Summary
Ghosts 'n Goblins (1985) gleefully armed Sir Arthur, knocked his armour off within seconds, and then kept kicking him while he was already down. Set in a nightmarish fantasy world of zombies, demons, and fire-breathing horrors, it demanded pixel-perfect jumps and saint-like patience. Weapons felt unreliable, enemies respawned relentlessly, and the game took obvious pleasure in your suffering. Yet beneath the cruelty lay tight controls, striking visuals, and unforgettable atmosphere. It was punishing, unfair, and utterly addictive - a rite of passage disguised as a platformer.
What it does well
Iconic presentation, tight controls, memorable enemies, superb atmosphere, and a challenge that felt strangely irresistible.
Where it falls short
Extreme difficulty, constant enemy respawns, unreliable weapons, and frustration levels that bordered on sadistic.
Verdict
A legendary arcade tormentor that balanced exquisite design with merciless difficulty, creating one of gaming's most infamous challenges.