You are greeted with a short manga inspired introduction shortly after starting this game. Billy "Big Bang" Blitz (our hero) and Mary (hottie co-worker) receive a message from headquarters. A man named Professor Plum (no relation to the board game) has been kidnapped, and it is up to you to save him. A flying skeleton Tom Guycot, leader of The Governors, has led a plot to kidnap Professor Plum, manipulated him into building a world-devastating bomb, and the only way to stop it is to find the six medallions that control the device. The plot only get more bizarre from this point on as you encounter a flying hermit, super-human powers known as “the force”, aliens and even a mind controlling demon.

The game play consists of a traditional platformer. The game is most unique for its use of special items and extreme non-linearity. Sporting over 40 levels arranged in an elaborate web like pattern, players are allowed to choose their own routes in their quest to save the world. As the game progresses players are given additional skills and supplementary items to help overcome obstacles. Rarely does the game actually require you to meet someone to advance the story, leaving exploration and discovery as the focus of gameplay. Ultimately you need little more than to find the medallions and stop the bomb. A goal best described as easier said than done.

The game is by no means short and there is a fair bit of backtracking required to play the game to completion. Boss battles were extremely challenging and opponent movements can seem erratic. Arduous, lengthy passwords and continues resetting your income back to zero is punishing to an extreme degree. With all the aggravation I still found myself comming back for more. What the game lacks is easily made up for in its humor, dynamics and versatility. Featuring some of the best control of any platformer I’ve ever played, it is responsive and easy to pickup. The sheer number of upgrades is almost unmatched in the otherwise restrictive NES platform. Jetpacks, jump boots and lava dive suits are just some of the upgrades you can use, enhancing your abilities as well as altering your appearance in play, death and even in your portrait during conversations.

While it is not without its problems, Clash at Demonhead is still one of my favorite video games of all time. Amusing character art, interesting dialog, lots of upgrades and responsive game play more than make up for the shortcomings. The game plays exactly like you would expect it to, with a dash of humor thrown in the mix. It is a definite must play for anyone who enjoys a good dose of culture shock and games that don’t take themselves too seriously.