The Amiga horror showdown heats up in UK Gaming Network’s Halloween edition of Retro Face Off. Two Capcom classics — Ghouls ‘N Ghosts and Ghosts ‘N Goblins — battle for Amiga glory. The host compares gameplay, graphics, and authenticity to their original arcade versions.
Testing the Dark Side
The episode begins with Ghouls ‘N Ghosts, released in 1989 by US Gold. Programmer David Broadhurst and artist Andrew Threlfall, known for Bubble Bobble and Bionic Commando, handled the Amiga conversion. Tim Follin composed the music, which sounds impressive but replaces the arcade soundtrack entirely.
However, controls feel stiff, and jumping or aiming upward becomes frustrating. The absence of sound effects hurts the experience. The reviewer suggests the team likely faced tight deadlines, leaving the game incomplete. Despite good intentions, this version struggles to match the arcade’s intensity or fairness.
A Better Haunting
Next up is Ghosts ‘N Goblins, developed by Elite Systems. From the start, it feels sharper. The controls respond smoothly, and the arcade’s original music returns. Enemies appear frequently, weapons behave correctly, and every detail feels familiar to fans.
Although the scrolling stutters slightly, it doesn’t ruin the fun. The reviewer notes a few glitches and occasional sticky moments in the scenery but praises the overall playability. Compared to its sequel, this one feels like a true homage.
Final Verdict
The Amiga horror showdown ends with a clear winner. Ghouls ‘N Ghosts scores a disappointing 4 out of 10 for its missing features and awkward handling. Ghosts ‘N Goblins, however, earns a strong 7 out of 10 for its faithful design and enjoyable gameplay.
Fans of Amiga gaming can expect more Retro Face Off episodes each month, featuring comparisons, live streams, and community-suggested matchups. The series is quickly becoming a favorite among retro enthusiasts who enjoy seeing classic games battle for Amiga supremacy.
