A vertical shooter rebuilt from 1997
DemonStar is a top-down, vertical scrolling shoot 'em up that Scott Host originally released in 1997. You pilot a spaceship through 18 progressive levels, filling the screen with bullets while working toward the XIDUS empire. The game carries the look and feel of a 1990s shareware shooter, with 3D rendered graphics, explosive sound effects, and pixel-style presentation. It runs at 60 or 120fps, and there is a Tate/vertical mode for vertical monitors if you want the classic arcade orientation.
Playing together
DemonStar is tagged for local multiplayer and local co-op, and it supports Remote Play Together, so friends can join in over a connection rather than needing to be on the same couch. Controller support is built in, which makes passing the stick around or setting up side-by-side play straightforward.
Modes, weapons, and soundtracks
Two game modes are available: Legacy Mode and Enhanced Mode. Legacy Mode keeps the original feel, while Enhanced Mode brings the revised gameplay. To take down each boss you need to hunt down weapons across the levels, including lasers and homing missiles, building an arsenal over the course of the 18 levels. The audio comes in two flavors: the original soundtrack by Bobby Prince and a new soundtrack by Pfeffermouse, so you can pick the era that suits your run.