As I have mentioned in previous retro game reviews, I am a staunch admirer of Ghosts ‘n Goblins. It was a standout title for my Atari 1040 STE, and as such, it serves as a benchmark for retro-inspired platformers. More recently, I found myself particularly enjoying the Swedish game Cathedral, which draws heavily from Ghosts ‘n Goblins in its level design.
The narrative remains faithful to the original: a romantic picnic is abruptly interrupted when your girlfriend is abducted by a nefarious villain. Your task is to don your armor and embark on a quest to rescue her, a feat that proves far more challenging than it initially appears.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection retains the core difficulty of the original – to put it bluntly, it’s exceedingly challenging. Players must navigate their avatar through a relentless onslaught of enemies and hazards. The graphics have been beautifully updated with a distinct hand-painted aesthetic. The music has also been revitalized, while retaining the familiar themes. Beyond its remastering, this release incorporates elements of a remake, expanding the game’s scope with more elaborate boss encounters and the introduction of magical abilities.
Despite the faithful recreation of the original game mechanics, one aspect stood out as potentially problematic. The game’s responsiveness felt somewhat diminished compared to the original. Having access to the original via Nintendo Switch Online, I was able to verify this impression. The updated version does indeed feel slightly slower and less agile than its predecessor, which is a notable drawback considering the original’s appeal.
A significant improvement in Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is the inclusion of four difficulty levels. The most accessible setting allows for immediate resurrection at the point of death and increased damage tolerance. Playing on the normal difficulty setting, players can withstand more than two hits before succumbing, a welcome change. The game also features a local co-op mode, and introduces new weapons and abilities. One player controls Arthur, while the other controls “The Three Wise Guys,” a trio of magical figures capable of launching projectiles and providing support.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is currently a Switch exclusive and lends itself well to portable play. Its design is ideal for playing on the go, allowing players to battle through hordes of monsters to rescue their beloved. The game translates effectively to the smaller screen, maintaining clarity and readability.
In conclusion, I can confidently recommend Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection. It provides a rewarding and challenging experience that remains true to the spirit of the original game.
