Reviewed
06.27.2016
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Capcom/Sega
Format
5
Megabit
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
Aug.
3, 1989
¥6,800
(Japan)
Oct.,
1989
$44.95
(USA)
Nov.
30, 1990
£44.99
(EUR)
Exclusive
No
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
2D
View
Side
Genre
Action/
Platformer
Player(s)
1-2
Options
6
Button
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
| Intro |
|
> Some things never get old for me. Computer and video games are worlds
within worlds that can pull you in like gravity. Some are worlds that time
forgot, but some are settings that some of us will always remember. I love
stories of knights, justice and eternal wanderers for the simple reason
that evil isn't going to allow you to be free. I define evil as tyrannical
negative forces that have no regard for the suffering they cause. When
you live in a world where it is far more rewarding to be evil, it's only
a matter of time before the extremes take over. Enter Ghouls 'n Ghosts.
> GnG is the sequel to Capcom's "Ghosts 'n Goblins"
arcade game from 1988. In this game you play as a knight named
Arthur who seeks to vanquish evil. This is no small task by any means.
Somehow evil always returns, but that won't stop a true knight. We'll just
have to make sure it stays dead this time. This game has tons of enemies
that will kill you very quickly, so you need to kill them before they kill
you. You can use different ranged and melee weapons and magic towards that
end. |
| Graphics |
|
> For the time, the graphics are good. What stands out the most is the
medieval art. Arthur looks like a typical armored knight and he fights
through medieval villages and castles corrupted by monsters of every kind.
The art is quite dark as well despite being colorful and akin to cartoon
graphics. You see some small mountains of skulls which perfectly describes
the nature of the enemy. Personally I love how you can upgrade from silver
to gold armor. |
| Control |
|
> You really need to be fast in this game because you need to constantly
avoid enemy attacks. The controls are fluid so it feels like you are the
one in control. Whether you succeed or fail depends on how fast you are.
You spend most of your time running, jumping, attacking and climbing. Power-ups
and magic are available as well. |
| Sound |
|
> Nothing really stands out here. The music and sound are fairly standard
for the time. You will be focused on the gameplay though, so it doesn't
really matter that much. I'd say everything sounds a bit rough but attack
sounds are fitting. |
| Fun |
|
> There are so many enemies in this game that it feels like you are swimming
against a tide. You need to quickly adapt in light of the dark forces that
are upon you. There are endless enemies and huge bosses to slay. I can't
complain. The last boss is particularly unnatural in appearance. The legacy
of the Void from which it came will haunt this world forever.
> Sometimes you even have to fight against the wind and an uphill environment.
There's also plenty of platform jumping on top of a myriad of undead demons
standing in your way, which will really test your reflexes. I love how
Arthur's armor can break. The purpose of armor is to shield you. It exists
for a reason. Bullets might bounce off superman but the rest of us need
armor.
> There are different weapons including throwing lances, knives, axes,
as well as a melee sword and even liquid fire and fireballs. Sadly it's
much more efficient to use ranged weapons in this game which is a shame
because I love the sword animation. Nevertheless, all the weapons available
are true to the setting. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> Ghouls 'n Ghosts is an instant classic which has great
replay value. Where's the "it's just nostalgia" crowd when you want to
prove them wrong? It seems that some ideas never die. A lone knight versus
endless armies of evil. Hopefully he doesn't get trapped in a sword that
steals people's souls. He will have to spend what seems like an eternity
fighting his way out. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.0 | Graphics: 9.0 | Control: 10 | Sound: 7.0 | Fun: 10 |
~
Geoffrey Duke ~
|
