Game Info
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Developer: Interactive Design
Publisher: Thalion
Year of Release: 1991
Game Review & Impressions
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Ghosts 'n Goblins feels like a definite inspiration for this walk-and-shoot-stuff platformer, and while Capcom's coin-op is a genuine classic, I can't say the same for Ghost Battle. This is a basic and by-the-numbers walk-and-shoot-stuff arcade affair, with five relatively short levels which focus on attacking enemies, collecting a key or item needed to open a locked door or bypass an obstacle, then facing off against the inevitable end-of-level guardian. A litany of problems ensues, including bullet-sponge enemies, problematic jumping, not to mention collision detection issues when jumping between platforms, often resulting in a sudden demise in a fiery pit or lake as a result.
If I'm honest, there's really very little to recommend Ghost Battle to anyone looking to have actual fun, but it's not entirely without merit. This is really a springboard title for coder Erwin Kloibhofer and artist Henk Nieborg, who would both go on to co-create Lionheart and Misadventures of Flink, both far more impressive titles. In particular, this is really the first true showcase of Nieborg's considerable artistic talents, leading to far more ambitious projects in later years. This was the main reason for checking out this game in the first place, and on the basis of its visuals alone, I was suitably impressed.
Chapters
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00:00 Attract mode
01:40 Stage 1
08:34 Stage 2
13:50 Stage 3
18:57 Stage 4
23:53 Stage 5