Paying homage to Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, the latest entry combines the franchise’s action platforming gameplay with storybook-like graphics and challenging new obstacles.

The new entry will once again follow the valiant knight Arthur as he runs, jumps and battles his way through eerie stages set in the Demon Realm, a demonic fantasy world. Arthur must overcome countless ghoulish foes on his quest to rescue the princess from the treacherous grasp of the Demon Lord. Brave knights will need to proceed with extreme caution as terrifying dangers await, including familiar enemies like Zombie, Skeleton Murderer, Pigman and Red Arremer.

Whether a longtime Ghosts ‘n Goblins fan or a newcomer, Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection players can decide how perilous Arthur’s journey will be by selecting one of three different difficulties: Squire, Knight and Legend. New to Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is the Page mode, which allows untested apprentices to respawn on the spot with unlimited lives. To progress through the Demon Realm, Arthur must utilize everything at his disposal, from tried-and-true weapons like the Lance and Dagger to all-new additions like the Hammer and Spiked Ball. Arthur’s updated arsenal also includes various types of skills and magic, allowing players to bring game-changing spells like Firewall and Thunderstorm into combat. Arthur will need to master each of the weapon types and magic abilities to overcome his battle against evil and restore peace to the land.

There are a few things we can all agree on, no matter where we come from. The sky is blue, water is wet, and Ghosts ‘n Goblins games can be incredibly difficult. The original arcade game was known for being a “quarter-eater” back when it first released, and when the game was later brought to home consoles in the 8-bit era, it retained many of the sharp edges that made the original so darn difficult.

Fortunately, Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection offers multiple difficulties for those who want to experience all the game has to offer! If you’re a returning player who doesn’t mind seeing Arthur reduced to a pile of bones over and over again in your quest for glory, the Legend difficulty mode is right up your alley. Offering the most challenging Ghosts ‘n Goblins experience, this difficulty throws down the gauntlet with a large number of enemies and tough encounters that will put your skills (and single layer of armor) to the test!

Turning down the heat with the Knight difficulty mode will give Arthur an extra hit point of armor, allowing him to retain some of his armor pieces and his pride before he’s fully reduced to his boxers, while the Squire difficulty mode provides a bit more breathing room by reducing the number of enemies as well. For little knights, those just learning how to play, those looking for a more relaxed experience, and for players of any type, Page mode provides Arthur with a blessing of eternal life, allowing the gallant knight to resurrect right on the spot should he fall in battle.

For those of you who forge your way through the entire game on the Legend, Knight, or Squire difficulty modes, a brand-new challenge awaits….

Shapes ‘n Shadows

A Ghosts ‘n Goblins game isn’t complete without a second loop, and Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection is no exception to that rule. You may have seen it showcased in the trailer above, but every stage will have a “Shadow” version – a dark and sinister side to a zone you’ve conquered before. We don’t want to spoil the fun of discovering what these stages have to offer, but there’s far more to the shadows than a simple revisit. It will take all of your skills to survive each one, and promises to be the ultimate challenge for even the most seasoned knights!

Weapons ‘n… Warlocks?

Okay, okay, Arthur isn’t a warlock, that one was a bit of a stretch. However, you’ll have access to a wide variety of classic and new weapons that are sure to delight players of all styles. Arthur’s standard Lance returns, offering a good mix of range and power, while the Crossbow fires in a spread pattern, allowing you to target enemies that are just a bit above or below you. Spreading on contact with the ground, the Holy Water makes a return—wait, where are you going? Come back, the quick-flying Dagger is here, too! There are also some new weapons ready to mix things up – my personal favorite is getting up close and personal with the Hammer, a powerful short-range weapon that’s sure to re-bury any undead that pop out, while the new Spiked Ball rolls along the ground, crushing anything unfortunate enough to be caught in its path.

Magic also makes a return, of course! Rather than being tied to Arthur’s armor or the specific weapon he’s wielding, magic can be cast when it’s equipped to his aptly named Magic Waistband. You may remember Thunderstorm, which calls thunderbolts and lightning (very, very frightening), but it’s now joined by many other types of magic, including its earthy cousin, Emboulden. Unsurprisingly, this magic turns Arthur into a boulder. Rolling around at the speed of… a large rock… has its perks, causing Arthur to bowl over enemies – though you may have some trouble with platforming until you transform back. You can also turn enemies to stone, making them useful, if temporary, platforms, or even turn nearby foes into mostly harmless frogs with Transmogrifrog. It’s better when your adversaries croak but Arthur doesn’t, right?

Time ‘n Time Again

Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection will put all your skills to the test, and there are still a few more surprises in store. We hinted at one of those surprises at the end of the trailer above, too. Make no mistake, the game is running just as intended, but time can have a way of moving strangely in the world of Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection.

If you’re ready to take the fight to the Demon Realm, you can pre-order Ghosts ‘n Goblins Resurrection on Nintendo Switch starting today.

Key Features:

• A Triumphant Return Arthur returns for a new action packed platforming adventure in the iconic Ghosts ‘n Goblins ser ies, which first debuted in arcade s in 1985.
• Modernized Story book Graphics With charming new graphics reminiscent of vivid storybook illustrations, players can experience a completely reimagined Ghosts ‘n Goblins universe, which strikes the perfect balance between modern and nostalgic.
• New and Returning Enemies Familiar threats and n ew terrors await Arthur on his quest to overcome evil. In addition to new foes, p layers can expect to face off against returning enemies like Zombie, Skeleton Murderer and Woody Pig along with memorable bosses including Cyclops and Shielder
• New Weapons , Magic and Skills The game features tried-and-true Ghosts ‘n Goblins weapons like the Lance and Dagger in addition to all-new weapons such as the Hammer and Spiked Ball. Arthur’s updated arsenal also includes various types of skills and magic, allowing players to conjure up game-changing spells such as Firewall and Thunderstorm.
• Difficulty Modes Whether a longtime fan or a newcomer, players can decide how p erilous Arthur’s journey will be by selecting from one of three difficult y modes : Squire, Knight and Legend. New to the game is the Page mode, which allows untested apprentices to respawn on the spot with unlimited lives.

Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is coming to Nintendo Switch on February 25, 2021, for $29.99.