Devils & Demons

Devils & Demons is a 2D turn-based strategy game with strong RPG elements, set in the fantasy world of Desola, which is plagued by demons from hellish portals. Players control heroes of light in their fight against various servants of Darkness, including cultists, daemons, and undead warriors, with objectives ranging from protecting villages to destroying enemy portals. Battles take place on small, hexagonal battlefields where a party of up to five characters, each with unique statistics and unlockable attacks, engages enemies using a two-action-point-per-turn system, navigating the world map between pre-defined and random skirmish encounters.

Devils & Demons: A Journey Through Desola’s Shadowed Realms

In the ever-evolving tapestry of video game history, where genres mutate and platforms rise and fall, certain titles emerge as quiet testaments to design ambitions, even if their broader impact remains understated. ‘Devils & Demons,’ developed and published by Handy-Games GmbH, and later co-published by Headup Games GmbH & Co. KG, is one such artifact. Originally released in 2009 on the now-historic BlackBerry platform, this 2D turn-based strategy game, with its pronounced RPG elements, embarked on an intriguing multi-platform journey, eventually landing on iOS, Android, and Windows. While it may not have shattered industry paradigms, ‘Devils & Demons’ offers a compelling case study in mobile-first tactical design, a commitment to a rich fantasy setting, and the often-rocky transition of such experiences to broader gaming ecosystems. This review will delve into its origins, mechanics, thematic depth, and ultimately, its enduring, if modest, legacy within the realm of digital fantasy.

Development History & Context

‘Devils & Demons’ began its life in an era distinctly different from today’s gaming landscape. Launched on November 6, 2009, for the BlackBerry, it predated the widespread dominance of modern smartphones as dedicated gaming devices, and certainly the advent of powerful handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch. Handy-Games GmbH, known as an “international indie game and premium mobile game publisher and developer,” envisioned a robust, console-like tactical RPG experience for these nascent mobile platforms. Their ambition was to craft “probably the best strategy RPG ever!”, promising “deep turn based tactical combat” and a “captivating storyline with hours of gameplay.”

The technological constraints of a 2009 BlackBerry device would have necessitated a design philosophy focused on efficiency and clarity. The choice of a 2D isometric perspective, often described as “diagonal-down,” was a pragmatic one, allowing for detailed character sprites and environments without demanding excessive processing power. The “direct control” interface, while vague in detail, suggests a streamlined input method suitable for the physical keypads or early touchscreens of its initial platform.

As the mobile market exploded, Handy-Games adapted. ‘Devils & Demons’ saw releases on iPhone, iPad, and Android in 2014, showcasing a willingness to port and adapt the core experience. This mobile iteration leveraged either a commercial model or a free-to-play structure supported by in-app purchases, a common strategy for monetization in the rapidly expanding mobile ecosystem. By 2015, the game made its way to Windows, shifting to a commercial-only release model at a price point of $9.99 on Steam. This trajectory—from a niche mobile device to mainstream mobile and then PC—reflects a common ambition for mobile developers of the era: to expand their reach and demonstrate the viability of their titles beyond touchscreens, grappling with the inherent challenges of translating a mobile-first experience to a desktop audience.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The narrative of ‘Devils & Demons’ is firmly rooted in classic dark fantasy tropes, yet it builds a world with a tangible sense of ancient glory and current peril. The story unfolds in Desola, a “magic age, where dragons ruled and the world… was at the height of its glory.” This golden era, however, has been catastrophically shattered. A “demonic portal opened its infernal abyss in the shadowlands,” unleashing a relentless tide of “Devils & Demons” that have ravaged the realm. The battle between “monsters and men” rages, with “endless streams of diabolic reapers” bringing “death and despair to humankind.” The plight of humanity is dire; their army is “outnumbered and in disarray.”

Against this backdrop of impending doom, the player assumes the critical role of a savior. It is their “duty to assemble a party of heroes and embark on an epic quest to help the Order of the Light stop the menacing threat.” This crusade requires protecting villages and shrines, destroying enemy portals, and ultimately, safeguarding the kingdom against the “empire of darkness and a war brought upon them by the lords of fire.” The underlying themes are clear and resonant:
* Good vs. Evil: The fundamental conflict between the “heroes of light” and the “many servants of Darkness,” including cultists, daemons, undead warriors, necromancers, and even corrupted dragons, forms the narrative backbone.
* Desperation and Hope: The seemingly insurmountable odds faced by humankind imbue the quest with a sense of urgency and highlight the heroic efforts required to stem the demonic tide.
* Reclamation and Protection: The heroes aren’t just fighting for survival, but to protect what remains and perhaps, one day, to reclaim the glory of Desola’s past.
* Heroic Journey and Progression: The mandate to “increase the power of your group of heroes and pave your way to the top” encapsulates the traditional RPG arc of growth and empowerment against a formidable foe.

