I can't think of any game more fondly remembered by both myself and gamers alike in which most people have never completed the first level.
Ghost and Goblins (or as it's called in Japan: Insane quarter eating monster quest) was released in arcades in 1985. The story follows the age old architype of rescuing a princess. Not to be unoriginal however this time around the princess is named Prin Prin and the hero is named Arthur.
Like most games of that era that's pretty much it in terms of plot and character development.
It's a side scrolling action game from Tokuro Fujirawa, the sadistic genius that created the Megaman series. I say sadistic because this game and subsequent series are more difficult than explaining string theory to the pope.
Most people likely remember the NES version of the series as it was the most widely available port at the time.
Yet despite all the ripped out hair and empty piggy banks what makes this game hold such a special place in gamers hearts?
To start with the mood of this game is truly unique. Horror video games were still very much in their infancy and with the exception of Castlevania there wasn't a lot of titles with gothic characters and tropes. The cast and characters of this game are darling even with the limitations of the hardware. Arthur runs around looking brave in his armor until he's hit only once and then forced to play in the nude. If he's hurt again while naked it's sudden death and with only two lives before game over you had better bring your patience.
Most NES games were remarkably small (128kb) and subsequently short in length. Arthur must traverse seven levels killing zombies, demons, and ghouls to reach the final boss. If you die at any point you must restart at the beginning of the level unless you were fortunate enough to reach the midway point. It's basically like attempting Crossfit after just having been in a car crash.
But if you're lucky enough (or just plain insane) to beat the game you get the reward of having to replay it all over again on a much harder difficulty just to achieve the true ending.
There's a handful of power ups and weapons to try and help you but often times they're red herrings and only add to the nightmare.
Add to all this the inability to change direction mid jump and the only way to make progress in this torture device is pure muscle memory.
All that being said it's still one of the best games for the system. The soundtrack is phenomenal with the first level theme being so iconic you're probably singing it right now just by reading this sentence.
It's been re-released and ported to every console known to man so there's no reason not to try this game for the first time.
Be warned however: the saying that the living envy the dead is most likely based on this cartridge.
I'm giving this one: 8 out of 10 (broken controllers from throwing them across the room)