Game Boy Advance

DemiKids: Dark Version

For some reason, I expected more substance than what I received with DemiKids. While I enjoyed the games, for the most part, what I found myself playing was simply another Super Nintendo quality RPG that has been delivered to the GBA, a system that is capable of far more than what it's been given. This is nothing new; in fact I'd go as far as to call it a trend in the industry. That issue aside, the game's storyline and Demon collecting aspect more than make up for these SNES shortcomings, providing gamers with an entertaining, albeit dark RPG. Those who wish to compare the game to Pokemon or those who purchase the game thinking it to be a lot like Pokemon will be quickly disappointed, as the only thing that the two games share is the ability to collect and share creatures for use in combat. I have to stop and wonder, though... is Demon collecting going to cause the same uproar as Pokemon collecting did a few years back? Just a thought.

Overall, DemiKids has its fair share of ups and downs. It's not the best role-playing game available for the system, but it does provide an alternative to the more upbeat Pokémon and Mega Man Battle Network games.

Now that I've put the Christian Coalition on the tail of this game, let me explain: in Japan, less than 5% of the population is Christian, and outré topics like summoning demons (and speaking with Lucifer, as is alluded to later in the game) are merely thought to add color and style -- and personally, that's a position I find more amusing than disturbing. DemiKids' mishmash of mythologies, kiddie anime style, and hardcore gameplay doesn't result in one of the best games on the system, but it's a satisfying enough RPG for those of you who look for something a little different.

Despite having some of the most energetic Game Boy Advance boxart on the market, DemiKids is actually a strikingly dull role-playing title on the Game Boy Advance. It never really tries to be anything more than its ordinary self, never offering much more than the stereotypical Japanese, turn-based game design.