Japanese Theme Park Celebrating 30th Anniversary of Ghosts `n Goblins

For old-school gamers, the Capcom classic Ghosts `n Goblins stands alone as an iconic game, and now 30 years after its release, an amusement park in Japan is paying homage to the arcade-style game.

In a report from Paul Chapman of CrunchyRoll.com, Japanese amusement park Hanayashiki in Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo, is the oldest theme park in Japan and the host of the 30th anniversary Ghosts `n Goblins celebration.

The Japanese call the game Makai Mura, and after so many sequels and spin-offs, it has become one of the most popular brands of classic video games. Now, the Hanayashiki theme park is transforming into a demon world straight out of the game.

Utilizing the majority of the Ghosts `n Goblins’ original characters — including the main playable character Sir Arthur and the damsel in distress, Princess Prin Prin — guests at the park will be able to participate in a live-action version of the game.

For those who need a refresher course (and more 8-bit music in your lives), here is a YouTube video from NESguide.com running through the first two levels of the game:

The events will take place from August 22 to October 22. The festivities will feature artwork based on the game, a stamp rally event where guests will collect pieces to achieve the goal of freeing Princess Prin Prin and a restaurant dedicated to Ghosts `n Goblins-themed cuisine.

Add in purchasable Ghosts `n Goblins t-shirts, keychains, stickers and smartphone cases, and it's clear the Hanayashiki theme park has gone all-in on the 30th anniversary of the classic video game.

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