Just when you thought the world had seen enough resurrected franchises to fill a graveyard, Capcom decided to dig up one of its most notorious undead heroes: Sir Arthur from Ghosts 'n Goblins. With all the charm of a horror film marathon and difficulty settings that could make a hardened gamer reconsider their life choices, 'Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection' manages to simultaneously warm your nostalgia and provoke many a rage quit. Here's the lowdown on this tantalizingly frustrating romp through the demon realm.
At its core, Resurrection is a side-scrolling platformer that calls back to the good old days when dying was as common as consuming a slice of pizza while gaming. You play as Sir Arthur, who dons his shiny armor to rescue Princess Prin-Prin, who seems to have a knack for getting kidnapped. Seriously, we need to have a talk with this princess about her future dating choices. In classic platformer style, you'll traverse beautifully animated and occasionally annoyingly treacherous environments filled with zombies, skeletons, and let's not forget, the infamous Pigmen. Yes, Pigmen. Because who doesn't want to battle some chubby little tyrants while trying to save a damsel in distress? The gameplay includes a hefty arsenal-eight weapons to be precise! Players can swap from a classic lance to a hammer that sends shockwaves, which is great when trying to impress your friends with how explosively you can do a double jump onto a platform. Skillfully collecting umbral bees (yup, no idea where that name came from) allows you to unlock and upgrade abilities in a tech tree that looks suspiciously identical to a flowchart of suffering. Speaking of suffering: did you know the game has four difficulty levels? You start with 'Page,' which is for beginners, we assume, and advance through Squire, Knight, and onto the grand champion of masochism-Legend difficulty. Let's just say if you beat the game on Legend, you get honorary membership in a special club called 'I'm Way Too Proud of My Video Game Skills.' But be warned; even the easiest setting will cause you to rage on occasion-a cocktail of triumph and despair. Dying in Ghosts 'n Goblins is a core mechanic, almost like breathing. You think you've got it down; you've mastered the first three levels? Boom! You blink, and suddenly you're a pasty knight in boxers trying to fight skeletons without armor. How embarrassing. The death mechanic isn't just about losing; it's about embarrassment and humor, recalling that old-school charm, and forcing players to confront the consequences of their choices (like, you know, running headlong into a pig wearing a cape).
Graphically, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is a treat. Utilizing Capcom's sexy RE Engine, this game embraces a 'storybook' aesthetic that really enhances the fantasy/horror themes. Imagine a fairytale gone wrong, where the castles are beautiful, and the enemies look like a fever dream after watching too many old flicks. The vibrant colors make the gruesome enemies pop like they're auditioning for the latest horror flick. It's undeniably charming, even as you see yourself die for the umpteenth time. The animated art style is reminiscent of a pop-up storybook coming to life, giving the game a unique flair that helps soften the bitter taste of defeat. Plus, the creativity behind each level, inspired by horror attractions, keeps the spooky vibes high while ensuring you remain somewhat enchanted even during moments of utter frustration. Set pieces are colorful, whimsical yet nightmarish-like a carnival after dark.
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is a delightful revival of an ancient classic. It's not just another cash grab; it's a nostalgic return that pays homage to the series that made gamers rage long before it was a trend. While it comes with its share of challenge (seriously, how many ways can you die in a single level?), the laughter and smiles injected into your frustrating journey through the demon realm hold a mirror up to the ridiculous charm of gaming's past. It's like getting back together with an old friend who has questionable life choices but is ultimately charming in their disregard for self-preservation. Those crazy enough to endure the challenge will be rewarded. For everyone else seeking something a bit easier-just hop over to 'Page' difficulty and bask in the simplicity; but remember, when everything goes wrong and you lose your armor for the hundredth time, take a breath and enjoy the absurdity of the experience. After all, isn't that what gaming is all about?