Demonstar vs Menace

Demonstar is a 1997 indie vertical scrolling shooter developed by Mountain King Studios and published by Ionos. Players pilot the prototype RaptorX starfighter against the Xidus Armada, battling through 18 levels and confronting a unique boss at the end of each stage. The game features classic power‑ups, smart bombs, and a 3D parallax visual style that set it apart from its Raiden‑inspired peers. Originally released as shareware, the full version delivers single‑player, multiplayer, and co‑operative modes for PC gamers seeking retro sci‑fi action.

In Menace you pilot a lone fighter craft on a desperate mission to annihilate the artificial planet Draconia, a monstrous construct built by six exiled rulers. The game thrusts you into six wildly different worlds, each packed with relentless enemies and treacherous obstacles that demand lightning‑fast reflexes and furious fire‑button action. The experience is pure arcade intensity: single‑player only, with a focus on high‑score chasing and survival. Destroy defense systems, dodge projectiles, and unleash firepower to bring down the planet before it consumes the galaxy.

• Authentic 90s retro feel
• Rich 3D parallax visuals
• Varied power‑up system
• Multiple play modes including co‑op

• High‑octane, fast‑paced action
• Varied worlds keep gameplay fresh
• Simple controls with deep skill ceiling
• Authentic retro graphics and sound

• Limited to PC platform
• Graphics dated by modern standards
• No official online multiplayer matchmaking

• Limited to single‑player mode
• No modern difficulty settings
• Graphics may feel dated to new players