Ghosts 'n Goblins (NES) - Full Game 100% Walkthrough

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ out of 5
Name: Ghost 'n Goblins
Genre: Platform
Language: English
Year: 1986 (NES)
File Size: 128 KB
Stage 1
00:00:31 Graveyard
00:01:40 Forest
00:02:30 Boss 1: Unicorn
Stage 2
00:03:10 Ice Palace
00:03:44 The Town
00:06:28 Boss 2: Two Unicorns
Stage 3
00:07:06 The Cave
00:07:58 The Ice Cave
00:09:55 Boss 3: The Dragon
Stage 4
00:10:37 The Platforms
00:11:47 The Bridge
00:12:40 Boss 4: The Dragon
Stage 5
00:13:18 Castle Entrance
00:15:28 Boss 5: The Red Guard
Stage 6
00:16:10 Castle Tower
00:18:10 Boss 6: Two Red Guards
Stage 7
00:19:37 Boss 7: Astaroth
00:19:55 Ending
00:20:28 Like, Subscribe, Share
Ghosts 'n Goblins developed and published by Capcom in 1985, is a legendary action-platformer that helped define the challenging arcade gaming experience of the 1980s. Known for its unforgiving difficulty and memorable visuals, it remains a nostalgic classic for many gamers, though it may test the patience of newcomers.
GAMEPLAY: Players assume the role of Sir Arthur, a brave knight on a quest to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the demon lord Astaroth. The game takes you through six treacherous levels filled with relentless enemies, challenging platforming sections, and bosses that demand quick reflexes and precise timing.
Sir Arthur begins each stage clad in armor but loses it after a single hit, leaving him humorously running around in his boxers. A second hit results in his demise, emphasizing the game’s high-stakes nature. Adding to the challenge, Arthur's jump trajectory is fixed, requiring players to carefully plan their movements in advance.
Weapons such as lances, daggers, and fireballs are scattered throughout the levels, each with unique properties that can make or break your chances of success. However, the limited range and slow attack speed of some weapons can be a source of frustration.
Completing the game once isn’t enough - players are forced to replay the entire adventure to face the true final boss and earn the "real" ending, a hallmark of the series.
VISUALS AND ART STYLE: For its time, Ghosts 'n Goblins boasted impressive visuals, with vibrant colors and detailed pixel art that brought its gothic world to life. The creepy graveyards, fiery caverns, and sinister castles are filled with imaginative enemy designs, from flying gargoyles to shambling zombies.
While the graphics may seem simple by today’s standards, they still capture the charm and atmosphere of the era, and the variety of levels ensures that the game doesn’t feel repetitive visually.
SOUND AND MUSIC: The soundtrack of Ghosts 'n Goblins is iconic, with hauntingly catchy tunes that perfectly complement the eerie atmosphere of the game. The main theme, in particular, has become one of the most recognizable pieces of music in retro gaming history.
Sound effects, while basic, do a good job of punctuating the action. The clank of Sir Arthur’s armor and the eerie groans of enemies add to the overall immersion.
DIFFICULTY: The game is infamous for its brutal difficulty, which can be a double-edged sword. While the challenge makes each victory feel immensely satisfying, the steep learning curve and occasional unfair design choices can lead to frustration. The tight time limit, combined with the need to replay levels for the true ending, ensures that only the most determined players will see the adventure through to completion.
OVERALL: Ghosts 'n Goblins is a classic that helped establish Capcom as a powerhouse in arcade gaming. Its punishing difficulty, memorable visuals, and iconic music have made it a beloved, if polarizing, part of gaming history. While it may not be for everyone, those who embrace its challenges will find a rewarding, albeit maddening, experience.

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