Ghosts 'N Goblins Resurrection Release Date, Trailer, And Platforms - What We Know So Far

While many gamers expected the 2020 Game Awards to proudly feature updates for long-awaited titles, the event quickly transformed into a ceremony of surprises. The show was home to numerous unforeseen announcements, including a Left 4 Dead spiritual successor and a supernatural-themed Wild West shooter. However, what really got gamer blood pumping was the unexpected resurrections of long-dead franchises, such as Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection.

The original Ghosts 'n Goblins has remained planted in the minds of gamers thanks to its devilish difficulty and infamous trick of hiding the real ending behind a second playthrough. But, the franchise has been in a deep slumber since 2010. As of late, the closest Capcom has gotten to making a proper Ghost 'n Goblins title is adding characters from the series to Marvel vs. Capcom games, so you can imagine how desperate fans have been for some new Ghosts 'n Goblins.

It's been a decade since Capcom made a game starring Ghost 'n Goblins' protagonist Arthur — and his notoriously brittle armor — so you probably have some catching up to do. Get yourself reacquainted with the series and let us handle the task of digging up all the Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection info.

Even though Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection was recently revealed, Capcom has apparently worked on the title behind closed doors for quite a while, since gamers won't have to wait long. The official announcement states that the game will launch in February 2021, while the trailer narrows the release window down to February 25. Moreover, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is bringing a guest.

According to the announcement page, February will also mark the release of Capcom Arcade Stadium. The game is a collection of older quarter-muncher titles, including Bionic Commando, Strider, and the original Ghosts 'n Goblins arcade. Capcom Arcade Stadium will be free to download, but that price will only include 1943 — Battle of Midway. If you want Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo or the OG Ghosts 'n Goblins, you will have to shell out a bit more money.

While the Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection trailer confirms a specific release date, the Capcom Arcade Stadium trailer does not — it only provides a vague "Coming February 2021" promise. The titles could launch on the same day, or maybe they won't. We'll just have to wait and see.

Yes, yes there is, and virtually everything you need to know about the game is contained within.

The Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection trailer is all action, but the devil is in the details. The video shows off levels and characters that are immediately recognizable as "Ghosts 'n Goblins" but with an illustrated gothic storybook flair. More importantly, the video displays how the classic gameplay will be altered.

Now, before you pick up your torches and pitchforks, the game will retain classic hallmarks such as side-scrolling levels, time limits, an array of weapons, and legions of enemies that can box players in if they're not careful. But, it looks like Arthur will be able to take an extra hit before dying (for a grand total of three). Also, he will have access to spells such as a flame shield and screen-clearing lightning, as well as new weapons like the hammer.

Of course, the trailer is probably a small sampling of what Ghosts 'n Goblins will offer, so expect more additions in the finished product.

According to the trailer and announcement site, Ghosts 'n Goblins Resurrection is releasing for one platform and one platform only: the Nintendo Switch. This decision kind of makes sense, since the series' home entertainment system premiere was on the original NES. Moreover, Capcom Arcade Stadium will also be a Nintendo Switch exclusive.

However, the true impetus behind this decision is a mystery that will undoubtedly disappoint Xbox and PlayStation owners. Capcom is a third-party publisher with a solid history of releasing titles on numerous platforms and consoles, including PC. Why would the company leave the majority of its fans out in the cold? Capcom could just be testing the waters with a Switch release and will port the game if its resurrection proves successful, or maybe Capcom and Nintendo shook on an exclusivity deal. Capcom has yet to confirm or deny any possibilities, so keep your eyes open just in case an Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, or PC port tries to sneak up behind you.