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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
In Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins, Arthur's heroic battle with the underworld was finally over and the entrance to the realm was sealed. So he thought. Time passes and unknowing to mankind, the dark lord has awaken from his slumber and kidnaps the princess in an effort to conquer the human world. Arthur must set off for the evil forest, the gateway to the underworld, to save the princess from imminent doom and keep the devil as well as his minions at bay. The excitement and intensity of the forerunner continues as our armored hero takes on this new challenge for the sake of humanity. With the use of a 3D graphics engine, the Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins world comes alive as effects, cutscenes, backgrounds and animations are given more depth and richer detail. Retaining the classic design of the series, several new facets have been created including a broader range of motion and new control techniques. Now our hero has the capability to dash, double-jump, shoot up or down in a vertical fashion, grab onto ledges, etc. With a new leveling system, allows gamers to build up Arthur’s skills for more powerful magic abilities and attacks. With the addition of extra lives, death doesn’t mean starting from a check point but rematerializing where they left off. [Capcom]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 95
Play Magazine
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins is "2D" but it's also a highly-produced, meticulously planned, big-budget release. This is no throwback to side-scrollers gone by, this is 2D handheld gaming. [Aug 2006, p.16]
90
Edge Magazine
This is far, far more than a nostalgic return to form - instead, it's a game so adept at exploiting its own heritage that it can integrate thorough modernity into its design without denting its retro appeal in the slightest. [Sept 2006, p.78]
90
PSX Extreme
Ultimate mode would test even the best players to their limits. I say this because the entry price is $39.99, which is deserved, but not appropriate for those who’ll get frustrated just trying to make it through the first level. But if you’ve ever had late-night liaisons with a lady dressed in black leather and cracking a whip, then you’ve probably already bought it.
 90
AceGamez
This really should be the retro release to please everyone - Capcom have taken a classic original, slightly enhanced the concept with modern features like the double jumping and magic, yet retained the core gameplay and style that made the original such a hit.
89
GameZone
The difficulty might turn a lot of gamers off (it almost did for me) but if you give it a real chance you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
88
Play UK
One of the best updates of a classic franchise we've had the chance to play. [Issue 144, p.90]
88
Console Gameworld
Addictive fun for action platform gamers with the desire for a real challenge. Good graphics and engaging, tough gameplay.
86
IGN
The long overdue weapons and abilities that Arthur has gained for this installment are just the beginning -- as the game's truly excellent visuals, smart difficulty settings, and solid action-platforming make for one heck of a fun (albeit short-lived) day at the graveyard.
85
Deeko
Ultimate Ghouls 'N Ghosts never once attempts to make you feel good about yourself as a gamer, never once tries to encourage you by giving you an easy level and then offering up some demon level from hell. No — instead, it encourages you to fight harder, fight smarter and most of all, do your best and that is why I'll continue to pursue the series.
85
PSM Magazine
Probably the most epic-feeling side-scrolling action game in years, if not ever. It will wow you just as much as it will challenge you, and it's definitely not to be missed by those who consider themselves serious gamers. [Oct 2006, p.73]
85
TotalPlayStation
They did it. Capcom sucessfully updated the series without destroying what was good about the classics. I'll always bemoan the loss of the Maximo team, as they actually translated things into full 3D perfectly, but this is a nice in-between.
82
GameBrink
Hidden secrets make exploring optional areas much more rewarding, and with the way the game is set up, that ends up being a very important thing. I would recommend this to anyone who is willing to be challenged by a good platformer, as the game fulfills every requirement of a well designed and lovingly crafted action game and more. [JPN Import]
80
GamePro
If you can't fathom the appeal of 2D old-school revival, save your cash; otherwise, grab a lance and skewer some flying eyeballs. [Oct. 2006, p.93]
80
WHAM! Gaming
Undeniably the best-looking PSP release since "Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror". The floating spectral faces, the tidal wave of blood, the massive beast masquerading as a temple are just some of the early "wow moments" that show off the technology that is packed into the PSP device.
80
Modojo
The game's design is superb and tight, and the challenge level will definitely be welcomed by those thirsting for something to push them to the next level.
80
Pocket Gamer UK
Devilishly unforgiving and dangerously infuriating. But also delicately updated and delightfully addictive.
80
NTSC-uk
The game is a terrific piece of work that looks beautiful and plays well if you give it your undivided attention and concentration and overcome the flawed controls. [JPN Import]
80
GamerNode
Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins takes an old school approach to making a side scrolling platform game, but improves upon the concept by making gameplay extremely challenging.
80
Sydney Morning Herald
Here's a game to sort the men from the boys. Just try not to grind your teeth away.
80
GameCritics
And so it is that the series's venerable blend of cut-throat peril and exemplary platform action is not only maintained, but arguably kicked up a notch with newfound levels of visual splendour, hellish level design and structural ingenuity. Though far from universal in its appeal, Ultimate Ghouls 'N Ghosts is quite simply a masterfully executed platform game.
77
GameTrailers
Fans of the franchise that have grown accustomed to the challenging gameplay will enjoy the addition of shields and magic spells. It can be fun to play the same game twice, but it can get frustrating when that’s the only way to finish it.
