ActRaiser is what happens when someone says, “What if God played Castlevania… and then managed SimCity?” Released on the Super Nintendo in 1990, it’s part platformer, part god game, and all cult classic. Even today, it still feels like something nobody else has quite pulled off.
Quick Info
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | SNES (also available on Nintendo Switch Online and ports) |
| Game Type | ROM / Retro |
| Genre | Action-Platformer + Simulation |
| Controls | D-pad / buttons / gamepad |
| Requires Internet | No (unless you’re playing a streaming version) |
| Language | English, Japanese |
| Graphics Style | 16-bit pixel art |
So… What Is This Game?
In ActRaiser, you play as The Master — a godlike being who wakes up from a long nap (classic divine behavior) to find that the world has gone to hell, literally. Your job is to cleanse each region by beating up demons with a sword-wielding statue, then help humans rebuild civilization using miracles, lightning, and… urban planning.
The game alternates between two modes:
- Action Mode – Old-school side-scrolling sword combat. Think early Castlevania but with better jump arcs and fewer stairs.
- Simulation Mode – A surprisingly chill top-down city builder where you guide humanity with an angel and occasional acts of smiting.
Somehow, it all works. The game loops through these stages — fight monsters, grow a town, unlock new powers, and move on to the next cursed land. It’s a weird mix, but the pacing makes it addictive.
Also: the music? Absolute bangers. Yuzo Koshiro went full divine orchestra.
Core Loop
- Two Modes Per Region: Slay monsters, then help the townsfolk rebuild.
- Progression: Population growth increases your max health and unlocks new spells.
- Miracles: Rain to grow crops. Lightning to burn trees. Earthquakes to destroy your followers’ houses so they build better ones (they don’t mind, somehow).
- Boss Fights: Big, dramatic, and sometimes wildly unfair. Just how it should be.
Graphics
It’s 16-bit SNES pixel art with a flair for the dramatic. The action segments are all dark skies and crumbling temples, while the simulation sections feel bright and hopeful — until the monsters show up and start setting your towns on fire. Bosses are large and angry. Townsfolk are tiny and optimistic. It works.
How to Play
You’ll need the original game file (ROM) and a compatible device. After that:
- Load it through your usual launcher or front-end.
- Set up your controls — nothing fancy needed.
- Start playing. That’s it.
No internet required, no updates, no microtransactions. Just classic cartridge-era simplicity.
Best Played On
ActRaiser runs great on anything with a D-pad and buttons. Recommended handhelds:
- Any Anbernic RG35XX device – reliable SNES performance.
- Trimui Smart Pro – sleek, bright screen, ideal for old-school platforming, but you’ll get the wrong aspect ratio!
- Trimui Brick – portable, pocket-sized, actually kinda charming.
- Retroid Pocket 5 – powerful, snappy, overkill in a good way still wrong aspect ratio but hey, OLED.
- Anbernic RG406V – this is the one that has the better controls overall.
Touch controls technically work, but good luck guiding an angel or dodging fireballs that way, I’d rather burn myself heh.
Replayability
Not super high. Once you beat it, you’ve seen the whole journey. But revisiting it for the soundtrack, the vibes, or just to appreciate how weirdly confident it is? Totally worth it.
Pros
- Weird in a good way. The action/sim combo still feels fresh.
- Soundtrack slaps.
- Short and satisfying — doesn’t waste your time.
- Perfect for short bursts of action on your game handhelds.
Cons
- The simulation is more “vibe-based” than strategic.
- Sudden difficulty spikes (looking at you, final boss rush).
- Once you beat it, that’s kinda it.
- The writing is minimal — don’t expect deep lore, just celestial vibes.
Who’s This For?
- Retro fans who like their platformers with a side of god complex.
- Anyone who enjoys games that swing for the fences, even if it’s a bit weird.
- People who want a short, satisfying game that respects your time.
Final Thoughts
ActRaiser shouldn’t work. It’s two totally different genres glued together with pixel art and divine wrath. And yet, somehow, it’s still one of the most memorable games from the SNES era. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. And yes — it’s absolutely worth dusting off a handheld (or your SNES ;)) to play.
Final Score
🥔 8.5/10 Potatoes
A glorious, genre-smashing SNES experiment that somehow pulls it all off. A little weird, a little clunky, but unforgettable. Perfect for a weekend session or a “wait, why is it 2am?” moment on your handheld of choice.
We’re NOT affiliated with Nintendo, Enix, quintet or any other company that owns or has rights to the Actraiser IP. We’re not affiliated with Anbernic nor Trimui nor do we represent any of those companies either.
Happy gaming and tinkering!