Super Ghouls’n Ghosts
In 1991, the world of home computers was dominated by the Amiga—particularly the Amiga 500—and the PC. Meanwhile, in the parallel universe of consoles, a commercial battle was unfolding between the Sega Mega Drive, released in 1988, and the technically superior Super Nintendo, which debuted two years later.
Here we are with our shiny new bronze armour. It is the second most powerful armour in the game.
The 16-bit era, for both home computers and consoles, ushered in games that could finally be graphically compared to arcade titles—the gold standard for video game visuals and sound at the time. It was in this context that Capcom released the third installment of the Ghosts ‘n Goblins saga exclusively for the Super Nintendo: Super Ghouls’n Ghosts. Notably, a version also appeared for the Game Boy Advance in 2002.
The usual map that is shown before each stage to indicate to the player his position in relation to the final location.
The game had nothing to envy from its arcade predecessors, and here’s why.
Super Ghouls’n Ghosts is a side-scrolling platformer where you assume the role of the valiant knight Arthur on a quest to rescue the princess from the clutches of the demonic Emperor Sardius. The game spans eight challenging stages, each filled with ghoulish enemies, treacherous terrain, and formidable bosses.
The golden armour allows Arthur to cast different spells for each weapon he uses and to collect shields that offer greater protection from enemy blows.
Arthur’s arsenal includes a variety of weapons like lances, daggers, scythes, and crossbows, each offering unique combat advantages. The game introduces different armors that enhance Arthur’s abilities: the bronze armor upgrades his weapons, while the golden armor allows him to unleash powerful spells. These upgrades not only bolster your offense but also add a strategic layer to the gameplay.
The second episode also had the golden armour that gave Arthur the ability to cast spells, but in the latter an intermediate armour, the bronze one, was added and the ability for Arthur to cast his weapons upwards was removed.
Here is Princess Guinevere about to give us the good news: we will have to replay all stages and return here before we can face the final Boss.
Armors and Shields in Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts
In Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Arthur’s defense revolves around a series of armors that enhance both his survivability and attack abilities. Arthur starts each game with Steel Armor, but there are two significant upgrades: the Bronze Armor and the Gold Armor.
Steel Armor
The default armor. When hit, Arthur loses the Steel Armor and is reduced to running around in his underwear, vulnerable to another hit that would cost him a life.
Bronze Armor
Equipping Arthur with the Bronze Armor provides a Weapon of Enchantment, an upgraded version of whatever weapon he currently holds. These enhanced weapons include fiery lances, lightning daggers, and more.
Gold Armor and Shields
The Gold Armor offers the most powerful version of Arthur’s weapons and unlocks a chargeable magic attack that affects a large area. It also comes with the Moon Shield, which can be found in certain treasure chests. While standing still, the Moon Shield blocks one projectile. However, the shield can be upgraded to the Sun Shield if Arthur finds it in another chest while still holding the Moon Shield.
The Sun Shield increases Arthur’s magic charge speed and can absorb up to three hits before shattering. Once the shield is destroyed, Arthur is left with only his armor. Like all armors, the Gold Armor is destroyed with a single hit, reducing Arthur to his underpants, vulnerable to further attacks.
A significant enhancement is the double jump. This ability allows Arthur to perform a second jump in mid-air, providing crucial maneuverability to navigate the game’s perilous environments.
Power-ups are scattered throughout the levels, often hidden in treasure chests that require specific actions to reveal. These include new weapons, armor upgrades, and other bonuses.
Emperor Sardius: big and bad, just like any respectable boss.
The gameplay is impeccable, embodying the old-school charm of side-scrolling platformers. It’s pure arcade action with innovative twists, such as the diverse armors and magical spells. True to its roots, the game maintains a high difficulty level—though perhaps not as punishing as the original arcade version.
One final, somewhat frustrating note: you’ll have to play through the game twice. After battling through all eight stages, you’ll discover that you’re missing a magical item—the only means to defeat Emperor Sardius—a mystical bracelet. The kidnapped princess kindly informs you that you must start over from the first level and retrieve the bracelet. If you can endure this test of patience and press on, you’ll finally be rewarded with the true ending.
Our Arthur is back in his underwear again.
Stages in Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts
In Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts, Arthur embarks on a journey through eight perilous stages, each with its own unique environment and set of challenges.
1. The Haunted Graveyard
The first stage takes place in a spooky graveyard, filled with zombies rising from the ground and skeletal enemies amidst tombstones and haunted trees.
2. The Rotting Sea
An eerie stage set on a stormy, abandoned shipwreck, where waves rise and fall, threatening to throw Arthur into the depths while ghostly pirates attack.
3. The Vermilion Horror
A fiery, volcanic level filled with molten lava and flame-spitting enemies. The environment is full of heat and destruction, with platforms that can crumble under Arthur’s feet.
4. The Ghoul's Stomach
This stage takes place inside a grotesque, organic environment resembling the innards of a monster. Pulsing walls and biological hazards make it particularly unsettling.
5. The Deep Chill
An icy and treacherous level with freezing blizzards and snow-covered cliffs. The slippery terrain makes movement difficult, and Arthur must battle ice creatures and avalanches.
6. The Castle of the Emperor
A dark and foreboding castle filled with traps and powerful enemies. Arthur must face more complex platforming challenges as he ascends toward the heart of the Ghoul Realm.
7. Hallway of Ghouls
A long and eerie corridor within Sardius's castle. This stage is filled with powerful enemies and treacherous traps as Arthur inches closer to his final battle.
8. The Throne Room
The final stage takes place in Emperor Sardius's throne room, where Arthur must face his ultimate challenge.
The Verdict
Revisiting a game from the Ghosts ‘n Goblins saga is always a delight. It’s a masterful arcade experience filled with original ideas and set in a captivating dark medieval fantasy world. It’s a must-play.
Pros
- ✔ Engaging Gameplay: Combines classic platforming with innovative mechanics for the era.
- ✔ Atmospheric Presentation: Dark fantasy visuals and the iconic sound of the Ghosts ’n Goblins saga.
- ✔ Variety of Upgrades: Diverse weapons and armors add depth and strategy.
Cons
- ✘ High Difficulty: May be frustrating for some players due to its challenging nature.
- ✘ Mandatory Replay: Requiring a second playthrough to see the true ending can be discouraging.
| Score | Rating |
|---|---|
| SNES Game | 92% |
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