ActRaiser
ActRaiser is a 1990 action and simulation hybrid developed by Quintet for the Super Nintendo, casting the player as a god who both battles monsters directly and nurtures a growing civilization. It alternates between two very different modes that together form its unique identity.
In the action segments, you descend to earth as a statue-borne warrior to clear side-scrolling stages of demons with sword and magic. In the simulation portions, you guide townsfolk from above, clearing land, directing growth, and answering prayers as your followers multiply, gain population, and unlock new abilities for your avatar. Sealing monster lairs across the map steadily transformed a monster-plagued world into a thriving one.
This blend of arcade combat and light city-building was novel and influential, inspiring later genre experiments. A soaring orchestral-style soundtrack by composer Yuzo Koshiro heightened its epic tone. The game has been re-released on classic-game services, and its unusual formula later inspired a modern remake in the same spirit.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to ActRaiser, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
ActRaiser Renaissance
€ 29,99The official remake with expanded simulation and updated visuals.
ActRaiser Renaissance runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. Not available on PlayStation, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
SolSeraph Indie
€ 14,99A spiritual successor blending action stages with base-building.
SolSeraph runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Untested.
Odallus: The Dark Call Indie
€ 9,75A 16-bit style action platformer of exploration and heavy sword combat, for ActRaiser's other half.
Odallus: The Dark Call runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Unsupported.
Rise to Ruins Indie
€ 13,99A god game of guiding and defending a village, the town-building half of ActRaiser done properly.
Rise to Ruins runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Terranigma-inspired: Soulblazer fans Indie
€ 14,99The Quintet-style action-sim lives on in retro indie experiments.
Terranigma-inspired: Soulblazer fans runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Untested.
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