NES / Famicom (1986-89)

Amstrad CPC (1986)

Atari ST (1990)

Ghosts 'n Goblins follows on from the time-honoured tradition of selfless macho heroics with our champ heading off to save the helpless dame.

Our steel-armoured hero, the suitably named 'Arthur', runs across the perilous landscape jumping over graves and spearing the evil dead with his throwable lance until he can gather further weapons that the undead drop as a consequence of their demise. The alternative weapons consist of a throwable axe and dagger, along with a torch and shield. All of this unwavering bravery is part of a dashing tale to rescue the princess from a deplorable king. I'm guessing he wants to have his way with her Haribo Starmix?

Straight off the bat, the difficulty level is uncompromising for a beginner on all versions of the game. The gameplay is extremely tough if you aren't familiar with how to time your moves, and not knowing when and where a sprite might appear out of the ground from where you're standing. There's also a fair bit of planning required to ensure that you're never boxed in between multiple foe for a maddening death.

One of the greatest videogame sight gags occurs when Arthur is struck by a creature of the night. His suit of armour will fall away leaving him to fend for himself whilst wearing only his underwear. Unfortunately, if Arthur is struck once more then he's reduced to a pile of bones. This would also reduce the embarrassment of walking around in his smalls, but not in the way one would have hoped.

This game was a massive hit in the arcades upon its release, and went on to receive a sequel in Ghouls 'n Ghosts plus several spin-offs, but I remember watching older kids play this and then leave the arcade looking like they'd aged a generation. If you haven't played it before then be prepared to grapple with your patience.