Ghosts 'n Goblins (NES) Playthrough

Channel:

Longplay Center

Subscribers:

1,990

Published on July 8, 2025 12:00:00 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96TUMKXCJw4

Game:

Airwolf (1984)

Duration: 0:00

27 views

5

Playthrough of Ghosts 'n Goblins, Capcom's 1987 side-scrolling action platformer for the NES. The video shows two loops to get the best ending.

Ghosts 'n Goblins for the NES is a notoriously difficult side-scrolling action platformer developed and published by Capcom. Originally an arcade game, the NES version retains much of the challenge and structure of its predecessor, placing players in the role of Sir Arthur, a knight on a quest to rescue Princess Prin-Prin from the clutches of demonic forces led by the evil Astaroth. The game unfolds across a series of grim, gothic stages filled with monsters, traps, and unpredictable hazards.

Gameplay is simple in concept but punishing in execution. Arthur begins each life in full armor, which allows him to take a single hit before being reduced to his underwear, symbolizing his vulnerability. A second hit results in death, and players must restart from a recent checkpoint or the beginning of the level. The player can throw various weapons, including lances, daggers, and fireballs, each with different speeds and arcs, adding a layer of strategy depending on the situation and enemy types encountered. Precise platforming is essential, and enemies often spawn without warning, adding to the relentless difficulty.

Each level escalates in complexity, combining tight jumps with overwhelming waves of enemies such as zombies, crows, demons, and floating platforms. The game is infamous for its high difficulty curve and limited continues, but it’s also known for its sense of fairness—each obstacle can be overcome through practice, memorization, and careful timing. A particularly infamous twist occurs after defeating the final boss: players are informed that it was all an illusion and must play through the game again on a harder difficulty to see the true ending.

Visually, the game delivers dark and spooky environments, from graveyards and haunted forests to fiery caverns and demon-filled castles. The graphics are functional but convey the eerie atmosphere effectively, with well-designed enemy sprites and thematic level layouts. The soundtrack consists of haunting, looping melodies that heighten the tension and match the game’s relentless pace, further immersing players in its grim fantasy world.

Despite its age and technical limitations, Ghosts 'n Goblins remains a memorable and influential NES title. Its blend of arcade challenge, horror-themed aesthetics, and precise gameplay helped define a generation of tough-but-rewarding action games. While its punishing difficulty is not for everyone, it has earned a place as a classic that continues to be discussed and revisited by fans of retro gaming.