Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ghoul Patrol picks up the fast-paced, run-and-gun action of its predecessor by putting you in control of Zeke or Julie (or both in local co-op). Each stage tasks you with exploring multi-screen levels, avoiding environmental hazards and clearing rooms of skeletons, ghouls, ghosts and other demonic fiends. Underneath the cartoonish horror veneer lies a surprisingly deep level-design that encourages exploration—every hidden corridor or breakable wall could be hiding extra ammo or a trapped townsperson in need of rescue.

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Combat relies on a trio of memorable weapons—most notably the rapid-fire Plasma Gun and the slower-but-devastating Smash Gun. Ammo is scarce, so you’ll find yourself weighing the benefits of blasting every enemy in sight against conserving shots for tougher foes or end-level bosses. Along the way you collect power-ups, health pickups and extra ammunition, each of which can turn the tide in a pinch.

At the end of every level awaits a boss fight that tests your mastery of movement and firepower. Each boss features unique attack patterns, from towering skeleton knights to specters that phase in and out of reality, demanding precision and timing. The balance between frantic enemy waves, careful ammo management and strategic boss encounters makes for a consistently engaging gameplay loop.

Graphics

Visually, Ghoul Patrol is a loving tribute to early ’90s 16-bit titles. The pixel art is bright and bold, with each world sporting its own distinct color palette—from the eerie greens of a graveyard to the warm torchlight of a haunted castle. Zeke and Julie are instantly recognizable, their exaggerated animations lending both charm and personality to every jump and dodge.

Enemy sprites are equally well-realized, mixing classic horror archetypes with a playful, cartoonish flair. Skeletons clatter their bones convincingly, ghosts swirl about with ethereal transparency, and slime-covered ghouls ooze across the screen with a satisfyingly gross wobble. Boss designs stand out especially well, filling a sizable chunk of the playfield and threatening from every direction.

Level backgrounds feature multiple layers of parallax scrolling, giving a strong sense of depth and immersion as you traverse haunted mansions, cursed swamps and dimly lit crypts. Special effects—such as the glow of a plasma blast or the explosive particles from a Smash Gun impact—pop against the darker backdrops, making every shot feel weighty and convincing.

Story

The narrative in Ghoul Patrol is simple but effective: a traveling horror exhibit mysteriously springs to life, unleashing monsters across the sleepy suburbs. It’s up to neighborhood heroes Zeke and Julie to jump through interdimensional portals, restore order and rescue any townsfolk caught in the chaos. The premise provides a fun excuse to hop between wildly different environments and monster types.

Story beats are delivered via brief cutscenes between worlds, featuring tongue-in-cheek dialogue that never takes itself too seriously. Zeke’s wisecracks and Julie’s determined retorts inject plenty of personality without bogging the action down. Each new world is introduced by playful captions and a quick setup, keeping the narrative momentum moving along at a brisk pace.

Though not the most profound tale, the storyline offers just enough context to tie the stages together and motivate the rescue objectives. As you defeat bosses and close portal gates, you get a clear sense of progression—and a bit of comedic relief when the rescued townsfolk emerge, grateful (and often suitably terrified) at having been saved.

Overall Experience

Ghoul Patrol captures the perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh design. Its tight controls, varied weaponry and cleverly designed stages keep the action both accessible and challenging. Whether you’re a fan of classic run-and-gun shooters or a newcomer seeking a spirited adventure, there’s plenty here to satisfy.

Local co-op elevates the fun to another level—team up with a friend to devise cover-and-clear tactics, coordinate your ammo usage and tackle bosses with combined firepower. The shared-screen format encourages communication and adds a layer of camaraderie as you shout out enemy spawns and plan your next move.

Minor frustrations—like occasional tight passages or moments when ammo runs perilously low—are quickly offset by the generous checkpoint system and a willingness to experiment with different weapon strategies. Replayability comes from hunting high scores, speed-running levels and mastering each boss’s patterns. All told, Ghoul Patrol is a spirited, action-packed romp that any retro-action enthusiast should consider adding to their collection.

Retro Replay Score

6.9/10