Game publishers are cowards. It’s an unfortunate truth, I know, but it’s an undeniable one nonetheless. They are terrified of innovation, mortally afraid of stylistic differences, fearful of artistic statements, horrified of any genre outside FPSs or platformers and unable to sleep at the mere thought of 2D graphics. Unless of course we speak of handheld games. There, for some miraculous reason, games don’t have to constantly show off their cuttingedgeness (sp?). Games can simply be fun. And even 2D, especially when based on a classic franchise.

Then again, the reimagining of classic franchises is neither a bold move forward nor a foolproof idea, as retro remakes can be (extremely) nasty affairs and the danger of shoddy updates is always present. Remember the countless Pac-Man sequels? Good, you see what I mean. Then again, thankfully, there are games like Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins for the PSP, that could easily serve as the blueprint for every classic remake to follow.

Ultimate Ghosts ‘n Goblins, you see, is a brilliant game that manages to be fun for the aging hardcore gamers and the younger audience alike, while simultaneously looking and sounding both impressive and retro at the same time. Really. The graphics are probably the best the Sony PSP can manage. They are crisp, detailed, colourful, artistically beautiful, excellently animated, filled with a ridiculous variety of special effects and sporting one of smartest 2D/3D hybrid engines you’ve ever seen. Astonishingly they are unmistakably Ghosts ‘n Goblins too.

The same applies to the gameplay part of things. UGnG is a classic linear 2D platformer, is as tough as any retro inspired game should be and is immediately accessible, while also evolving the series by introducing new enemies, power-ups, abilities and mechanics. Oh, and thankfully there are three difficulty levels available, though only particularly masochistic souls would ever hope to enjoy the toughest one.

What’s more, the game is budget priced too. Hooray!

Posted on February 1st, 2008 by konstantinos