Demon's Crest
Demon's Crest is a 1994 action-platformer for SNES, part of the Ghosts 'n Goblins/Gargoyle's Quest sub-series, starring the demon Firebrand. The plot centers on six elemental Crests (Fire, Earth, Water, Air, Time, Heaven), which when combined create the "Crest of Infinity," granting infinite power. Firebrand must recover Crests stolen by rival demon Phalanx.
Availability: Nintendo Switch Online — Super Nintendo Entertainment System app (Nintendo Classics)
This guide documents the game's main progression and structure; some specific details are still being verified and are noted where relevant.
Controls
Firebrand's core abilities are fire breath, claws for clinging to walls, and wings that let him hover in the air (hover height is limited early in the game and expands with certain Crests).
Crest Transformations
Five Gargoyle forms are unlocked via collected Crests: Ground Gargoyle, Aerial Gargoyle, Tidal Gargoyle, Legendary Gargoyle, and Ultimate Gargoyle — each specialized for particular combat or exploration needs.
Levels / Structure
The game is divided into six areas, which the player revisits multiple times as new Crests/forms are acquired. Levels 5 and 6 must be unlocked before becoming accessible (gating tied to progress/Crest collection). The design uses metroidvania-style gating: players must revisit earlier levels with new Crests to access previously unreachable areas, items, and boss fights. A map system assists navigation. Collectibles include extra hit points, consumable magic flasks, spell vellums, and talismans that enhance Firebrand's capabilities.
Bosses
Somulo, a dragon demon, is the first boss. Arma, a general in Phalanx's army, is fought three separate times over the course of the game. A secret boss, the Dark Demon, is unlockable by finding 100% of the game's items and defeating Phalanx; the Dark Demon has two forms, including a three-headed skeletal charioteer form and a plasma-tailed winged form.
Progression / Required Objectives
The game blends action platforming with mild RPG elements (item/equipment collection affecting Firebrand's capabilities). There are three standard endings plus a hidden fourth ending available only after meeting specific completion conditions (100% item collection plus defeating Phalanx, unlocking the Dark Demon fight).
Still confirming
- Names of all six areas/levels.
- Full boss roster for stages other than the confirmed Somulo, Arma (x3), Phalanx, and the secret Dark Demon.
- Exact conditions/order required to trigger each of the three standard endings.