Ghosts'n Goblins (USA, Europe) (GBC)

Ghosts'n Goblins on Game Boy Color is a classic side-scrolling action platformer renowned for its extreme difficulty. Players take on the role of the valiant knight Arthur, who must embark on a perilous quest to rescue Princess Guinevere from the clutches of the demon king Astaroth. Arthur's journey unfolds across numerous stages filled with grotesque creatures and deadly traps.

The core gameplay mechanics of Ghosts'n Goblins revolve around movement, jumping, and attacking enemies. Arthur initially wields a lance, but he can collect various other weapons throughout his adventure, including daggers, torches, axes, and even a magical shield. Each weapon possesses its own trajectory and attack power, requiring players to adapt and choose appropriate strategies. Notably, Arthur can upgrade his weapons to more powerful versions after collecting certain items.

One of the defining elements of Ghosts'n Goblins is its armor system. Arthur starts with shining armor, but just one hit from an enemy will cause it to shatter, leaving him in his underwear. If hit again in this state, Arthur loses a life. This creates immense pressure and demands extreme caution from the player with every step.

Enemies in the game are diverse and relentless, ranging from zombies crawling out of the ground, agile flying Red Arremers, to towering ogres. Each stage culminates in a challenging boss battle that requires patience and strategy. The game environment also harbors numerous dangers such as bottomless pits, fire traps, and moving platforms, making controlling Arthur even more complex.

With its detailed 2D graphics on the GBC platform and eerie soundtrack, Ghosts'n Goblins delivers a challenging yet captivating experience, standing as an icon of the notoriously difficult platformer genre.