Now here is a real gem. I use to play this all the time when I was just a young one. Clash at Demon Head was released in the states in 1990 for the NES.
You play as Billy “Big Bang” Blitz, now that is just an awesome name, and are on a quest to save professor Plum who created what is called the doomsday device. Now why anyone would ever want to create a doomsday device is beyond me it remind me of Dr. Strangelove. Any way you are to save Dr. Plum and along the way you encounter some other interesting characters including a hermit who will give you special force powers such as turning small and being able to teleport. I don’t want to give too much of the story away as it is actually fairly interesting.
The lackluster story aside the gameplay is really where this one shines. Unlike other side scrolling shooters at the time this game is nonlinear in that you get to pick the route you take. I’m sure there is a correct path that you should follow, but I like the fact that you have to explore to discover what you need to do.
The other exciting thing is all the different weapons and items that you get to buy. Such as spread rounds, scuba gear, a super suit that lets you swim in lava, super jump boots, and a jet pack. Every item has its own advantages and places you need to use them. Everything can be bought from a crazy shop that falls from the sky at a certain point on the map or you can call one to you if you buy shop items.
The bosses in this game can be pretty difficult like most NES games, but having the right weapon and strategy will make them a lot easier. Unfortunately the password system in this game is just terrible. The passwords are incredible long and make such a ruckus when you are entering them. Fortunately the music is great and the explosion sounds some enemies make are extremely satisfying.
This is a great game and definitely worth a play. If you don’t use some sort of strategy guide I would prepare to be in it for the long haul, but some people like that. If you don’t have it you can probably pick it up for under $15. It’s a good one to add to your collection.