In this corner, we have Ghouls ‘N Ghosts, one of the very first must-own arcade conversions for the Sega Genesis. In this other corner we have Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts, the pumped-up sequel that helped to demonstrate the true power of the Super NES in the early days. These are two of the greatest side-scrolling action games of all time, and an important part in the Genesis vs. Super NES console war. But what did the critics say 35 years ago? Was it this back-and-forth or was there a clear winner in this 16-bit showdown? To answer that question, I decided to flip through the pages of Electronic Gaming Monthly, Video Games & Computer Entertainment and more classic magazines that reviewed both of these arcade ports. Today we're going to see where the critics landed and maybe settle this Ghouls ‘N Ghosts debate once and for all in this spooky new episode of Magazine Match-Up!


While the name “Ghouls ‘N Ghosts” may not carry the same weight these days, it meant something in 1989. This wasn't just another side-scrolling action game, but rather a sea change for the industry; giving developers the tools and power they needed to recreate some of the biggest arcade games of the time. While some might be able to nitpick the very minor differences between the arcade game and Genesis port, the fact remains that this was a near flawless rendition of a game that was barely a year old. This was the promise of the 16-bit generation. And you certainly saw that in the reviews. When Electronic Gaming Monthly got their hands on it, they were in absolute shock, giving it an average score of 9 out of 10. Ed called it “Easily the best cartridge game ever made. Also powerful – with audio that is second to none and animated backgrounds that add a great 3D effect. Other graphic surprises include rain, wind, fire and more! Combined with extremely challenging play, Ghouls is a superior effort.” They would then go on to name Ghouls ‘N Ghosts the Game of the Year for 1989.

While the Super NES sequel may not have won many awards, it was still an impressive game. Earning the same 9 out of 10 they gave the Genesis version, Martin called Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts “awesome, awesome, awesome! As the Genesis game did for its system, the Super NES version is truly one of the most impressive carts to date. Everything from screen rotation to blizzard backgrounds to storms at sea are in this cart. A bit hard, but the challenge is welcome.”

While the Super NES sequel didn't have the same impact as the Genesis game, the two versions came away with the exact same score, which means that we're starting things off with a tie.

Just in case you thought it was just Electronic Gaming Monthly gushing over the Ghouls ‘N Ghosts series, it wasn't. Video Games & Computer Entertainment was also under Sir Arthur's spell. Giving the Genesis game a 9 out of 10, they said that “it didn't take long for Sega to produce a game worthy of the power of their new Genesis system. Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is the most addictive and absorbing release for the Genesis to date. Even fans of the arcade version will be forced to admit that this is a near-perfect reproduction. It's one of the few totally satisfying video games I've had the pleasure to play.”

Of course, Video Games & Computer Entertainment also loved the Super NES sequel, giving it the same score of 9 out of 10. After initially confusing Ghouls ‘N Ghosts with the original Ghosts ‘N Goblins, Zach complained that “the action will sometimes slow down considerably for a few moments, usually when there are lots of enemies or other objects on screen. This slowdown phenomenon is more the fault of the Super NES hardware than the game, but it still bears mentioning. The graphics are outstandingly drawn, the best of any Super NES game I've seen so far. Several levels use the scaling and rotating features of the Super NES to swivel the walls and expand the boss to massive proportions. Hats off to Capcom for a quality game that pushes the Super NES to new limits.”

Despite some misgivings about the Super NES version, both games received the same exact score. We'll have to look elsewhere to break this tie.

If any magazine is going to break a tie, it's going to be ACE and their ridiculous one-thousand-point scale. I mean, with that many numbers, what are the chances that these two games actually shared the same score? Thankfully, the odds must have been pretty high, because that didn't happen. Giving the Genesis version a score of 895, they concluded: “The sequel to Ghosts ‘N Goblins has not long been in the arcades, but already the Mega Drive conversion is ready. It looks indistinguishable from the arcade original as you fight your way through its five levels, in a quest to rescue the princess.”

