Ghost's 'n Goblins vs Ghouls 'n Ghosts
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

Ghosts 'n Goblins is a classic arcade platform game where you control Sir Arthur, a knight on a quest to rescue Princess Prin Prin from Satan. The game challenges players with relentless enemies, limited lives, and a strict time limit per level. Known for its punishing difficulty, the title requires precise timing, strategic weapon use, and the ability to survive after losing your armor. Only the cross weapon can defeat the final boss, and a true ending demands a replay on higher difficulty.
Ghouls 'n Ghosts puts players in the armor of Arthur, a knight on a perilous quest through eerie, monster‑infested levels. The game expands on its predecessor with upward and downward firing, treasure‑chest mechanics, and powerful gold‑armor attacks. Players must traverse five brutal stages twice, uncover hidden weapons, and finally face Lucifer in a climactic showdown, demanding skill, timing, and strategic weapon use.
- Iconic retro graphics
- Deeply challenging gameplay
- Varied enemy designs
- Memorable boss encounters
- Deep retro challenge that rewards perseverance
- Varied weapon arsenal with unique special attacks
- Strategic chest system adds replay value
- Iconic art style and atmospheric music
- Very high difficulty may frustrate newcomers
- Limited lives and strict time limits
- No modern save system
- Very high difficulty may deter casual players
- Limited lives system can feel unforgiving
- Controls can feel stiff compared to modern platformers
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Alternatives to Ghost's 'n Goblins
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A relentless retro platformer where knight Arthur battles undead hordes to rescue his love.
Alternatives to Ghouls 'n Ghosts
View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic, brutally hard platformers at the same price, but Ghost's 'n Goblins offers multiplayer and a hidden second loop, while Ghouls 'n Ghosts adds more weapon depth and a required second playthrough.
Key differences
- •Ghost's 'n Goblins includes multiplayer mode; Ghouls 'n Ghosts is single‑player only.
- •Ghouls 'n Ghosts features a broader weapon system with vertical/downward shots and a charge attack.
- •Ghost's 'n Goblins unlocks a hidden second loop after completion; Ghouls 'n Ghosts forces a full second playthrough to access the final boss.
- •Critic scores differ: 90/100 for Ghost's 'n Goblins vs 85/100 for Ghouls 'n Ghosts.
- •Release dates: 1985 for Ghost's 'n Goblins, 1988 for Ghouls 'n Ghosts.
Gameplay & fun factor
Ghouls 'n Ghosts adds vertical/downward shots and charge attacks, increasing combat variety.
Platform availability
Both are listed as single‑player titles with no specific platform data; availability appears equal.
Price & value
Both cost $19.99 one‑time, offering comparable monetary value.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Ghost's 'n Goblins lists multiplayer support, whereas Ghouls 'n Ghosts is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Ghouls 'n Ghosts requires replaying levels 1‑5 to unlock the final boss and adds hidden chests.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both are described as very high difficulty with limited lives; no distinct advantage.
Graphics & performance
Both are retro titles from the 1980s; no specific graphics performance data provided.
Choose Ghost's 'n Goblins if…
Players who want multiplayer and a secret extra loop after beating the game.
Choose Ghouls 'n Ghosts if…
Players who crave deeper weapon mechanics and a structured second playthrough for extra challenge.
Common questions
Do either of these games support saving progress?
Not specified; both are described as lacking modern save systems.
Is there a significant price difference?
No; both are priced at $19.99 one‑time.
Which game has a higher critic rating?
Ghost's 'n Goblins has a critic score of 90/100, higher than Ghouls 'n Ghosts' 85/100.

