Wood Play Ghosts N Goblins Again?
A game nearly 3 decades old wouldn’t be something most gamers find enjoyable. After all, the latest games have the best graphics. But what we have is a classic dose of ridiculous. A game chocked full of nostalgia, hard to navigate moving platforms, and a difficulty that simulates the most brutal of mental agony.
Would you play this game? Is Ghosts ‘N Goblins suitable for the modern era of video games? An era with amazing graphics, cinematic story lines and top of the line physics technology? If only for the nostalgia, we say, of course! But this game is not just for those wishing to experience the wonders of the NES console again. This is for all gamers who need to understand what it means to lose to a video game. However, how can older games compete with newer ones?
Well, Ghosts ‘N Goblins is a game that has held its own over the years. Designed by Capcom for the NES console, this game is monumentally difficult. Hailed as an innovative run and gun platformer, players must rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the demons who’ve kidnapped her. And they’ve only got seven levels to do so.
If you’ve played anything in the Dark Souls series, or even Cuphead, you already know where were going with this. Ghosts ‘N Goblins is the grandfather of difficult games. Enemies in this game aren’t the easiest to kill, their movements are difficult to predict, and the control scheme for the game is quite rigid. Although as players get better at the game, they will find the precise controls extremely valuable. Combine the difficulty of killing enemies with the not so soothing music, and you’ve got something to test your patience as you try and beat the game.
With that being said, Ghosts N’ Goblins has a certain draw to it, something that can keep gamers coming back and back again, only to be killed for another frustrating time. But that’s the challenge of the game, and in an era where difficulty isn’t the on the forefront of selling points, Ghosts N’ Goblins has a high playability factor.
The question is, would you play this game?
We say most likely, if only a few times to give it a go and see if you personally enjoy the gameplay. But keep in mind, this was originally an arcade game from the 1980s.
The main character, Arthur is an 8-bit knight, armed to the teeth with lances and armor. His girlfriend (that’s the Princess), was kidnapped.
Players start off in the cemetery, the original location for the kidnapping. But the difficulty of Ghosts N’ Goblins doesn’t ramp up in small doses, it starts right away. It’ll only take a few blows form enemies before you die (two, to be exact).
We’ll ask you again, would you play this game? Or rather, are you determined enough to play this game?
In the first few playthroughs, it’s nearly impossible to win without dying a handful of times, despite having unlimited ammo. Weapons can be swapped out; however, no weapon is the end all be all. There are axes, knives and flaming torches that can be used. With limited damage, players can really only pick weapons based on the visual appeal of using them, throwing them either left or right at enemies, which are composed of ghosts, birds and zombies (mainly), who will come at you in all sorts of directions, with patterns that are surprisingly hard to follow.
Also, be weary of weapon drops, often coming as a false blessing, these weapons may seem useful, except most of the time the enemies ahead can be killed easier without the weapon you just picked up. If you’re lucky you’ll find some armor sets that can restore you back to full health.
All of which, happen in this world of 8-bit darkness. The darkness of the night sky is all you have to look up to as you trek through the graveyard in Ghosts ‘N Goblins. But there’s something appealing about the graphics of this game. From the sprite bosses to the pale zombies, you’ll soon learn to loathe the creatures that inhabit this world. Keep in mind your character will lose all controls upon jumping, so sadly there’s no room for aerial lance attacks. Also, you won’t be able to swim, so avoid bodies of water like the plague.
And if you think the frustration ends with the two hits until you die mechanic, well it doesn’t. Suppose you’ve managed to effectively dodge and kill the zombies and flying monsters coming at you. You’ve beaten every relenting boss and finished the final stage. Well, the game actually requires two playthroughs before you reach the true ending, so be prepared to go through the same agony again. Only this time, the game gets even more difficult!
It’s no secret why Ghosts ‘N Goblins is considered a classic. The horror genre wouldn’t be the same without this brutal 8-bit horror fest.
Would Ghosts N’ Goblins fit for the millennial gamer base? The answer is yes, absolutely. Gamers need to be reminded that games are meant to be frustrating. A game that can test the limits of a player’s reflexes and patience makes the rewards of victory that much better.
And there’s nothing that serves up nostalgia with brutality quite as well as this game. So, if you think you can handle extreme bouts of frustration, Ghosts ‘N Goblins is worth at least one playthrough. And who knows, maybe this game will help you beat Dark Souls.
Seriously, this game is difficulty and frustration incarnate. But in the incredible brutality that is Ghosts ‘N Goblins is reward and success. You will not only learn to be a more patient individual, you’ll be an all-around better gamer if you can beat this game.
Ghosts ‘N Goblins is available in multiple formats, for the Nintendo Entertainment System, PC, Gameboy Color, Wii U, Sony PSP, Nintendo 3DS, iOS (mobile users), and even through a website. And don’t take our word for it, this game can most likely be played on almost any console.
