The ZX Spectrum version of Capcom‘s arcade classic, Ghosts ‘N Goblins, was first released by Elite Systems in 1986.

There is some confusion about who programmed the game. The title screen says that it was coded by Keith Burkhill, yet some sources say that Nigel Alderton programmed it. It could be that both worked on the game, but it’s not entirely clear…

Ghosts ‘N Goblins on the Spectrum is playable, with decent graphics and smooth scrolling, but it does suffer from very high difficulty – maybe even moreso than the arcade original, if that’s possible. Avoiding swooping enemies, and their copious projectiles, is nigh on impossible at times.

Climbing up and down ladders is extremely frustrating too – if you miss you can jump by accident which often leads to death. And you’re supposed to complete the entire game twice to get the true ending… Shyeah, right…

The bare bones nature of this port – and the high frustration level – doesn’t make it much fun to play. You might get a nostalgia fix out of Ghosts ‘N Goblins on the Spectrum, but you’re unlikely to get much else.

More: Ghosts ‘N Goblins on Wikipedia
More: Ghosts ‘N Goblins on World of Spectrum