About this game
Ghosts 'n Goblins (1985/1986) is one of gaming's most famous and brutal platformers — a side-scrolling game where knight Arthur fights through a supernatural nightmare to rescue Princess Prin Prin, with the notorious twist that completing the game once only reveals a 'first loop' and the player must beat it a second time on a harder difficulty to see the true ending. The Famicom version, released in 1986, was the first Famicom game to use a 128 KB cartridge and sold 1.64 million units worldwide.
Key Features
Arthur can throw a limited set of weapons (lance, torch, cross) and loses his armor on the first hit — reduced to fighting in boxer shorts before a second hit kills him. A password system allows continuing. The game loops twice: completing it once shows a message that the world is illusion and requires a second playthrough on harder difficulty for the true ending. Enemy spawning is relentless and enemy types include zombies, demons, ravens, and the Red Arremer — widely considered one of the most threatening enemy designs in gaming.
Gallery
The Story Behind
The arcade original debuted in 1985 and was an immediate sensation for its atmosphere, difficulty, and iconic visuals. The Famicom port (1986) was one of the most technically ambitious home conversions of the era — the 128 KB cartridge was unprecedented for Famicom at the time. The game was developed by the separate company Micronics under license from Capcom. It sold 1.64 million units, becoming one of the NES's best-sellers. Its difficulty became a cultural touchstone: surviving two loops of Ghosts 'n Goblins was a genuine rite of passage for 1980s gamers.
Tricks & Tales
The Red Arremer enemy — a winged demon that swoops unpredictably — has its own spin-off series (Gargoyle's Quest). Completing Ghosts 'n Goblins twice, back to back, on the harder second loop to see the true ending is one of gaming's most famous gauntlets. The game's NES/Famicom port was ported by Micronics, who also handled many other arcade conversions of the era. Despite its brutal reputation, the game remains beloved for its atmosphere and iconic sound design.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Famicom (Japan, June 1986), NES (North America, November 1986), Europe (1989). All versions are functionally identical. The Famicom version was the first 128KB Famicom cartridge.
Maintenance Tips
Standard Famicom/NES cartridge care. Clean the 72-pin connector with isopropyl alcohol. No battery save — uses a password system.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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