There are generally two schools of thought when it comes to retro games: those that think they’re better than the stuff that gets made today, and those that say old games should be consigned to history, never to be talked of again. The truth lies somewhere in between of course, but there are a handful of games that seem to transcend all the pointless debate, genuinely deserving of their ‘classic’ status. This is exactly what we’d call the Ghosts ’N Goblins games, so when it was announced that Capcom was developing a new entry into the series, we were very happy.

We got our first look at Ultimate Ghosts ’N Goblins at the Tokyo Game Show last year, and even from that brief play in the overbearing exhibition hall we knew that Capcom was onto a winner. The arrival of the finished code has done nothing but reinforce this, proving once again that no one does it quite like Capcom. Where other companies rape their backcatalogues to cash in on classic properties, Capcom realises what made its games classics in the first place, and doesn’t want to do anything to detract from this.

Ultimate Ghosts ’N Goblins is the embodiment of Capcom’s approach, and it plays much as every game in the series has done for the past 20-orso- years. That basically means you jump around a lot, firing lances at wave after wave of demons, with only the smallest variation on that theme. This simplicity is a good thing, and you’ll never find yourself wanting for anything more. Capcom has added some bits and pieces though – specifically new weapons, magic powers and armours – but if you’ve played any of the previous Ghosts ’N Goblins games, then you’ll be instantly at home with Ultimate.

Ghosts ’N Goblins games have always been difficult and fans of the series won’t be disappointed with Ultimate, ball-bustingly hard as it is. Fortunately Capcom has included a novice setting, so if you’re not blessed with the skill to play through the game on the default difficulty, you’ll be able to see all the game has to offer. Conversely, if you’re a dab hand at this sort of thing, you can ramp it up to the ultimate setting and experience one of the hardest games you’re likely to play. Just be careful not to lose your temper and throw your PSP at a wall.

Irrespective of whether you’re the greatest gamer ever or just an average Joe, Ultimate Ghosts ’N Goblins is one of the most enjoyable PSP games around at the moment. If you’re a fan, then we’d urge you to pick it up without hesitation, as you’ll be in for what is probably the best Ghosts ’N Goblins game yet.

Jude Salmon