Skip to content
Classic Games

Ghouls 'n Ghosts

Arthur returns

Ghouls 'n Ghosts refined the punishing action of Ghosts 'n Goblins with improved controls, new weapons, and the infamous requirement to complete the game twice for the true ending.

arcadesega-mega-driveAmigaatari-st actionplatformercapcom 1988

Overview

Sir Arthur faces the demon realm again. Ghouls ‘n Ghosts expanded on its predecessor with smoother controls, more weapons, and vertical attacks. The difficulty remained brutal—two hits and you’re down to underwear, two more and you’re dead. And completing the game once? That only earns a trip back to the start to do it all again.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Capcom.
  • Protagonist: Sir Arthur.
  • Predecessor: Ghosts ‘n Goblins (1985).
  • Requirement: Beat twice for true ending.

Improvements over original

AspectEnhancement
ControlsTighter response
AttackingFire up and down
WeaponsMore variety
GraphicsLarger sprites

Weapons

WeaponBehaviour
LanceDefault, straight throw
DaggerRapid fire
SwordShort range, powerful
DiscusBoomerang arc
TorchGround fire

Armour system

StateEffect
Steel armourFull protection
UnderwearOne hit from death
Gold armourCharged weapon attacks

The loop requirement

CompletionResult
First”This room is an illusion”
SecondTrue ending
PurposeExtend playtime, increase revenue

Platform versions

VersionQuality
ArcadeOriginal
Mega DriveExcellent conversion
SuperGrafxPC Engine enhanced
Amiga/STCapable ports

Series entries

TitleYear
Ghosts ‘n Goblins1985
Ghouls ‘n Ghosts1988
Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts1991

See also