Ghosts 'n Goblins to haunt PSPs

According to the latest issue of Famitsu, Capcom is making a new Ghosts 'n Goblins game for Japanese PSPs. Titled Goku Makai-Mura, the game will be a modern-day take on the 1985 arcade game. Goku Makai-Mura is being directed by the series' founder, Tokurou Fujiwara, who previously worked on Resident Evil and other popular franchises at Capcom.

Goku Makai-Mura will pay homage to the original game by retaining the side-scrolling format, something lost in the Ghosts 'n Goblins-based Maximo series for the PlayStation 2. The armored knight Arthur returns once again, and like in previous Ghosts 'n Goblins games, a few direct attacks will reduce him to prancing around in his skivvies. Arthur will be challenged to defeat enemies in an effort to advance through levels riddled with graveyard spooks. Like in previous releases, various weapon power-ups and magic bonuses will be scattered throughout the levels.

There will be several new facets to the game as well, most notably the addition of 3D graphics. While Ghosts 'n Goblins has traditionally been linear in that players start at one point and advance from stage to stage, gamers can choose paths between levels. Arthur will be able to pick up new items and acquire moves (such as double jumping) as he advances through stages. Outfitted with new skills and weapons, players can return to older stages to uncover secrets and explore previously unexplored areas.

GameSpot will have more on the game when it is shown at the Tokyo Game Show. No release date has been set for Goku Makai-Mura.