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Demon Front

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The gameplay is similar to Metal Slug and other run and gun games. It lacks the vehicles that were an element of Metal Slug. In addition, there are some unique features in the game. Each of the four characters brings along a pet, which can be sent to attack enemies or used as a shield. There a...

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Developer
International Games System

Released on
2002

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Platform

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

The gameplay is similar to Metal Slug and other run and gun games. It lacks the vehicles that were an element of Metal Slug.

In addition, there are some unique features in the game. Each of the four characters brings along a pet, which can be sent to attack enemies or used as a shield. There are three buttons: Shoot, jump, and shield. Holding the shoot button charges your pet, and when released the pet launches a stationary devastating attack for a few seconds. The shield button converts the pet into a shield that is permanent – until you press the button again or it takes enough damage to disappear. Melee attacks and pet attacks release hearts which boost your shield power.

Characters include Jake and Sara, two regular humans from Earth. Dr. J, a scientist, and Maya an ape. All characters largely play the same.

Demon Front

Overview & History

Developed and published by IGS in 2002 for the PGM arcade board, Demon Front is often celebrated as a spiritual answer to SNK's iconic Metal Slug series. Set in a desolate world where ancient, malevolent spirits emerge from the earth's crust to enslave humanity, the storyline follows a resistance force utilizing experimental stone tablets and magical symbiotes to fight back. Visually distinct with its vibrant pre-rendered 3D sprites and intricate hand-drawn backgrounds, the game stands out for its unique blend of gritty apocalyptic horror and colorful fantasy design, though it never quite achieved the same mainstream ubiquity as its major arcade rivals.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard run-and-gun platformers, Demon Front introduces a dynamic companion system: each of the four selectable characters (Dr. J, Jake, Sara, and Hermit) is accompanied by a floating magical pet. These creatures act as offensive powerhouses, bullet-blocking shields, and even platforms for vertical traversal. Players can execute screen-clearing bomb attacks, mountable rideable mechs, and dual-plane movement mechanics that allow shooting into the foreground and background. The three-button arcade layout handles jumping, firing, and a dedicated pet-shield deployment, creating a frantic, highly strategic gameplay loop where balancing offense and defense is vital for survival against relentless boss onslaughts.