As is the norm for any game, the secrets can be skipped, and the game can still be enjoyed thoroughly. The added weapons, especially in the case of the whip, give Capcom's latest a unique, stand out feel from its predecessors. Multiple shields play a role, allowing Arthur to take a few hits before going down. Magic proves to be a powerful ally as well.
Aside from his trademark jump, Arthur has worked out a few new physical moves too. The ability to grab onto ledges means the developers can add even larger chasms to jump across. His new dash can make this easier, but with constantly regenerating enemies, finding room to use it extensively only adds to the challenge.
Three difficulty settings make plenty of excuses for your complete lack of skill. The novice level hands out hits and life like candy. Still, completing even the early levels on this setting is enough of a challenge to harden the experienced side of the audience. It's worth seeing it all too, as the strict 2-D plane allows for stunning images to roll across the screen, vibrant in their color and technical artistry.
If Ultimate Ghosts'n Goblins is what you expect it to be, this is one of the PSP's standouts for the holiday season. It lives up to its name as a flawless sequel. If you've never indulged in one of gaming's best, it doesn't matter where you start, whether here or back on the NES. You'll be dead in a few seconds either way. If that's what you find enjoyable, it doesn't come any better than this new PSP benchmark.
Ultimate Ghosts'n Goblins is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) by the ESRB for Animated Blood and Fantasy Violence.
Article comments
1 - Ken Edwards
The graphics are absolutely stunning. So are the deaths!