Capcom Generation 2: Dai 2 Shuu Makai to Kishi

Story

The storylines of Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts are quintessential examples of classic 1980s arcade narratives, simple yet engaging. In both games, players step into the boots of Sir Arthur, a valiant knight on a quest to rescue Princess Prin Prin from demonic forces.

Ghosts ‘n Goblins: The original tale begins with Princess Prin Prin being kidnapped by the demon king Astaroth. Sir Arthur must traverse through a series of haunted environments filled with monsters to save her.

Ghouls ‘n Ghosts: In the sequel, the story picks up with another abduction, this time by the demon Loki. Once again, Sir Arthur dons his armor to battle through hordes of supernatural enemies to reclaim his beloved princess.

Despite the simplicity, the narrative is compelling due to its timeless theme of good versus evil and its blend of horror and fantasy elements, which are perfectly suited for the arcade format.

Gameplay

Capcom Generation 2 provides a faithful recreation of the original arcade gameplay, which is both challenging and rewarding. The games are renowned for their punishing difficulty, requiring precision, timing, and memorization.

Ghosts ‘n Goblins

Players guide Sir Arthur through six perilous levels, each filled with a variety of enemies ranging from zombies and demons to dragons. Arthur’s main weapon is a lance, but players can collect other weapons such as knives, torches, and axes throughout the game. The gameplay is made more intense by Arthur’s vulnerability: being hit once strips him down to his underwear, and a second hit results in a life lost. Mastering the simplistic but tight controls is crucial for progression.

Ghouls ‘n Ghosts

Building upon its predecessor, Ghouls ‘n Ghosts introduces new weapons and armor upgrades. The gameplay retains the series’ core mechanics while adding layers of complexity with new abilities, such as the power to shoot upwards and downwards while jumping. The level design is more intricate, with branching paths and hidden secrets that reward exploration. The inclusion of magic spells adds a strategic element, allowing players to adapt their tactics to different situations.

Graphics and Sound

Capcom Generation 2 maintains the quintessential pixel art style that defined the original arcade releases. The graphics are vibrant and detailed, capturing the eerie atmosphere of haunted landscapes and grotesque monsters. The character sprites are well-animated, and the environments are richly designed, providing a nostalgic return to the era of 16-bit graphics.

The sound design is equally iconic, featuring memorable chiptune compositions that have become synonymous with the series. Each game’s soundtrack enhances the tension and excitement, with tracks like the Ghosts ‘n Goblins main theme being instantly recognizable. The sound effects, from the clang of Arthur’s armor to the growls of enemies, are faithfully reproduced, amplifying the immersive experience.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Capcom Generation 2 was praised for its authentic reproduction of the original arcade experiences. Fans of the series appreciated the opportunity to revisit these classics on home consoles, complete with additional features such as improved graphics and sound, as well as new game modes that added replay value.

The legacy of Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts is significant, influencing countless platformers and action games that followed. The series is often cited for its challenging gameplay and innovative level design. Capcom Generation 2 served as a celebration of this legacy, introducing a new generation of players to the punishing yet rewarding nature of these classic titles.

Conclusion

Capcom Generation 2: Dai 2 Shuu Makai to Kishi stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts. By faithfully capturing the essence of these arcade classics, Capcom not only paid homage to its past but also kept the spirit of retro gaming alive. The compilation’s success lies in its ability to transport players back to a time when games were defined by their difficulty and simple yet addictive gameplay.

This collection not only serves as a nostalgic trip for long-time fans but also as a historical artifact for new players to experience the roots of action-platforming games. As part of the broader Capcom Generation series, it helped preserve the legacy of some of the most influential titles in gaming history, ensuring that Sir Arthur’s legendary quests continue to captivate audiences worldwide.