English developer Rare has a long and distinguished history of breaking boundaries. The Stamper brothers have often been known to push the envelope of game design in terms of graphics as well as content. Grabbed by the Ghoulies™, their first Xbox exclusive title, not only showcases their signature abilities but also hints at the promise of more unique games to come. Best of all, it’s a game that can be played by the whole family. Here are a few points to keep in mind while you’re ridding the castle of flatulent zombies and peg leg pirates.
Welcome to Ghoulhaven Hall From the first moment you see the game on your television screen, you’ll know that this is no run-of-the-mill kiddy fare. The story is laid out in a stylized, animated comic book display complete with silent film inter-titles and spooky piano. There’s no dialogue, so the characters have to communicate through grunts, squeaks, and sundry exclamations. Much like a good novel,Ghoulies is as much about imagination as it is eye candy. As our good hero strives to save his main squeeze from the unsavory shenanigans of Baron Von Ghoul, Cooper will encounter a myriad of sinister—but strangely lovable—bad guys. Through 100 rooms littered with power-ups, hidden books, and breakable furniture, every last detail will come alive—and it’s a good bet it will try to take a bite out of your behind, so step lively!
Fancy Footwork The Baron’s freak squad is overdue for a severe beating. What Cooper lacks in the “suave” department he certainly makes up for with his pro-wrestling inspired moves. Armed with a myriad of breakable objects and projectile weapons, Cooper’s a one-man wrecking crew. Be it with flying hamburgers, oversized pastries, or a sweaty ham hock, he gets down and dirty in the action. When he’s out of ammo, he can resort to fisticuffs, giving spooks the thrashing of a lifetime.
Cooper’s got style, and anyone who can pull off that daring sweater ensemble also has flair. He can link hit combos and knock his enemies into the environment, as virtually every item in the game world is destructible. Feeling spicy? Kick that mummy into the fire—don’t forget the s’mores! After he’s made mincemeat out of his victims, he can finish the job with a crowd-pleasing elbow drop. After the room is cleared, watch Coop strut his stuff in victory. Hey, they should charge admission for this.
Hey, Who Cut One? What kid-friendly game would be complete without nose-picking and occasional gaseous outburst? Grabbed by the Ghoulies is not one to disappoint in the department of scatology. A new surprise awaits Cooper in each chamber of Ghoulhaven—squeaking critters, slimy crawlers, or staggering creeps. Use any means necessary to rid the stinky castle of its ill-mannered hosts, but just be careful not to stand too closely—apparently Ma Soupswill’s been cooking chili again. Turn up the speakers to get the full effect of every snort, grunt, and dusty ripper.
Grabbed by the Ghoulies is frighteningly good fun to be had by the entire family. With wit on par with classic Bugs Bunny and the style to match, parents will have as much to giggle about as their kids. So what are you waiting for? Grab a copy and save Amber you big mummy! Er, dummy!
