Pandemonium! is a 3D platformer from 1996 for Windows by developer Crystal Dynamics. We meet our two protagonists: Fargus, a court jester, and Nikki, a sorceress. Nikki accidentally destroys their town with her powerful, uncontrolled magic. The odd duo sets out to undo the damage by traveling to the Wishing Engine, where they can wish the town rebuilt and restored to normal.
The game is highly entertaining and clearly echoes classics like Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario. If you’re in the mood for an older-style game with the same classic humor we remember from childhood, there are hours of fun to be had with Pandemonium!
Choose between Fargus and Nikki on their fantastic adventure
Pandemonium! offers rich backstories for its characters that pull you into the world and make you think when choosing your hero. Fargus works for a carnival as a joker/jester but wants to try something different. Nikki was an acrobat at the same carnival and decides to run away to pursue her dream of becoming a sorceress. Fargus and Nikki meet at a wizard seminar at Lancelot Castle, where they’re both dreadfully bored. They decide to steal the lecturer’s spellbook. Nikki attempts a level 10 spell and destroys the entire town. Fortunately, the book also explains how to fix it: the Wishing Engine.
This kind of backstory gives you a reason to pick the character you relate to the most. Each hero has their own one-liners that can make even the most serious player chuckle, so if you’ve finished the game as Fargus, you’ll have a great reason to replay it as Nikki just for the quips.
A long series of fun and challenging levels that really push you to the limit
Pandemonium! on Windows offers 18 levels to challenge your platforming skills. Each level represents different aspects of the long and perilous journey Fargus and Nikki embark on to fix their mistake. As the player is pushed to the limit, so are they.
Every level is packed with dangerous enemies you must overcome to reach your goal. In general, these foes can be defeated in classic Super Mario fashion: jump on their heads. To spice things up, the game also includes a variety of power-ups that make dispatching enemies more fun, such as a freeze ray that locks them in place so they’re easier to stomp, or a shrink ray that makes them so tiny you can simply step on them.
Hours of fun for you and your kids
Pandemonium! is clearly aimed at a younger audience with its goofy story and characters, making it ideal to play with your children for a bit of quality time. The concept from start to finish is easy to understand and jump into, which was also the secret behind hits like Sonic and Super Mario: even the youngest could play. There are many hours of fun here, and if you’re tired of more traditional platformers, it’s a great idea to give Pandemonium! a try.
A unique backstory in a world of excitement
What makes Pandemonium! stand out is its well-developed, humorous backstory that truly sets it apart from many other platformers. The world draws on the colorful carnival scene and a mysterious magical realm where anything can happen—and where you must be mindful of the consequences of your choices, as even the smallest pebble can trigger a landslide. The story and plot bring the game to life and drive you to push toward the Wishing Engine, which almost feels unattainable. Through cunning and hard work, you’ll get there—and after all the dangerous roads you’ve traveled to save the day, you’ll feel like a hero.
Classic visuals and expanded 2D
One of the most interesting aspects is the game’s design. Pandemonium! was built a bit differently than many platformers of its time. The entire world you explore is rendered in 3D, while movement in the game itself plays out in 2D. The world is built from classic polygons that, admittedly, don’t look as pretty by modern standards. Back then, however, it was a gorgeous game, and if you’re into retro visuals like those in Crash Bandicoot, it’s perfect.
The controls are simple and straightforward—you don’t need complex combos to get the most out of the game. Move with W and S, and use the spacebar to jump.
Other fun games to dive into
If you’ve played through Pandemonium! and still can’t get enough, there are several other retro games to try in your spare time that also offer loads of fun.
Golden Axe is a 2D action/arcade game from 1989 by developer SEGA. Here you can choose between three heroes on a mission to find the good king who has been kidnapped by evil, mythological creatures. At the same time, you must also reclaim the mighty weapon, the Golden Axe.
Golden Axe is even older than Pandemonium!, so if you can’t get enough retro fun, this will hit the spot. You can download Golden Axe here.
Conclusion
If you love retro games and a captivating, humorous story, Pandemonium! is for you. With its wide range of levels and witty one-liners, it’s hard not to be entertained.
Download the free platformer Pandemonium! here
Download Pandemonium!
