Ghosts 'n Goblins
Ghosts 'n Goblins is a 1985 platformer developed by Capcom in which the knight Arthur battles through demon-infested stages to rescue Princess Prin Prin from the demon king Astaroth. Armed with throwing lances and alternative weapons such as daggers, torches, and axes found in the levels, Arthur can take only two hits, losing his suit of armour first and being reduced to his underwear before perishing on the next blow.
The game earned a fearsome reputation for its punishing difficulty, relentless enemy waves of zombies, demons, and flying gargoyles, and the notorious twist requiring players to complete the entire game a second time on a harder loop to reach the true ending. That brutal challenge became its defining trait and a badge of honour for those who conquered it.
Ghosts 'n Goblins spawned an influential series including Ghouls 'n Ghosts and later entries such as Ultimate Ghosts 'n Goblins. The original lives on through Capcom retro collections and emulation for players seeking a genuine test of skill.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Ghosts 'n Goblins, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Cursed Castilla (Maldita Castilla EX) Indie
€ 11,99An indie action-platformer built as a direct homage to Ghosts 'n Goblins and its era.
Cursed Castilla (Maldita Castilla EX) runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Capcom Arcade Stadium
Free + in-app purchasesA free shell with paid packs of Capcom arcade games, including Ghosts 'n Goblins and its sequels.
Capcom Arcade Stadium runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Volgarr the Viking II Indie
€ 19,50Deliberately brutal arcade platforming where memorising enemy placement is the whole skill.
Volgarr the Viking II runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection
€ 29,99An official modern reimagining that keeps the brutal difficulty with hand-drawn visuals.
Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
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