While the game’s description doesn’t delve into specific character backstories or intricate dialogue, it promises a “captivating storyline with hours of gameplay” and “a myriad of quests in a living fantasy world with many events, encounters.” The party consists of up to five archetypal heroes, such as a monk, healer, rogue, or archer (like the “Daemonhunter” who wields “several type of arrows”). These class-based heroes, alongside a diverse roster of enemies, provide the necessary framework for strategic combat and role-playing fantasy, albeit without the explicit narrative depth of some larger, lore-heavy franchises.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its heart, ‘Devils & Demons’ is a 2D turn-based tactical RPG, designed to offer strategic depth within its constraints. The core gameplay loop centers around navigating a world map, moving between pre-defined battlefields, and occasionally engaging in “random fights in skirmish battles.”

Combat System:
The battle system is the game’s most prominent feature. Engagements unfold on “small, hexagonal battlefields,” a classic grid design that encourages positional play and tactical foresight. The player commands a party of up to five distinct characters, each fulfilling a specific role (e.g., monk, healer, rogue, archer).

• Action Points: A crucial element of the tactical combat is the action point system. Each hero is granted “two action points per turn.” Every action, be it movement or an attack, consumes “one action point.” This simple yet effective mechanic forces players to make meaningful choices about how to allocate their heroes’ turns, balancing offense, defense, and positioning.
• Character Abilities: Heroes are differentiated by “different statistics” and come equipped with “three attacks,” some of which are “more powerful attacks have to be unlocked” through progression. The promise of a “vast array of awesome skills, spells and abilities” suggests a diverse toolkit available to the player, allowing for varied tactical approaches and team compositions.
• Objectives: Beyond simply eliminating all enemies, battles often feature specific objectives, such as protecting “villages and shrines” or destroying “enemy portals,” adding a layer of strategic complexity beyond brute force.

Character Progression:
‘Devils & Demons’ embraces its “strong RPG elements.” Players are encouraged to “fight, loot and recruit!” new heroes, continually increasing “the power of your group of heroes” and paving “your way to the top.” While specific details on loot systems or skill trees are not extensively detailed in the provided materials, the emphasis on unlocking more powerful attacks and acquiring “epic war loot” suggests a satisfying feedback loop of character development and gear acquisition.

User Interface and Design:
The “diagonal-down” perspective and “direct control” interface speak to its mobile origins, prioritizing clarity and ease of input. For a game that debuted on BlackBerry, a streamlined UI would have been paramount. The “2D” nature, coupled with “sophisticated artworks, cut scenes and detailed HD graphics” (particularly in later versions), aims for an aesthetically pleasing experience that is visually descriptive without being overly complex, facilitating clear tactical readability.

Innovations & Flaws:
For its time, particularly on mobile, the game’s commitment to “deep turn based tactical combat” on a hexagonal grid with action points was ambitious. It sought to deliver a more sophisticated strategy experience than many contemporary mobile titles. However, the multi-platform journey also exposed some inherent flaws, particularly with the Windows port. User reviews on Steam, which are “39% | Mostly Negative” (from 112 reviews), frequently cite technical issues such as “Alt-tab issue,” “Slow game?”, “Can not start!”, and “resolution” problems. An “Achievement Bug” was also noted. These point to a less-than-optimized transition from mobile to PC, where player expectations for performance and polish are significantly higher. The mention of “small, hexagonal battlefields” might also hint at a design that, while appropriate for mobile screens, could feel restrictive on larger displays or to players accustomed to grander tactical maps.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Desola is painted with broad, evocative strokes, creating a compelling backdrop for the game’s grim narrative. It’s a land steeped in history, where a “magic age” once saw “dragons ruled” and the realm flourish in “the height of its glory.” This serves as a stark contrast to its current state as a “dark fantasy world,” ravaged by demonic incursions from the “shadowlands.” The atmosphere is one of pervasive threat and desperate heroism, constantly reinforced by the presence of “hordes of savage demons and undead” and formidable “boss enemies like necromancers and dragons.”

Visually, ‘Devils & Demons’ employs a 2D art style with a “diagonal-down” perspective, common in tactical RPGs for its clear view of the battlefield. The developers boast “sophisticated artworks, cut scenes and detailed HD graphics.” While the “HD” aspect would certainly apply more to its later mobile and PC iterations rather than its BlackBerry debut, screenshots confirm a vibrant, albeit dark, fantasy aesthetic. Character sprites are distinct, and environments, though confined to “hundreds of detailed maps,” appear to offer enough visual variety to support the “countless adventures” promised.

