ActRaiser hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1990 on the Super Nintendo, this retro classic from Enix is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
It combines traditional side-scrolling platforming and sections with city building elements. ActRaiser is a 1990 video game developed by Quintet and published by Enix for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Select | V | Select |
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The Story Behind ActRaiser
The new Expert setting goes beyond any other version of the game, restoring the new attacks, increasing damage from enemies, and reducing damage dealt. In 2017, Gamesradar ranked ActRaiser 23rd on its "The best SNES games of all time" list. According to Douglas Crockford's Expurgation of Maniac Mansion, Nintendo of America had a strict policy regarding game content in the early 1990s, especially in regards to material that could be deemed offensive, a blanket category that prohibited the inclusion of any overtly religious themes or plotlines in a game.
The Master retreated to his sky palace to tend to his wounds and fell into a deep sleep. European releases use changes from the North American version as a base. In 1995, Total! placed the game 91st on its "Top 100 SNES Games" list.
How ActRaiser Plays
The monsters originate from four lairs around the region at the beginning of each level. One obstacle in the simulation mode is the presence of flying monsters that attempt to impede the progression of a civilization. The Master levels up by increasing the total population of the world, granting an increase in hit points and SP, used in performing miracles.
The final level is an action-sequence boss marathon, culminating in the final fight against Tanzra. At the end of each action sequence, the player must defeat a boss. Once all four lairs have been sealed the population will begin to build the most advanced homes available to the people in that region.
Why Players Still Load It Up
This arcade version featured only the action stages, similar to the Professional! mode in the retail version. The soundtrack was re-released by Wayô Records on vinyl and CD in 2021 as ActRaiser Original Soundtrack & Symphonic Suite. In the original Japanese version, the protagonist's name is God and the antagonist is referred to as Satan.
It drastically alters the flow of gameplay, with extra input commands in the action stages, and new tower defense segments in the simulator maps. Both the original "Story" mode and this Action mode now have three difficulties. The concept of religion is further explored at the end of the game, when the Angel and "Master" discover that the temples of the world have become empty, people having lost their concept of faith and need for a deity now that they had been given all they needed to solve problems on their own.
ActRaiser — Frequently Asked Questions
How many players does ActRaiser support?
ActRaiser supports 1 player(s) in this browser version.
Can I play ActRaiser online for free?
Absolutely. The full game loads in the player at the top of this page and runs right in your browser — no installs, no plugins, no waiting.
Do I need a controller to play ActRaiser?
No. Keyboard controls work out of the box (see the controls panel), and any USB or Bluetooth gamepad is detected automatically.
Who developed ActRaiser?
Development was handled by Quintet, with Enix publishing the release.