Ultimate Ghosts'N Goblins

The Good
Ultimate Ghosts’n Goblins is not a step backwards, but it is also not the sequel that could have been made. Over a decade later and Capcom continues right where it left off. This is only half of what was expected. What they present is a troubling dichotomy within this game, that of nostalgia versus innovation.

Moments of wonder, however, do slowly invade this troubled sequel in the form of exciting expansions to Arthur’s repertoire, to remind us of the fact that the originator was at the helm of this project. In short, quite good but much more worthy of being made great.

The Bad
Capcom could have taken many of the crazy-paced arcade game mechanics that have made them famous since 1992, but has puzzlingly decided to exclude them: a combo system, multiple characters, extravagantly showy magic effects, and baroque bosses that take up a whole stage rather than a whole screen, as well as multiple tiers of levels and skill/technique-based rewards. Capcom has the technology these days to implement the sprite-heavy, manic gameplay of the late 90’s-early 00’s, seen in their Versus games. Instead, we get more environmental effects (which are admittedly good) but the ponderously fragmented magic/armor/weapon system is needlessly clunky…what belongs in a proper sequel to Ghouls’n Ghosts is the arcade sensibility and not the collection adventure sensibility.

The Bottom Line
This game may be unapproachable to many casual gamers. I would like to think the new levels, monsters and surprises would be enough to hold interest; but to the hardcore among us, we will be in familiar ground, with new twists that stretch the boundary of rewards and punishment even further, the collection aspect being the most frustrating.

Stick through the tough parts and you will find the gems in this game. It's most worth it to see (and fight) the spectacular bosses and find your own way through.