Ultimate Ghosts 'N Goblins
- September 05, 2006 13:43 PM PST
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Never mind throwing your controller-people used to punch the screen of the original Ghosts 'n Goblins machine. While a layer of some plexiglass-like material protected it, the same can't be said of your PSP, so be warned: this remake is hard as hell.
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PROTIP: Not all enemy attacks are fatal: Some just temporarily change your size, gender, or even species.
Ain't Afraid of No Ghost
Though the valiant Arthur once again heads out to save the princess from demonic forces, this is anything but just a prettier retread.
Sure, Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins captures the spirit of the original perfectlyperhaps too perfectly, if you're predisposed to destroying electronics in fits of frustrationbut everything from the individual spooky course layouts to the gorgeous backgrounds and flamboyant creature designs is entirely new, and presented in a sort of pseudo-3D parallax that effectively mixes nostalgic side-scrolling with snazzy current-generation graphics, and without any of the heinous load time issues that have become the PSP's hallmark.
Up Your Arsenal
While the basic gameplay is a return to the simple running, jumping, and weapon throwing of the original, it's elaborated upon via some new mechanics. Your armor can be upgraded with icons dropped by some slain enemies, a decent variety of magical abilities like fire blasts and invincibility are availablenot to mention necessaryand different shields can be collected and used as bulwarks against attacks.
As you'd expect, there are tons of different weapons, from the lance that Arthur starts with, to the dagger we know and love from the original, to Castlevania-esque whips and exploding holy water. Each and every one can be upgraded, increasing shot count, speed, damage, and so on, lending an RPG flavor to the crazed action. Telling at a glance what's a permanent change of weapon and what's a magical boon takes a little practice.
PROTIP: Play on Novice difficulty and you'll miss out on some of the nastier traps.
Warp Factor
In addition to being born again near where you perished, rather than starting the level from scratch (unless you opt for "ultimate" difficulty), the most notable changes are the ability to save progress after every stage, fourteen permanent items that give Arthur new abilities, and collectible warp staves that let you jump stages. Many of these things almost seem to require the skillful sacrificing of a life, so expect the "ultimate" difficulty setting to keep you busy for a good long time.
These enhancements also nicely upset what would otherwise be a linear progression by giving you reason to revisit previous stages for goodies you might not have been able to get at the first time through. Though this extends play time significantly, it also wears out the welcome of the earliest areas more quickly as you scour them for secrets.
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins is visually arresting, maddeningly difficult at anything above the novice setting, and ultimately lots of fun just as long as your sense of humor wins out over the occasional urge to slam your PSP into concrete. If you can't fathom the appeal of the 2D old school revival, save your cash. Otherwise, grab a lance and skewer some flying eyeballs.
PROTIP: Don't forget to use your powerful magic attacks when you get in a sticky situation.
