Ghosts N Goblins & Gargoyle's Quest Series Japanese Packaging Translations

Ghosts 'n Goblins / Makaimura (9.5.85)

While the port quality is somewhat dubious, Capcom's early arcade hit was a success on the NES, even appearing on the NES Classic decades later. The excellent main theme by Ayako Mori makes all those deaths worth the trouble.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

Welcome, and come in!

The princess of a peaceful country has been kidnapped by an envoy of the Demon World. In order to help the princess, a knight who is in love with her heads off to the Demon World...

However, in order to rescue the princess, he'll have to make his way through 6 gates, where Generals of Evil await him. And then, he'll have to defeat the Demon King! Of course, all while making his way through these 6 gates, various creatures of evil are out to stop the knight.

Alright then, so do you have the skill to rescue the princess, and make your way out of the Demon World?!

Ghouls 'n Ghosts / Dai Makaimura (Genesis / Mega Drive) (8.3.89)

Some highly detailed and impressive artwork graces the front of back of the Mega Drive conversion of Ghouls 'n Ghosts. Like other early Capcom games on the system, the port was handled by Sega themselves.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

It's been 3 years. The nightmare...has once again been resurrected! The flames of Arthur's anger...burn wild.

Gargoyle's Quest / Red Arremer Makaimura Gaiden (5.2.90)

In this neat spin-off of the GnG franchise combining platforming with adventure and RPG elements, you play as the Arthur's nemesis, the anti-hero Red Arremer. 

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by RFH and Guard_Master.)

The decisive battle for the Demon Realm...suddenly erupts.

The Demon Realm, feared by all of humanity, is where the evil spirits reside. Still, such a place has been governed by its own sense of order and peace. However, the time has finally come for the Demon Realm's peace to shatter. The 'Black Light', thought to have been extinguished long ago, has been resurrected. Bravely standing up to it is the Demon Realm's greatest hero, Red Arremer. At last, the grand battle deciding the destruction or continuation of the Demon Realm, has finally begun.

Ghouls 'n Ghosts (PC Engine SuperGrafX) (7.27.90)

One of the few titles for the short lived PC Engine Super GrafX, Ghouls and Ghosts sold the best of all. The cover art, while extremely similar to the Mega Drive edition at first glance, is actually entirely different and features a less gritty aesthetic.

Using the world's first super high capacity storage, the 8 mega HuCARD!!

Taking arcades by storm with overwhelming force, this is the SUPER POPULAR [Big Demon World Village]. Said to not be possible on consoles until now, a bold and delicate picture display, SUPER GRAPHICAL performance and 8 mega, super high capacity storage has allowed their experienced to be realized in full!

Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts / Chou Makaimura (SNES / Super Famicom) (10.4.91)

One of the SNES' most brutal platformers get some creepy, yet colorful artwork. I rented this several times back in the day could never make it past stage 3. Still, the fairness within the brutality and gorgeous sprites all throughout the game meant the constant restarts were never entirely dull.

 (Images taken from Gamefaqs (contributed by user “hydao")

Front:

The supposedly vanquished ‘Demon World’ has been secretly resurrected. The demon clan is on the attack…and also, there are traps to deal with! Reveal a new dimension of battling as you progress through this action game. So, Arthur, hurry up and rescue the Princess! ON CHOHMAKAIMURA

Back:

For the third time, the latent Demon World comes out in full force.

This is a completely new Demon World. For the first time, you'll be fighting on such scale, as nothing like this has been experienced before; a gigantisized world, exceeding one's imagination. Without warning, the ground swells up. Suddenly, a giant tsunami reigns down from the heavens. One thing after another awaits Arthur, as he makes his way through [Super Demon World Village]...

You'll get upgraded weapons and spears, more devastating magic spells and also a double jump. Cultivate your bravery, and hidden power, as you make your way through a new dimension of the Demon World!

Gargoyle's Quest II / Red Arremer II (Famicom / NES) (7.17.92)

Released late in the NES' life cycle, the original Game Boy title received an impressively colored, more expansive sequel. The Japanese and Western covers vary quite a bit in style but are both excellent.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by user "RFH".)

The only hope of light within the Demon World, the Red Arremer...is called upon!

The Demon World's irreplaceable home town "Eturia," has once again been enveloped by the black light. Within the darkness, a lone warrior has stood up. You bet it's Red Arremer! In order to restore peace to the Demon World, he leaves behind his home town of "Eturia." On his lone journey, what awaits him?!

Utilizing his talently performed actions and item management, go on and defeat the enemy! Surely, you, along with Red Arremer...are able to save the Demon World?

Makaimura Gaiden: The Demon Darkness (Game Boy) (4.16.93)

Released exclusively in Japan, the Game Boy port of Gargoyle's Quest II for the NES featured some new content.

The Demon World Tale of long ago...

In the demon world, there is a legend of a Black Flame and mysterious army which launched an assault on the land.

The Demon World's warrior, Red Arremer, met with the Demon King, Morock. He was awarded the proof of valor, "The Claw of the Death God," equipping it on himself. To solve the mystery of the approaching terror of the Black Flame and the army, he heads off all alone to rescue the Demon World. All around the world, the Black Light wrecks its havoc...

The 'End of the World' battle, now begins.

Ghouls 'n Ghosts / Dai Makaimura (Sharp X68000) (4.22.94)

Released exclusively in Japan, the X68000 version of Dai Makaimura was the closest to the arcade compared to the Mega Drive and PC Engine port.

(Images taken from MobyGames. Contributed by Rik Hideto.)

It has been three years since the battle...

The devil has once again been resurrected!!

Arthur, clutching all of his feelings within his heart, has entered into the Demon World all alone...

Three years have passed since that time...

The people of the village have already completely forgotten the frightful events that occurred, letting the days pass with a sense of ease. 

However, in the midst of these calm days, a dark cloud has begun expanding...

Demon's Crest / Demon's Blazon: Demon World Village - Crest Arc (10.21.94)

The final game in the Gargoyle's Quest trilogy arrived in late 94, featuring some of the most gorgeous graphics seen on the SNES. Thankfully it was amongst the first games to launch on the NSO SNES app, as the cartridges commanded a high price for almost as many years as one of Red Arremer's slumbers.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by "hydao".)

Be afraid...

Now, the legendary demon resurrects.

Before, the days of fighting known as the [War of the Crest] occurred. There, a never-ending war was fought between those obsessed with obtaining the power held within 6 crests. When the fighting finally reached  its demise, the [Red Demon] was sealed away by the hands of another contemptible entity. Since then, the Demon World began to be ruled under this false dictator. 1000 years have passed. Now, the [Red Demon] has been resurrected from his sleep. The 'Prelude of the Legendary Resurrection' begins to be set in motion.