Game Details

Size 195 MB
Region USA
Genre Platformer
Format 7z / ISO
Year August 15, 2006
Console PSP

 

Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins (2006) is a landmark title for the PSP. It was the first time in 15 years that series creator Tokuro Fujiwara returned to helm a new entry in the notoriously difficult franchise. It reimagined the 2D side-scrolling action with “2.5D” graphics (3D models on a 2D plane), bringing Arthur’s quest to rescue Princess Prin-Prin into the modern era.

Game Story & Premise

True to the series’ roots, the story is simple, but the journey is grueling.

Back Cover Description:

“The legendary knight Arthur returns for his greatest challenge yet! The gateway to the Underworld has opened once again, and the Dark Lord has kidnapped the Princess. Arthur must fight through hordes of zombies, demons, and the undead to save her.Armed with his signature lances and a new arsenal of powerful magic and shields, Arthur is ready for war. But beware: the Underworld has evolved. With branching paths, hidden secrets, and massive screen-filling bosses, this is the ultimate trial of skill and patience. Can you survive the nightmare, or will you be reduced to your boxers?”

Gameplay Difficulty Modes

One of the most significant additions to this game was the inclusion of multiple difficulty levels to make the series more accessible (or even harder).

  • Novice Mode: Arthur restarts exactly where he died, and his armor can take more hits.

  • Standard Mode: The classic experience. Arthur respawns at a checkpoint, and armor is more fragile.

  • Ultimate Mode: Pure “old-school” pain. Arthur is sent back to the very beginning of the level if he dies, and enemies are significantly more aggressive.

Key Features & New Mechanics

  • Magic & Power-ups: Arthur can now collect and equip different types of magic (like the Fire Dragon or Time Stop) and various shields that can allow him to fly or block projectiles.

  • Warp Staffs: Once you clear a level, you can find Warp Staffs to teleport back to previous areas. This is crucial because, in true series tradition, you must replay levels to find Golden Rings to unlock the true final boss.

  • Branching Paths: Levels now have multiple exits and hidden areas that require specific weapons or magic to access, adding a “Metroidvania” touch to the arcade action.

  • The “Lingerie” Power-up: If Arthur picks up a specific cursed item, he is turned into a girl in a dress, significantly weakening his attacks.

Secret Unlock: The “Goku Makaimura Kai”

In 2007, Capcom released an updated version in Japan (and later as a digital patch/re-release) that changed the game mechanics to be even more like the original arcade games.

  • It removed the “Ring” collecting requirement.

  • It restored the original “Double Loop” system (beating the whole game twice to win).

  • If you have the original US/EU version, you can unlock a Boss Rush mode by collecting all 33 Golden Rings.

Short Review: A Brutal Masterpiece

The Good

  • Visual Style: The 3D backgrounds and character designs are gorgeous and dripping with Gothic atmosphere.

  • Replayability: The exploration elements and the hunt for the Golden Rings give the game much more longevity than a standard 30-minute arcade run.

  • Modern Controls: Arthur finally has a double jump from the start, making the platforming feel much more fluid.

The Bad

  • Frustration Factor: Even on Novice, the game is punishing. The knock-back when Arthur takes damage still leads to many “cheap” deaths into pits.

  • The Ring Hunt: Being forced to backtrack through levels to find every single hidden ring to see the “True Ending” can feel tedious to some players.

Screenshots

Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins PSP ISO
Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins PSP ISO