Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Capcom Generation 2 compilation brings together three of the most challenging platform-action titles in the Ghost ’N Goblins lineage. From the relentless enemy patterns of the original Ghosts ’N Goblins to the tighter movement and armor-upgrades in Ghouls ’N Ghosts, each entry tests your reflexes and perseverance. Fans of precision jumping and timed attacks will appreciate the way controls feel responsive, allowing for pixel-perfect maneuvers across increasingly treacherous stages.

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Ghouls ’N Ghosts expands on the formula with new weapons, deeper level design, and the iconic double-jump mechanic. This installment strikes a balance between old-school difficulty and modern platforming sensibilities, offering mid-boss gauntlets and hidden paths that reward exploration. The compilation faithfully recreates the enemy patterns and collision detection, so veteran players can rely on muscle memory while newcomers face a steep—but fair—learning curve.

Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts rounds out the set with its expanded arsenal, branching level routes, and finely tuned controls. The ability to choose your path through the kingdom of Legardia adds replay value, and the introduction of secondary objectives—such as finding the Golden Armor—injects fresh challenges even for series veterans. Across all three titles, the compilation menu makes it easy to switch between games, though save states or rewind features are notably absent to preserve the original high-difficulty experience.

Graphics

Visually, the Capcom Generation 2 compilation showcases a clear evolution from 8-bit to 16-bit artistry. Ghosts ’N Goblins retains its simple yet charming sprites, with bright red demons and stark white backgrounds that stand out on a modern screen without feeling washed out. The limited color palette and sharp pixel edges give the original title a nostalgic authenticity.

Moving into Ghouls ’N Ghosts, the artwork becomes richer and more detailed. Background layers exhibit parallax scrolling, and the environmental designs—from haunted cathedrals to lava-filled underworlds—are bolder and more atmospheric. Sprite animations are smoother, with Arthur’s armor clinking convincingly as he dashes and jumps, and enemies showing more varied attack frames.

Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts represents the series at its graphical peak on the SNES hardware. Vibrant Mode 7 stage transitions, elaborate boss designs, and dynamic lighting effects create a sense of scale and drama. Even on a small handheld or through an emulator on your PC, the textures and color gradients retain their eye-catching detail. The compilation’s ports remain faithful, with minimal flicker and no major slowdown, ensuring each title looks and feels as intended.

Story

While the narrative across all three games is straightforward—Knight Arthur crusading against the demons of the Underworld to rescue Princess Prin-Prin—the trilogy’s charm lies in its escalating stakes and varied locales. In Ghosts ’N Goblins, you traverse cursed graveyards and demon castles with only two hits between you and a game over, setting the tone for Arthur’s uphill battle against dark forces.

Ghouls ’N Ghosts deepens the lore by sending Arthur into the heart of the demon realm itself, unearthing the manipulations of the demon king Sardius and his minions. Though story exposition is minimal, each stage environment conveys a clear sense of progression—from gothic ruins to flaming pits—tying the player’s journey to a coherent, if skeletal, plot.

Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts builds on its predecessors by introducing branching paths and multiple endings, dependent on in-game decisions and hidden quest items like the coveted Golden Armor. This added layer of narrative choice encourages repeated playthroughs, giving players new insights into the demon hierarchy and Princess Prin-Prin’s fate. Though text is sparse, the atmospheric music and environmental storytelling paint a surprisingly engaging saga of heroism and sacrifice.

Overall Experience

Capcom Generation 2: Dai 2 Shū – Makai to Kishi offers an undeniably nostalgic trip for retro enthusiasts and a stern challenge for modern gamers. The compilation’s strength lies in its pure, unaltered preservation of three genre-defining titles. Without modern conveniences like rewinds or save states, each death serves as a lesson, pushing players to master enemy patterns and level layouts through practice and patience.

While the punishing difficulty may deter casual audiences, dedicated platforming fans will find a rewarding sense of accomplishment in conquering each demon-filled stage and secret route. The absence of bonus galleries or developer interviews keeps the focus squarely on gameplay, reinforcing the series’ mantra of skill-based progression. Menu navigation is straightforward, making it easy to swap between titles for comparative play or quick challenges.

Ultimately, Capcom Generation 2 is a showcase of the Ghost ’N Goblins lineage at its most iconic. Whether you’re seeking to relive arcade-style rigor, exploring branching routes in Super Ghouls ’N Ghosts, or simply experiencing the roots of one of Capcom’s longest-running franchises, this compilation delivers. It stands as both a testament to classic game design and a formidable gauntlet for those brave enough to don Arthur’s armor once more.

Retro Replay Score

7.4/10