A particular highlight claimed by Handy-Games is the game’s audio design: an “epic orchestral soundtrack and brilliantly voiced characters.” This is a significant claim for a title with mobile origins, suggesting a substantial investment in sound production to elevate the overall immersive experience. A strong orchestral score would undoubtedly enhance the sense of epic struggle, while voiced characters, even if limited, could add much-needed personality and gravitas to the “captivating storyline” and “many events, encounters.” If these claims hold true, the sound design could be one of the game’s standout features, especially considering its mobile heritage.

Reception & Legacy

The reception of ‘Devils & Demons’ presents a complex, somewhat fragmented picture. At its initial launch on BlackBerry in 2009, detailed critical reviews are notably absent from the provided data. MobyGames lists an “Average score: 3.7 out of 5 (based on 1 ratings with 0 reviews),” which, while passable, is based on a single, undetailed player assessment. Platforms like RPGGeek and OpenCritic show no registered critic reviews, with RPGGeek having 0 ratings and OpenCritic ranking it in the “-1th percentile” – effectively unranked. This suggests that despite Handy-Games’ ambitions, the game largely flew under the radar of professional critics, particularly during its early mobile life.

The game’s reputation evolved, or perhaps devolved, with its later PC release in 2015. On Steam, user reviews are “39% | Mostly Negative” based on 112 ratings. This sharp contrast points to a significant disconnect between the game’s mobile-first design and the expectations of a PC audience. Discussions on Steam forums corroborate this, with numerous threads detailing technical issues: “Alt-tab issue,” “Slow game?”, “Can not start!”, and problems with “resolution.” An “Achievement Bug” was also a noted frustration. These technical deficiencies, common in mobile-to-PC ports, likely contributed heavily to the “Mostly Negative” reception, overshadowing any inherent strengths in its core gameplay. The sentiment “This game need remake” from a Steam user further underscores the idea that while the foundational design might hold appeal, its execution and modernization for PC were lacking.

Commercially, the shift from a potential free-to-play model with in-app purchases on mobile to a commercial-only title on PC ($9.99) is interesting. While no sales figures are available, the continuous porting to multiple platforms (BlackBerry, iOS, Android, Windows, Windows Phone 8, Tizen) over several years indicates a sustained effort by Handy-Games to reach a wider audience and derive value from their product.

Despite its journey across platforms, ‘Devils & Demons’ does not appear to have carved out a significant legacy in terms of influencing subsequent games or the industry at large. Instead, its historical importance lies more in its representation of mobile game development in the late 2000s and early 2010s – an ambitious attempt to deliver a deep tactical RPG experience on emerging platforms, and the often-perilous challenges of adapting such titles for the discerning PC market. It remains a niche title, remembered perhaps more for its platform hopping and technical struggles than for groundbreaking innovation.

Conclusion

‘Devils & Demons’ stands as a fascinating, if somewhat overlooked, entry in the history of tactical role-playing games, particularly within the context of mobile gaming’s formative years. Launched on BlackBerry in 2009, it represented an early, earnest endeavor by Handy-Games GmbH to deliver a “deep turn based tactical combat” experience within a “dark fantasy world” to a nascent mobile audience. Its meticulously designed hexagonal battlefields, action point system, and class-based party management demonstrated a clear commitment to strategic depth, complemented by promises of an “epic orchestral soundtrack and brilliantly voiced characters.”

However, the game’s subsequent journey to iOS, Android, and ultimately, Windows, revealed the inherent difficulties in translating a mobile-first design across vastly different platforms and user expectations. While the core vision of protecting Desola from demonic forces with a band of customizable heroes held its thematic appeal, the PC port, in particular, suffered from technical issues that resulted in a “Mostly Negative” reception from players. This outcome casts a shadow on what might have been a commendable mobile strategy title.

In its final verdict, ‘Devils & Demons’ occupies a unique, if humble, place in video game history. It is a testament to the ambitions of developers in the early mobile era, striving to deliver complex gameplay on limited hardware. While it may not be remembered as a genre-defining masterpiece or a commercial behemoth, its multi-platform existence and the contrasting receptions it received offer valuable insights into the challenges of game development and porting. It remains a niche curiosity: a solid, if flawed, example of a tactical RPG that, despite its potential, ultimately struggled to garner widespread critical acclaim or leave a lasting footprint on the broader gaming consciousness beyond its initial mobile niche.