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How many times must brave Arthur rescue his fairytale princess? - after saving her in the original Ghosts 'N Goblins and then last month in C64 Ghouls 'N Ghosts, he's got to do it all again in the Amiga version!

Yes, Princess Hus has yet again been abducted by a nasty demon. Once more Arthur dons his suit of armour and sets off to perform another mammoth rescue operation.

The first of five levels is set in a graveyard with scythe-wielding zombies, vultures and guillotines to watch out for. On contact, the nasties destroy Art's armour, leaving him in just his underwear and vulnerable to death if hit a second time. To defend his honour, Art can lob lances, which can be swapped for axes, daggers, and firebombs (Robin's favourite!) - by collecting pots left behind by dead (?!) ghouls.

For more powerful magic weapons, Art can open the treasure chests which appear. However, some of the chests contain a nasty wizard who temporarily turns Art into a duck!

All levels are loaded in from disk and each has a checkpoint halfway through to which Art is returned if he dies in the second half. To help Art in his extremely tough mission, three continue plays have been provided.

If Art manages to get past the fire-spitting demon at the end of level one, he is transported to earthquake city with its crumbling bridges, rock turtles, and bats. Level three differs from the rest in that Art travels upwards on a rising platform and must be guided carefully through the ledges of a tower while avoiding hordes of airborne creatures.

Level four is set amongst the skeletons of long-dead monsters with waving hands and a sea monster to defeat. The fifth and final level is even tougher: Art must get to the top of a large castle inhabited by all manner of demons, including a huge end-of-level insect, before taking on Lucifer himself. If the red devil is defeated, Art can at last have some peace - at least until Elite release the Amiga version of the prequel; Ghosts 'N' Goblins!

Firstly, one must congratulate Software Creations for really updating the ST game. There are lots more background graphics and the colour scheme is slightly richer. Given the usual tight schedule for these games, it's good to see Ghouls isn't a straight port.

Yet, at the same time, it's obvious this isn't a game written for the Amiga. If it had been, it could've been much closer to the arcade game. On a brighter note, the tunes are all very good. Level one's is excellent, with a superb 'rushing' effect which slowly builds up.

The basic gameplay is obviously much the same as the C64, but even more difficult which can be irritating. Lacking the C64's amazing presentation, and significant improvements in gameplay, Amiga Ghouls just misses out on an award. But for just £20 it's heartily recommended as a great test of arcade reactions.

Although this is nowhere near as technically impressive as the amazing C64 version, it is enormously playable.

The only flaw is that it's just that bit too tough - if even Robin finds it difficult, most people will find it impossible!

Still, the great platforms and ladders gameplay is very enjoyable with the five fairly different levels providing plenty of variety. The graphics are also widely varied and attractive although never really amazing. What does impress - as on the C64 - is the gorgeous soundtrack. Tim Follin has provided three excellent, atmospheric in-game tunes plus a brilliant 'folk rock' title tune.

In short, Ghouls 'N Ghosts is a very good conversion, marred only slightly by its toughness.

Presentation 80%
Average loading screen, but nice intro tune, continue-plays and neat quit option.

Graphics 82%
Attractive and varied.

Sound 96%
Incredibly atmospheric in-game tunes.

Hookability 83%
Only the tough nature of the gameplay detracts from the instant arcade appeal.

Lastability 86%
Certainly challenging with five large, tough levels.

Overall 85%
A tough but immensely playable coin-op conversion.