Ghouls 'n Ghosts (ARC, 1988)
Graphics-8.5 Sound-7 Control-7 Challenge-9 Story-5
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-9 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
+
Shoot in 4 directions
Fun weapons and specials (get golden armor for a charge attack)
Good bosses overall (large and intimidating; the cloud in stage 3 is an exception)
Difficulty options (also has unlimited continues as an option)
Varied and intense action
Pretty fast paced
Memorable set pieces
Great art direction
Awesome victory pose
+/-
Respawning enemies
You only have 2 HP
-
Somewhat primitive control (can't shoot while climbing a ladder, can't change direction during a jump, Arthur falls straight down when walking off a ledge)
Unbalanced weapons
Can't avoid some power ups and weapons
Heavy trial & error (more cheap than on MD, fast flying enemies, bosses, platforming section and rising floor in stage 3)
Chests work like solid objects
Some annoying sounds (farty and insect-like)
Level Design-7.5 Frustration-9 Fun-8 Originality-6
Overall Score-8
+
Shoot in 4 directions
Fun weapons and specials (get golden armor for a charge attack)
Good bosses overall (large and intimidating; the cloud in stage 3 is an exception)
Difficulty options (also has unlimited continues as an option)
Varied and intense action
Pretty fast paced
Memorable set pieces
Great art direction
Awesome victory pose
+/-
Respawning enemies
You only have 2 HP
-
Somewhat primitive control (can't shoot while climbing a ladder, can't change direction during a jump, Arthur falls straight down when walking off a ledge)
Unbalanced weapons
Can't avoid some power ups and weapons
Heavy trial & error (more cheap than on MD, fast flying enemies, bosses, platforming section and rising floor in stage 3)
Chests work like solid objects
Some annoying sounds (farty and insect-like)