Ghosts 'n Demons V1.8.6a is the latest major performance and content update for the unofficial, fan-made tribute to the classic Ghosts 'n Goblins series. Developed by BonusJZ (also known as Bonus Jay-Z), this PC title serves as an expanded remake of the Japan-exclusive WonderSwan game Makaimura, blending nostalgic arcade aesthetics with modern mechanics. Version 1.8.6a: Key Improvements
The V1.8.6a release significantly addresses technical hurdles present in earlier versions, as highlighted by reviewers on Indie Retro News and ChronoCrash:
Performance Optimization: Dramatically reduced loading times between levels, replacing long black screens with faster transitions.
Visual Enhancements: Native support for 1080p full-screen mode, though sprites remain intentionally pixelated to preserve the 1985 arcade feel.
Expanded Content: "King/Hard Mode" is now unlocked from the start, catering to veteran players seeking immediate challenge.
Stability & Fixes: Refined controller support and critical bug fixes for better input mapping and stability. Core Gameplay Mechanics
Retaining the "old-school" difficulty the series is known for, Ghosts 'n Demons features the traditional two-hit armor system: one hit breaks the armor, and the second leads to death.
Advanced Mobility: Unlike the original arcade games, Arthur can perform double jumps, backflips, and a dodge maneuver (invincible until just before its apex).
Golden Armor Abilities: Upgrading to Golden Armor unlocks devastating melee moves, including an uppercut, ground pound, and a down-stab that allows Arthur to pogo off enemies.
Diverse Arsenal: Players can find classic weapons like the knife and cross, along with new items hidden in secret chests and blue chests found near tombstones. Availability
The game is available for Windows as a "name your own price" title on BonusJZ's itch.io page. While the free version is a complete experience, supporting the developer often provides access to versions with extra graphical details and background items. Ghosts'n Demons Latest Version | ChronoCrash
Ghosts ‘n Demons is a love letter (and a gauntlet) to the arcade era, heavily inspired by Ghosts ‘n Goblins but injected with modern roguelite progression. Version 1.8.6a is a stability and QOL patch that refines the game after its major “Reckoning” content update.
Version reviewed: 1.8.6a
Genre: Retro Arcade Action / Roguelite Platformer
Playtime for review: ~8 hours
Ghosts 'n Demons V1.8.6a is the latest major performance and content update for the unofficial, fan-made tribute to the classic Ghosts 'n Goblins series. Developed by BonusJZ (also known as Bonus Jay-Z), this PC title serves as an expanded remake of the Japan-exclusive WonderSwan game Makaimura, blending nostalgic arcade aesthetics with modern mechanics. Version 1.8.6a: Key Improvements
The V1.8.6a release significantly addresses technical hurdles present in earlier versions, as highlighted by reviewers on Indie Retro News and ChronoCrash:
Performance Optimization: Dramatically reduced loading times between levels, replacing long black screens with faster transitions.
Visual Enhancements: Native support for 1080p full-screen mode, though sprites remain intentionally pixelated to preserve the 1985 arcade feel. Ghosts N Demons V1.8.6a
Expanded Content: "King/Hard Mode" is now unlocked from the start, catering to veteran players seeking immediate challenge.
Stability & Fixes: Refined controller support and critical bug fixes for better input mapping and stability. Core Gameplay Mechanics
Retaining the "old-school" difficulty the series is known for, Ghosts 'n Demons features the traditional two-hit armor system: one hit breaks the armor, and the second leads to death. Ghosts 'n Demons V1
Advanced Mobility: Unlike the original arcade games, Arthur can perform double jumps, backflips, and a dodge maneuver (invincible until just before its apex).
Golden Armor Abilities: Upgrading to Golden Armor unlocks devastating melee moves, including an uppercut, ground pound, and a down-stab that allows Arthur to pogo off enemies.
Diverse Arsenal: Players can find classic weapons like the knife and cross, along with new items hidden in secret chests and blue chests found near tombstones. Availability Stability: multiple crash fixes and memory leak patches
The game is available for Windows as a "name your own price" title on BonusJZ's itch.io page. While the free version is a complete experience, supporting the developer often provides access to versions with extra graphical details and background items. Ghosts'n Demons Latest Version | ChronoCrash
Ghosts ‘n Demons is a love letter (and a gauntlet) to the arcade era, heavily inspired by Ghosts ‘n Goblins but injected with modern roguelite progression. Version 1.8.6a is a stability and QOL patch that refines the game after its major “Reckoning” content update.
Version reviewed: 1.8.6a
Genre: Retro Arcade Action / Roguelite Platformer
Playtime for review: ~8 hours