Ghosts & Goblins

Programmed by Chris Butler
Software house Elite Software

Reviewed by Vincenzo Mainolfi

Ever since I first set my eyes on this game I have been in LOVE! I totally ADORE platform games, and this one is no exception to that rule! I first set my eyes on this beauty way back in the eighties when my friend produced a pirated (naughty boys!) copy on my door step. Upon loading this FABULOUS game, I was instantly taken back by the SUPERB loading screen which was colourful and beautiful on the eyes! (just like my wife Tracy) [careful Vinny, some of us have weak stomachs!] THAT WAS IT! I WAS HOOKED!! I ran to the Nat West Bank and drew out £10.00 of my savings (Mum still doesn’t know!) and headed straight for the computer game shop (which I later ended up working in!) and purchased my FULL PRICE copy of GHOST & GOBLINS. I think it was £9.99!

Taking on the role as an intrepid Knight (now that’s original – It probably was in the eighties!) you find yourself dropped, smack bang, in the realm of the evil empire (NO, NOT STAR WARS!). Battling through around 4-5 stages, your aim is to FINALLY reach the young Princess and kick her head in!! (ONLY JOKING).

The gameplay is virtually 100% and not a fault to be found. The movement is smooth and precise and the only fault lies in my own abilities to control the main character! Hopping from platform to platform is a PURE delight and just goes to show how BRILLIANT the programmer was! Chris Butler - ONLY THE BEST! - Also programmed Commando, Space Harrier and MANY other FAB Arcade conversions.

It wasn’t until the end of the eighties that I managed to see an actual GHOST & GOBLINS arcade machine (local chip shop!) and was taken back to the fact that Chris Butler had programmed the C64 version SO CLOSELY to the actual arcade! It was SPOT ON! The music CERTAINLY fits the scene and remained to keep you holding on to your potatoes to have "YET ANOTHER GO!". I remember that the ZZAP!64 team gave it a good mark, which certainly put them up in my estimation! (sometimes they REALLY picked a CLANGER!!).

All in all GHOST & GOBLINS is a TRUE MARVEL in Commodore 64 programming and history. (F#@king BRILLIANT!!!). If you own a Commodore 64 and you HAVEN’T played GHOST & GOBLINS, WHERE THE HECK HAVE YOU BEEN!

99% - This ones for the History Books lads!!