Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts delivers a relentless challenge that will test even the most seasoned platformer veterans. Players once again don the armor of Arthur, traversing a gauntlet of ghoulish foes across winding forest pathways, graveyard crypts, and treacherous underwater caverns. The core mechanics—running, jumping, and stabbing with a variety of weapons—feel tight and responsive, ensuring that every pixel-perfect leap and well-timed attack is both satisfying and necessary to survive.

One of the defining aspects of the gameplay is the risk-reward system built around weapon selection and armor health. Arthur starts with heavy armor that grants additional hits but slows movement, or lighter suits that allow quicker dodges at the cost of durability. Finding magical weapon upgrades—daggers, bombs, tridents, and more—adds a strategic layer, forcing players to adapt their style on the fly as new threats emerge. This balance keeps each level feeling fresh and encourages experimentation.

The level design is equally noteworthy. From the eerie, fog-shrouded forest depths to the flooded caverns brimming with aquatic beasts, every stage introduces new traps and enemy patterns. Hidden secrets and alternate paths reward careful exploration, while boss encounters demand pattern memorization and flawless execution. Though punishing in difficulty, the robust checkpoint system helps mitigate frustration, making success all the more rewarding.

Graphics

On the SNES hardware, Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts stands out as a visual showcase. Its colorful sprite work and layered parallax backgrounds bring the haunted world to life with a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. Each enemy type is distinct, whether it’s a skeleton archer perched on a tombstone or a hulking demon lurking beneath the water’s surface. The smooth animations—Arthur’s flailing lance, a ghoul’s death throes—add polish and clarity to the action.

The game’s use of color is particularly impressive. Dark purples and blues dominate the gothic environments, contrasted by the bright glint of Arthur’s armor and the fiery glow of projectile attacks. Weather effects, such as lightning flashes in a stormy graveyard or bubbles rising in underwater levels, further enrich the atmosphere without overtaxing the SNES hardware. Even today, these visuals retain a crispness and charm that belie their age.

Character design also shines, blending eerie horror motifs with a playful, cartoon-like flair. Bosses, from gargantuan undead knights to serpentine sea beasts, boast memorable silhouettes and multi-phase attacks that both amaze and intimidate. The seamless scrolling and swift frame rates ensure the game looks as good in the heat of battle as it does when soaking in the brooding world.

Story

Four years have passed since Arthur’s heroic rescue of Princess PrinPrin from the clutches of the demon Loki, and the kingdom is abuzz with excitement over the upcoming royal wedding. Throngs of jubilant citizens gather in the castle courtyard, hopeful that true love will finally triumph over ancient evil. The idyllic celebration, however, serves as a deceptive calm before the storm.

In a quiet corner of the castle grounds, Arthur and PrinPrin share a tender embrace—only to have their joy shattered by the sudden appearance of a colossal demon. With a horrified cry, the princess is snatched away, her screams echoing through the night as the demon vanishes into the shadowed forest. Arthur’s heart pounds with desperation as he dashes after the creature, determined not to lose PrinPrin a second time.

His pursuit leads him to the haunted graveyard, where an army of ghouls, skeletons, and other nightmarish creatures rise at Loki’s command. Each step forward is fraught with peril, and Arthur must draw on every ounce of courage—and skill—to fight through waves of unholy adversaries. The narrative, though straightforward, provides a compelling motivation that dovetails seamlessly with the game’s high-stakes action.

Overall Experience

Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts stands as a shining example of classic 16-bit action, combining tight controls, inventive level design, and a haunting aesthetic into a visceral, unforgettable experience. Its renowned difficulty curve will challenge newcomers, but the sense of accomplishment from conquering its obstacles is unparalleled. Whether you’re a veteran platformer fan or seeking a true test of skill, this game delivers in spades.

The replay value is substantial. Multiple routes through each level, hidden weapon upgrades, and the pursuit of a perfect run keep players coming back long after the credits roll. Every jump, every swing of Arthur’s lance, demands precision, turning each playthrough into a personal journey of mastery and discovery.

While modern gamers might find its unforgiving nature daunting, Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts rewards patience and perseverance with one of the most polished and atmospheric adventures of its era. Its combination of tight mechanics, evocative visuals, and pulse-pounding action ensures that Arthur’s quest to save Princess PrinPrin remains a timeless classic worth experiencing.

Retro Replay Score

8/10