Review: Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection

Duck, cast, dip, dive and dodge

Ghosts a goblins is an absolute retro classic.

It kind of personifies the old school, and it does not hold up to some old game development philosophies: you are inside or not. And even if you are soon, you will eventually be out, after the game has told you to replay the whole story to see the ‘true final boss’.

It was crazy at the time, but it was a battle cry and an immediate challenge. Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection captures much of the same raw spirit, while making things a little more accessible in the process.

Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection (Link)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: February 25, 2021
MSRP: $ 29.99

Resurrection is an interesting revival in that it adheres to the pain of its predecessor, but also allows for concessions and accommodation so that people are not left out in the cold. There are four difficulty limits: Legend (the most difficult), Knight (normal), Squire (easy) and Page (beginner, but with the proviso that you can not see the whole game). There you tell everything you need to know: this is not going to be a ‘alone veteran’ revival.

It also adds the ripple of two-player collaboration to the mix, making things even more accessible as the second person can control three ghosts that can protect, lift or build platforms for the first player, who is in full control of protagonist Arthur. Named “the three wise guys” (and cleverly named “Archie.” [arch platform], Barry [barrier], and carry [well,  he carries you]’), the cooperative element is a very fun way to turn the text Ghosts a goblins. I actually completed a full replay using the collaboration feature; and me and my partner had a lot of fun in the process.

You may also need some help from your friend, such as Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection can be cruel. Most checkpoints are somewhat close together, but some ranges require a lot of finesse and awareness to get through. If you do not use checkpoints or cooperatives for the highest possible score, it can feel just as oppressive as the original.

I say “bring it on!” And that includes all the sliding scale options. I like the settings for customizable issues, and even winning in Squire and Knight mode can get the same performance as the original. On top of that, the “Magic Metronome” can slow down or speed up the game. All of these levers are great, but they may not always hide the downsides Resurrection.

Some parts of stages do not feel quite as inspired and follow the line of thought “throw tons of enemies at you at the same time”. Sometimes it is done elegantly, at other points it feels randomly designed, especially for some hostile species that exceed their welcome too much. But then you come to the next checkpoint and everything is fine for the time being.

It’s a little more playable than your average platform. Resurrection has a magic system with a small skill tree (with two branch paths) to add a neat level of playability to the mix. Throw in the idea of ​​‘Shadow’ worlds (mixed versions of levels popping up after completion), and you have a platform worth browsing through for at least an entire week; not just a weekend.

I know the aesthetics are probably in your mind: I am with you. I constantly wave back and forth as to whether I like the new art style. In the initial trailer, I thought it was nasty at times. But in practice, when I saw how much mechanics the original adhered to, and saw all the unique character models inside, it grew to me. It goes double for the environments, which are often full of life.

Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection does not shoot constantly on all cylinders, but if you are in the groove, on any problems or even with cooperation in high gear, it reminds me why I started liking this series in the first place. Capcom has done quite well to preserve it and bring it to a new generation.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection reviewed by Chris Carter