Review: Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection

Duck, throw, dip, dive and dodge

Ghosts’ n Goblins is an absolute retro classic.

It kind of embodies the old school, without any hindrance from some of the old game development philosophies: you’re in or you’re out. And even if you do join in, you might eventually be out, after the game tells you to replay the entire story to see the ‘real boss’.

It was maddening then, but it was a rallying cry and an immediate challenge. Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection captures a lot of that same raw spirit, while making things a little more accessible in the process.

Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection (Switch)
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: February 25, 2021
MSRP: $ 29.99

Resurrection is an interesting revival because it holds on to the pain of its predecessor, but also allows concessions and accommodation so that people are not left out in the cold. There are four difficulty levels: Legend (the hardest), Knight (normal), Squire (easy) and Page (beginner, but with the caveat that you cannot see the entire game). That right there tells you all you need to know: This won’t be a veteran revival.

It also adds the ripple of two-player co-op to the mix, making things even more accessible as the second person can control three ghosts that can protect, lift, or build platforms for the first player, who has full control over the protagonist Arthur. Called “the Three Wise Guys” (and cleverly called “Archie [arch platform], Barry [barrier], and Carry [well,  he carries you]”), the co-op element is a really nice way to flip the script a bit Ghosts’ n GoblinsI actually completed a full playthrough using the co-op functionality; and both myself and my partner had a blast in the process.

You may also need some help from your friend, such as Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection can be cheeky. Most checkpoints are somewhat close together, but some ranges require a lot of finesse and awareness to get through. On the highest setting, without using checkpoints or co-op for the highest possible score, it can feel just as oppressive as the original.

I say “bring it on!” And that includes all sliding scale options. I love the adaptive difficulty settings, and even winning in Squire and Knight mode can provide the same sense of accomplishment as the original. In addition, the “Magic Metronome” can slow down or speed up the game. All of these levers are great, but they can’t always hide the lower points of Resurrection

Some parts of levels don’t feel that inspired, and follow the mindset of “throw tons of enemies at you”. At times it’s done elegantly, at other points it feels haphazardly designed, especially for a few types of enemies who stay welcome longer. But then you come to the next checkpoint and for now everything is fine.

It’s a little more replayable than your average platformer. Resurrection has a magic system with a small skill tree (with two branching paths) to add a small level of replayability to the mix. Throw in the idea of ​​”Shadow” worlds (remixed versions of levels that pop up upon completion), and you’ve got a platform game worth combing through at least a week; not just any weekend.

I know you’re probably thinking about the aesthetics: I’m with you. I constantly waffle back and forth about whether or not I like the new art style. In the first trailer, I thought it looked rotten at times. But in practice, when I saw how much the mechanics stuck to the original, and witnessed all the unique character models in it, it grew on me. This applies doubly to the environments, which are often full of life.

Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection doesn’t shoot all cylinders all the time, but when you’re in the groove, on a difficulty setting, or even with high gear co-op, it reminds me why I started to like this series in the first place. Capcom has done a pretty good job of keeping it and taking it to a new generation.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

Ghosts’ n Goblins Resurrection reviewed by Chris Carter