Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts
Score: 85% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Media: Cart/1 Players: 1 Genre: Miscellaneous
Graphics & Sound: Back in the early 1990's, a little game was released for the Super Nintendo called Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts. Well it's back and on the Game Boy Advance. The graphics and sound are both exactly what you would expect from one of the first generation Super Nintendo titles; nothing's been changed. While one might expect such a thing to mean that these graphics are dated, it's quite the contrary. For a portable title, these screens are quite pretty. The sound effects never get 'too' irritating, however the music can quickly become repetitious.
Gameplay: You can't get more stereotypical than the storyline in Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts. The princess has been captured and it's up to you, a knight named Arthur, to rescue her. If you've played the recently released Maximo, well, Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts is its predecessor, and the gameplay is somewhat similar. This is bare bones gameplay. You run from left to right killing monsters. Really, that's all there is to it. Well, there are a 'few' things to spice it up. You get access to a wide assortment of weapons such as lances, swords, and axes, and you can collect various suits of armor. It's always two hits and you're dead however, which keeps things challenging.
Difficulty: This game is hard, I mean really hard. No, seriously, I'm NOT joking. Don't expect to ever get through a stage on the first try, or the second, or even the third. This is truly an old-school game, and it hasn't been toned down. The screen usually has 2-3 enemies on it at least. Two hits and you're dead, and armor is extremely scarce. You're basically gonna have to memorize the stage patterns before you can get through them. The bosses are actually easier than most of the stages they lie in. There is some light at the end of the tunnel, however. You do get unlimited continues, and Capcom was gracious enough to include a save feature. So you won't have to play through the whole thing at once. If you ever find yourself cursing this game just tell yourself one thing, at least it's not has hard as the original Ghosts & Goblins.
Game Mechanics: Nothing too surprising here. You run around, jump, and attack things with your weapons. You have about six or so weapons to choose from, and they are actually quite diverse. You get two upgrade armors aside from your original steel. Bronze will upgrade your weapons to more powerful forms and gold will give you the ability to use magic. Neither really proves overtly useful however, and they only protect you from one hit and BAM, back to being in your heart boxers. The thing of most interest is the new mode that Capcom has put in. Aside from the original Arcade mode, you can now choose your next stage. Capcom's also put in some brand new stages so you old-school gamers will have something to do. All in all Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts will give people a taste of the old-school gaming experience. It may be too hard for some people's tastes however.
-Alucard, GameVortex Communications AKA Stephen Triche
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