Summary
- Release Year: 1984
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Acorn Electron, Amstrad CPC, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Publishers: Micro Power
Ghouls (1984): A Spine-Tingling Arcade Classic
Released in 1984, Ghouls is a spooky arcade classic that will send shivers down your spine. Developed by Kaneko and distributed by Atari, Ghouls is a platform game that tasks players with navigating a haunted mansion filled with ghosts, spiders, and other creepy crawlies.
The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay has stood the test of time, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts today. Players control a young adventurer who must traverse four increasingly difficult screens, dodging ghosts, spiders, and spikes while leaping over poison-smeared pits and scampering along moving platforms and contracting floorboards.
One of the things that makes Ghouls so unique is its atmosphere. The game’s graphics are simple but effective, and they do a great job of creating a sense of dread and suspense. The mansion is dark and eerie, with flickering lights and cobwebs everywhere. The ghosts and spiders are suitably creepy, and the sound effects are appropriately spooky.
The gameplay in Ghouls is fast-paced and challenging. Players must be quick on their feet to avoid the ghosts and spiders, and they must also be careful not to fall into the pits or get crushed by the contracting floorboards. The game’s difficulty ramps up quickly, but it never becomes unfair.
Ghouls is a great game for both casual and hardcore gamers. It’s easy to pick up and play, but it’s also challenging enough to keep you coming back for more. If you’re a fan of retro games or arcade classics, then you owe it to yourself to check out Ghouls.
Gameplay
The goal of Ghouls is to navigate four increasingly difficult screens, dodging ghosts, spiders, and spikes while leaping over poison-smeared pits and scampering along moving platforms and contracting floorboards.
The player controls a young adventurer who can run, jump, and shoot. The player must use all of their skills to avoid the ghosts and spiders, and they must also be careful not to fall into the pits or get crushed by the contracting floorboards.
The game’s difficulty ramps up quickly, but it never becomes unfair. The first screen is relatively easy, but the later screens are much more challenging. The player must be quick on their feet and have good reflexes to succeed.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Ghouls are simple but effective. The mansion is dark and eerie, with flickering lights and cobwebs everywhere. The ghosts and spiders are suitably creepy, and the sound effects are appropriately spooky.
The game’s soundtrack is also excellent. The music is catchy and atmospheric, and it helps to create a sense of dread and suspense.
Legacy
Ghouls was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, spooky atmosphere, and excellent graphics and sound. The game has been ported to a number of different platforms, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts today.
Ghouls has also been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including Super Mario Bros. and Castlevania. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and spooky atmosphere have helped to make it a classic of the arcade era.
Conclusion
Ghouls is a spine-tingling arcade classic that will send shivers down your spine. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, spooky atmosphere, and excellent graphics and sound have made it a favorite of retro gaming enthusiasts for decades. If you’re looking for a classic arcade game to play, then you owe it to yourself to check out Ghouls.
Review Score
8/10
