Demon Sword

Demon Sword
Also known as: Fudou Myouou Den (JP) Developer: TOSE Publisher: Taito Platform: NES Released in JP: March 29, 1988 Released in US: January 1990 This game has hidden development-related text. This game has debugging material. This game has a hidden level select. This game has regional differences.

The story about the most radical sword out there.

To do: The game was heavily cut down when it was released in America. Document differences. Also, lots of game info.

Debug Leftovers

Game Genie code AESNNNNY (US) or AENNONNY (Japan) will re-enable some debug leftovers:

• During the game, press B on Controller 2 to skip the current level.
• While the game is paused, you can add any items and ammo to your inventory by using the D-Pad and A on Controller 2.
• Enable invincibility by pressing Left + B on Controller 2 (for the US version) or Controller 1 (for the Japanese version).

Reset String

The game uses the string

Yoshikawa

to determine if the game was soft or hard reset.

(Source: CaH4e3)

Regional Differences

Title Screen

Japan	US

Introduction

...But what does it mean? This game has text or audio that needs to be translated. If you are fluent with this language, please read our translation guidelines and then submit a translation!

After booting the game, the Japanese version shows the Jikuju (a type of Shingon Buddhist mantra) of Acala[1]. The US version just goes to the title screen.

Password

The password screen looks very different between regions. Also, in the Japanese version the password screen is selectable from the main menu. For the US version, it's only accessible by holding Up and pressing A, B, A, B on the title screen.

Japan	US

Gameplay

The game system is greatly different between versions.

Object	Japan	US
Life system	The player will die upon taking any hit. By collecting a "substitute dummy" item, one is consumed upon taking hit, and the player can continue fighting with a few seconds of invincible time.	The player has a life gauge which only drains a part after taking hit. When the life gauge is empty, if the player carries red orbs and black orbs, they will be consumed such that red orbs restore health and black orbs extend max health.
Projectile attack	There are 10 types of projectiles in total, where the player can pause and choose which to use. Some of them are effective against specific enemies mostly found in next stage, while some of them simply deal more damage to most enemies.	The player can collect the "shuriken" item to increase the efficiency of the only projectile in use.
Temporarily powerups	There are 8 different scrolls which give various effects for a period of time.	There are only 3 different items which give temporal boosts.
Special powers	There are 10 special powers able to be selected. One of them even consumes remaining players to attack.	There are only 3 special powers.
Enemy rooms	The room is dark. If the player carries torches, one of them is consumed to light up the room layout.	The room is always lit.
Enemies	Most of the regular enemies only take a single hit to kill.	Even the weakest of enemies will take two or more hits.
Invisible enemies	They exist. Players can carry talisman to block their damage, or use one of the special powers to make them visible for a while.	They don't exist.

Levels

The Japanese version contains a whopping number of 13 stages, while the American version only contains 7. Some levels feature different level design, enemies and bosses. Here is a list of the corresponding levels.

Stage	Japan	US
Bamboo grove	Stage 1-1	Stage 1-1
Mountain forest	Stage 1-2	Stage 1-2
Cemetery	Stage 1-3	Stage 2-1
Evil temple	Stage 1-4
Flame mountain	Stage 2-1	Stage 2-2
Cavern	Stage 2-2
Frozen mountain	Stage 2-3
Demon tower	Stage 2-4
Bottomless swamp	Stage 3-1
Fortress exterior	Stage 3-2	Stage 3-1
Fortress gates	Stage 3-3
Fortress interior	Stage 3-4	Stage 3-2
Netherworld	Stage 4	Stage 4

Ending

The ending is the mostly the same in both versions, but with some minor differences.

• The US version says "Stage 4 Clear" after beating the last boss, the Japanese version goes straight to the ending.
• After rescuing the princess in the Japanese version, the ending shows a piece of artwork with the hero and princess riding a horse.

• After the hero rides off into the sunset, the Japanese version shows the same poem from the introduction.
• The "End" screen of the Japanese version shows 企画製作 タイトー (Planning and Development by Taito) instead of the Taito logo.

Japan	US