FindAlternative
Back to Home
Ghouls 'n Ghosts

Ghouls 'n Ghosts

A relentless retro platformer where knight Arthur battles undead hordes to rescue his love.

Our Verdict

Best for

Hardcore retro platformer fans who love unforgiving challenges

Skip if

Players seeking easy difficulty or forgiving lives system

What is Ghouls 'n Ghosts?

Ghouls 'n Ghosts puts players in the armor of Arthur, a knight on a perilous quest through eerie, monster‑infested levels. The game expands on its predecessor with upward and downward firing, treasure‑chest mechanics, and powerful gold‑armor attacks. Players must traverse five brutal stages twice, uncover hidden weapons, and finally face Lucifer in a climactic showdown, demanding skill, timing, and strategic weapon use.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

msrp$19.99
developerCapcom
publisherCapcom, U.S. Gold
age ratingPEGI 7, ESRB E
multiplayerSingle player
critic score85/100
release date1988-12-01

Key Features of Ghouls 'n Ghosts

Arthur can fire his weapon directly upward while airborne, adding vertical attack options.
A downward shot allows targeting enemies below during jumps, increasing combat flexibility.
Players can discover and equip a range of weapons, each with its own special attack.
Gold armor lets Arthur charge his weapon to unleash a powerful magical blast.
Hidden treasure chests can be triggered by jumping, rewarding new gear or surprise transformations.
The game requires completing levels 1‑5 twice before accessing Lucifer’s final chamber.
A special weapon appears on the second playthrough, necessary to defeat the penultimate boss.
Defeating Lucifer restores the souls of Princess Prin Prin and other captured spirits.

Use Cases for Ghouls 'n Ghosts

1

Arcade Nostalgia

Relive classic 80s arcade difficulty on modern hardware.

2

Skill Mastery

Practice precise timing and pattern recognition to overcome tough enemies.

3

Collectible Hunting

Explore hidden chests for rare weapons and armor upgrades.

4

Speedrun Practice

Use the game's fixed layout to train for competitive speedrunning.

Pros & Cons of Ghouls 'n Ghosts

Pros

  • Deep retro challenge that rewards perseverance
  • Varied weapon arsenal with unique special attacks
  • Strategic chest system adds replay value
  • Iconic art style and atmospheric music

Cons

  • Very high difficulty may deter casual players
  • Limited lives system can feel unforgiving
  • Controls can feel stiff compared to modern platformers

Frequently Asked Questions

What platforms is Ghouls 'n Ghosts available on?

It is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and Linux.

Do I need an internet connection to play?

No, the game is fully offline and does not require any network connection.

Is there a save system?

The game uses a continue system; you restart from the beginning of the current level after losing all lives.

Can I play with a controller on PC?

Yes, the PC version supports standard gamepads and full keyboard controls.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Paid (One-time)

Detailed plans are not listed. Visit the official website for pricing information.

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one!

Top Alternatives & Similar Games

View all alternatives & similar games→

People also viewed

Best For

Related searches

About the Product

Unclaimed Listing
Socials
Target AudienceFans of classic tough platformers

Is this your tool?

Claim this page to update details, reply to user reviews, and drive more traffic to your product.

Claim this Product →

Show you’re listed

Ghouls 'n Ghosts on FindAlternative

Add this badge to your website. It links back to this page.

Get your badge →

Keep up with Ghouls 'n Ghosts alternatives

New alternatives, pricing changes and the week's biggest movers - one email every Tuesday.

Weekly, free, unsubscribe in one click.