Overview

Demons: The Game of Evil Spirits is a fantasy strategy game published by SPI (Simulations Publications, Inc.) in 1979. Players take on the roles of magicians searching for treasure while being pursued by mortal armies. To aid in both defense and the quest for treasure, magicians can summon and control demons. The game blends wargame mechanics with fantasy adventure elements. Designed by Jim Dunnigan with graphic design by Redmond A. Simonsen and cover art by Howard Chaykin.

Components

• 1 hex map depicting the fantasy realm
• Die-cut counters (magicians, armies, demons, treasure markers)
• Dice for combat resolution
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Lay out the hex map.
2. Each player places their magician counter at a designated starting location.
3. Distribute treasure tokens across the map as indicated.
4. Place mortal army counters at their starting positions.
5. Prepare the summoning components.

Turn Structure

Each turn:

1. Movement Phase: Move your magician and any controlled demons.
2. Summoning Phase: Attempt to summon demons to serve you.
3. Combat Phase: Resolve any encounters between your forces and mortal armies or other players’ forces.
4. Treasure Phase: Collect treasure if your magician is at a treasure location.

Actions

Movement

• Magicians and demons move across the hex map. Movement rates vary by unit type and terrain.

Summoning Demons

• Magicians can attempt to summon demons to serve as protectors, scouts, or combat forces.
• Summoning may fail or backfire, depending on the magician’s power and the demon’s strength.

Combat

• When opposing forces occupy the same hex, combat is resolved using dice and combat tables.
• Demons provide significant combat bonuses but are not invincible.

Collecting Treasure

• The primary objective. When a magician reaches a treasure location, they can claim the treasure.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The player who collects the most (or specific required) treasure wins the game. Players must balance treasure hunting with defensive actions against mortal armies and rival magicians.

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Mortal Armies: These non-player forces pursue magicians and must be evaded or defeated.
• Demon Control: Summoned demons may rebel or be lost if the magician’s control falters.
• Player Interaction: Magicians can direct their demons to attack rival players’ forces.
• SPI Bestseller: The game appeared at #4 on SPI’s Top Ten Bestseller list upon release and remained on the list for four months.
• Replay Concerns: Some reviewers noted the game is simpler than typical SPI wargames, which limits long-term replayability.

Player Reference

Turn: Move → Summon demons → Combat → Collect treasure

Objective: Collect the most treasure while evading mortal armies

Key Mechanic: Summoning and controlling demons to protect your magician

Combat: Dice + combat tables; demons provide strong bonuses