Akuma-kun - Makai No Wana is one of those weird, Japan-only NES games that slipped under the radar for most of us. Released in 1990, it’s based on the Akuma-kun manga—think supernatural detective stuff with demons and curses. You play as this kid who’s basically a demon investigator, running around solving paranormal cases.

The gameplay’s a mix of adventure and light RPG elements. You talk to NPCs, gather clues, and sometimes get into turn-based battles against yokai and other creepy stuff. The pixel art’s got that classic late-80s anime vibe, and the music’s surprisingly moody for an NES title. It’s not the deepest game, but there’s something charming about its occult detective schtick.

Fair warning: unless you’re fluent in Japanese or using a guide, the text-heavy sections might be rough. Still, if you’re into obscure retro curios, it’s a neat little time capsule.