Over on the Super NES side, Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts receives both a better score and review. Giving it a score of 915, they explained that “initial disappointment gives way to sheer delight at the unbelievably huge range of fresh new challenges awaiting the jaded Ghouls ‘N Ghosts player. The gameplay concept may be an old one, but it's the software equivalent of a ‘hardy perennial.' As long as it's done well, the game can't fail. And Capcom have done it very well indeed. Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is tough, but rarely frustrating, and will keep you coming back again and again until it's been cracked. And even then, there's enjoyment to be had from returning and trying to do things that bit better. A classic.”

With only twenty points separating the two games, the Super NES sequel has finally taken the lead.

At this point in the episode, you may be wondering if there were any detractors. Sure, the Ghouls ‘N Ghosts series was highly regarded by most of the press, but the extreme challenge and simplistic arcade action must have turned off some gamers, right? Well, that's how Tim Boone felt while reviewing Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts at Computer & Video Games. “Ever felt cold, lonesome and left out? Me too, ‘cos I just don't think Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is the best thing since takeaway vindaloo. Sure, the graphics are fantastic and the sound is unbelievable – but that's true for most Super Famicom games. It's the gameplay I simply don't get along with – it's old hat and, to be honest, almost boring. For me, Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is a tired theme dressed up with the fabulous graphics and sound of a superb machine. In my view, this will probably be a dream come true if you're an ardent Ghouls ‘N Ghosts fan, otherwise, it's best to be a tad cautious before shelling out the dosh.” CVG ended up giving the game a score of 89%.

Given that review, it probably won't surprise you to learn that Computer & Video Games liked the Genesis version of Ghouls ‘N Ghosts more. A lot more. They gave it a 96%, which was one of the highest scores they gave out that year. “The graphics are arcade perfect, right from the scrolling scenery to the nasty ghoulies and end of level demi-demons. But even the graphics are surpassed by the eerie pipe organ music and stunning sound effects – they are simply incredible. In the light of the first few Mega Drive releases, I had some doubts about whether it would be a serious competitor for the PC Engine, but those doubts are now gone. Ghouls ‘N Ghosts might cost over forty quid, but since you're basically buying exactly the same game that's in the coin-op cabinet, I can't really call it expensive.”

Ghouls ‘N Ghosts is the clear winner in this match-up, tying thing back up.

Speaking of Computer & Video Games, let's go ahead and check in with their sister magazine – Mean Machines. This is easily the most competitive match-up so far, with only two points separating the two games. Let's start with the Genesis version, which earned an impressive 92%. Matt called it a brilliant game. “The graphics are wonderful and the sound is great. My only qualm with the game is its difficulty – it's very hard, and I think some people will have trouble with it. It's worth persevering, though, as they don't come much better than this. I particularly like all the little touches that make the game so enjoyable, such as the array of weapons and foes. Do yourself a favor – buy this game now.”

92% is certainly a high score, but can it be topped? You bet it can, because Mean Machines gave Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts a score of 94%. “I was knocked out by this when I saw it in the States back in June – in its finished form, it's even better! The programmers have utilized many of the Super Famicom's special features to produce some of the most stunning graphical effects yet seen in a console game. The sinking ship, the snow-storm, the erupting ground, the sea swell ... amazing stuff. On the playability side, this is tough. Obviously, not on easy level, which takes a day or so to crack, but on the harder levels where the going is difficult enough to challenge even the most skillful Ghouls ‘N Ghosts experts. For the second time in as many months, Capcom have come up with a blisteringly hot Super Famicom game that you just have to buy.”

It was a nail-biter, but Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts takes it. Once again, the Super NES has broken the tie and is up by one.

And with that, it's time to enter the lightning round, where we check in with some of the magazines published in a language other than English. Our first stop is the German mag Aktueller Software Markt, or ASM, if you're into the whole brevity thing. ASM ended up liking the Super NES game a bit more than what Sega produced, giving Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts a score of 10 out of 12, with the original Ghouls ‘N Ghosts lagging behind with an 8.6 out of 12. That's the equivalent of a 72% vs. 83%, in case you were wondering. The Super NES takes it.

And with a score of 6 to 3, the Super NES sequel takes it. Super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts really came alive in the lightning round, but even without those German magazines, Mean Machines would have sealed the win for the Super NES. Personally speaking, it's the Genesis version that had a bigger impact on me, but I'm biased, as you'll see when you watch this clip of me on GamePro TV in the early 1990s.