NOTE: This is Virtual Console review. As such, there's none of the usual scoring at the end.Just text and a quick verdict.

Our second game this week is also an arcade port. Ghouls 'n Ghosts, also known as Ghosts 'n Goblins on other platforms, is, in my opinion, the original survival horror. The game involves running from one end of the stage to another. Get hit twice, and you're dead. Simple as that! This game is tough as nails. Even finishing the first level on standard difficulty can be tough, as the enemies which move faster than you do.

The game does have a story; you play as Arthur an intrepid young knight who must save the princess from certain doom. The game has a couple of cut scenes to set the story up. But this game is more about action than anything else. Jumping, running and throwing a trusty weapon is the only way you can avoid anything in this game, it is relentless and unless you learn the levels they will constantly surprise you.

The game's weapon system is quite in depth and robust, there are a few main types. All are projectiles but vary quite a lot. Some have a longer range, some act more like grenades and others only hit things in the air. They can however be upgraded, twice in fact. With the different suit types, Arthur's move set drastically changes. Firstly, your weapons become stronger and have a longer range or become faster to use, then with the final suit, you gain the capability to do powerful charge attacks... if you get far enough.

The game's backgrounds and sprites are usually quite simple, but the effects used at times are fantastic. The ground terraforms to allow you to jump or even miss other jumps; later on the sea destroys parts of the stage and so on. The musical score is fantastic, the first level music will stick in your head for a long time to come and it has a great tone to it. The sound effects are also equally impressive.

So, should you buy this game? Yes. Yes you should. It may be incredibly difficult, but the sheer charm this game has is astounding. If you do. though, you are going to have a tough time finishing it.

Verdict: Tough as diamonds, but incredible fun.