Ghost's 'n Goblins

Battle demons as Sir Arthur in a brutally tough fantasy platformer.

gamePlatformers shooter platform adventure

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Our Verdict

Best for

Hardcore retro gamers craving brutal platform challenges

Skip if

Players who want easy difficulty or modern save features

What is Ghost's 'n Goblins?

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.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$19.99

developerCapcom

publisherCapcom, Elite Systems

age ratingESRB E

multiplayerSingle player, Multiplayer

critic score90/100

release date1985-07-07

Key Features of Ghost's 'n Goblins

Sir Arthur can lose his armor after the first hit, forcing him to continue in underwear until he finds new armor.

Each level imposes a three‑minute timer that resets at the start, and running out of time instantly ends the life.

Players can collect a range of weapons including swords, lances, fireballs, and the essential cross to defeat the final boss.

The game features multiple monster types such as zombies, ogres, cyclops, and dragons across six distinct stages.

After defeating the final boss without the cross, the game prompts that a trap was set and requires a replay on higher difficulty for the true ending.

Ghosts 'n Goblins includes a hidden second loop that only unlocks after completing the game with the required weapon and difficulty.

Use Cases for Ghost's 'n Goblins

Arcade Nostalgia

Relive the classic 1985 arcade challenge on modern hardware.

Skill Mastery

Practice precise platforming and timing to overcome extreme difficulty.

Speedrun Practice

Use the built‑in timer to train for competitive speedrunning.

Retro Collection

Add a seminal Capcom title to a retro gaming library.

Pros & Cons of Ghost's 'n Goblins

Pros

Iconic retro graphics
Deeply challenging gameplay
Varied enemy designs
Memorable boss encounters

Cons

Very high difficulty may frustrate newcomers
Limited lives and strict time limits
No modern save system

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the objective of Ghosts 'n Goblins?

Rescue Princess Prin Prin by defeating Satan and his minions.

How many hits can Sir Arthur take?

Two hits: the first removes his armor, the second causes death.

Do I need a specific weapon to beat the final boss?

Yes, the cross weapon is required to defeat the final boss.

Is there a true ending?

Yes, after beating the game with the cross, you must replay on higher difficulty to see the true ending.

Pricing Overview

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Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

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