74
Cheat Code Central
Even on the easiest setting Ultimate Ghosts ‘N Goblins is designed to tease, torture, torment and transgress. In other words it’s #%$&*+! hard!
73
Game Informer
I'm fine with a game that has me tearing my hair out from the difficulty--but the gameplay sure better hold up during those frustrating hours. In this case, I'm not sure it does. [Oct. 2006, p.110]
70
games(TM)
Eminently timeless, suitably gorgeous, but unutterably difficult. Everything you want in a retro revamp. [Oct 2006, p.120]
70
VideoGamer
Whether or not you will embrace it, though, all depends on either your loyalty to the franchise or the seriousness of your masochistic tendencies.
70
PSW Magazine UK
Thankfully, the difficulty has been offset by the inclusion of regular checkpoints and some new moves for Arthur - the ability to hang from ledges gives some welcome leeway when jumps are mistimed, and a double tap on the D-pad makes him dash. It's great, simplistic, old-school adventuring, but fiendish with it. Crap gamers: you have been warned.
70
Yahoo! Games
Its uncompromising design could be perceived as lazy and frustrating or inspired, bold, and nostalgic, depending on your point of view.
70
Total Video Games
New additions to the series, including the varied inventory, offer a strong dose of depth that perhaps wasn't there in instalments gone by, though there remains a question of longevity.
70
Games Radar
For the few, the proud and the masochistic, however, your game has arrived. Good luck, and for the love of god, use that optional wrist-strap. PSPs are expensive.
70
EuroGamer
Hardcore devotees of Sir Arthur's previous adventures will whoop like pandas at the news that the game's legendary toughness has not been completely castrated for today's lily-livered gamers, though it's sometimes hard to shake the feeling that the relentless challenge comes from clunky controls and respawning monsters just as often as smart level design.
70
GameSpy
It's a rare old-school follow-up that furthers its roots without selling out.
70
GamerFeed
This game is about as hard as petrified wood. Capcom eased things up a bit by tossing three difficulty levels into the mix, but even the added confidence booster couldn't save me from dying hundreds of times.
70
Boomtown
While Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins often threatens to be obtuse and dated platformer, it’s hard not admire its impishly cunning design, charming presentation and strict old-school challenge.
70
RewiredMind
UGAG can very comfortably be compared to a Rubik’s Cube – it isn’t very pretty or enticing, it’s just an extremely straightforward, ball-bustingly hard challenge. It almost deserves two separate scores. If you like a challenge, then add [30] more points to my final score. If you prefer a bit more of an easier time, then detract [50].
67
GameSpot
A great-looking update of a classic platformer, but it can be frustratingly difficult to a fault.
66
PSM3 Magazine UK
A decent remake of a classic platformer, but it's ultimately too hard, too old-fashioned and too short-lived. [Oct 2006, p.72]
65
PALGN
Fans of the series or those looking for a challenge should give it a try but many will no doubt be put off by the clunky control and unrewarding difficulty.
65
Gamers' Temple
Ultimately frustrating to all but the most devout fans of Ghosts n’ Goblins games past.
62
Games Master UK
There's a fine line between 'challenging' and 'sadistic,' and this is on the wrong side of it. [Oct 2006, p.79]
60
Electronic Gaming Monthly
The fact that I greeted each completed level with relief rather than satisfaction ain't encouraging. [Sept. 2006, p.108]
60
G4 TV
There’s no doubt that fans of 2D action will love this difficult quest, but if you weren’t into side scrollers before, it seems unlikely that anything here will change your mind.
58
My Gamer
I want to fight against bad guys, not the control scheme. If tweaking was done with the horrible jump system, then this game would have been a solid recommendation.
58
Gaming Target
While it’s hard for me to generally recommend this game to anyone, I know that old-school fans of the game and masochistic gamers who enjoy relying on dumb luck along with insane difficulty will enjoy the game.
58
Gaming Age
The original Ghosts 'N Goblins was famously difficult, so it's hard to fault the new game for being difficult, too. The difference is that the new Ghosts 'N Goblins is difficult in manufactured ways - controls and structure - which force replays of previous levels.
52
AtomicGamer
Ultimate Ghosts & Goblins may bring on some nostalgia and looks fun for a while, but unless you are fantastically good at side-scrolling games or just plain masochistic when it comes to your gaming, this one's not worth your money.
50
Detroit Free Press
Game play tends to become monotonous after a while, although the game itself is relatively short. Some required maneuvers were very difficult, which frustrated me.
50
Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
A beautiful, but hard-as-nails remastering of the 1988 original that sadly still plays like an 18-year-old game. Exasperating. [Oct 2006, p.96]
45
1UP
UGnG gets the superficial bits right, yet the fundamental elements that have always made the series so compelling despite its esteem-crushing difficulty are either missing, compromised or broken in this sequel. And without those crucial underpinnings of quality in place, the entire affair collapses in a morass of mediocrity.
42
Game Revolution
When it isn’t busy knocking you off cliffs or duping you into a second play-through, it’s a fun, hectic shooter, but without a more gradual difficulty ramp or at least some cheat codes, this is one problem best left unsolved.
Aramis G. gave it an8: Dain G. gave it an8: Andy M. gave it a9: Jordan H. gave it a10: Toby M. gave it a10: |
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