Intro: Every Halloween, I return to the same ritual: diving into video games that capture the cozy, nostalgic thrill of childhood trick-or-treating. My season always kicks off with an unlikely choice—Rare's Grabbed by the Ghoulies, a game critics savaged when it launched on the original Xbox. For those unfamiliar, Rare was once gaming royalty, the studio behind beloved classics like Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country. But after Microsoft acquired them, their magic seemed to vanish. Their post-acquisition titles failed to capture the hearts of gamers who'd grown up on their Nintendo masterpieces. Grabbed by the Ghoulies was my introduction to Rare's work—an odd entry point, considering its reputation as one of their weakest efforts. Yet despite its flaws, the game radiates a brand of Halloween charm that keeps pulling me back year after year.
Summary: Caught in a downpour and desperate for shelter, teenagers Cooper and Amber stumble upon a mysterious old mansion deep in the woods. Out of nowhere, two ghoulies appear and snatch Amber away, dragging her inside the eerie estate. Left with no choice, Cooper summons his courage and steps into the mansion, ruled by the sinister Baron Von Ghoul. With the quirky butler Crivens at his side, Cooper must brave bizarre rooms, outwit a host of creepy ghoulies, and rescue Amber—and the other unlucky captives—from the Baron’s clutches.
Story: What stands out most is how this game nails that cartoony, over-the-top vibe that made classics like Banjo-Kazooie so beloved. The narrative is straightforward, but that’s precisely what gives it staying power—even after more than 20 years, it still works. Its straightforwardness keeps things focused, yet there are just enough twists to keep you wondering what’s next. The tone and style are spot-on, pulling you right into Cooper’s shoes as you explore a world that’s creepy, spooky, and totally off-the-wall in the best way. That said, the pacing could use a little tightening. Some story beats drag, and sometimes it feels like extra conflicts and sidequests are wedged in just to stretch out the playtime. Still, this story is an absolute blast—a perfect mix of goofy fun and Halloween chills.
Characters: A wild, outrageous game like Grabbed by the Ghoulies demands an equally colorful cast, and it totally delivers. Cooper and Amber fit the mold of classic teen protagonists—they might not be bursting with personality, but they’re still likable, and their animated reactions to the mansion’s madness are a highlight. It’s really the supporting cast that steals the show: the hapless groundskeeper Fiddlesworth, the scheming Baron Von Ghoul, and a whole lineup of zany characters that fill the mansion with life. These larger-than-life personalities elevate Cooper and Amber’s adventure at every turn. Sure, I wish a few of the recurring characters had more screen time to show off their quirks, but I still love coming back to this crew each year and seeing their familiar faces.
Gameplay: The most debated aspect of Grabbed by the Ghoulies has always been its gameplay, which manages to be both the game’s greatest strength and its biggest weakness. At its core, it’s a beat 'em up: you’ll find yourself in room after room, squaring off against waves of ghoulies. To keep things interesting, each encounter comes with its own twist—maybe you can’t defeat the same enemy twice, or you’re only allowed to use weapons. Break the rules, and the Grim Reaper shows up, instantly ending your run with a single touch. Cooper isn’t armed with his fists alone. He’ll find all sorts of handheld weapons that make combat and challenges a bit easier. The enemy variety keeps things lively, with everything from Skeletons to Zombies. Super Soup cans also pop up, granting Cooper temporary powers—sometimes helpful, sometimes a total headache. Every area is packed with secrets, like bonus books. Collect five and you’ll unlock new challenges, leading to bonus concept art as a reward. Where things stumble is in how you actually attack: instead of traditional buttons, you flick the right thumbstick in the direction you want to swing. I don’t mind, but I understand why newcomers might find it clunky and unresponsive. My real gripe is how the game pads itself with fetch quests and endless fights against the same enemies. These detours feel tedious rather than exciting, and the game would’ve been stronger if some had been cut—even if it meant a shorter experience. Over time, I’ve learned to accept the game’s quirks, even if they’re still frustrating. Despite its flaws, Grabbed by the Ghoulies is a fun, bold experiment from Rare. It might not have landed with everyone at launch, but the gameplay deserves more credit than it usually gets.
Graphics: One of the game’s brightest strengths is its Hanna-Barbera-inspired cel-shaded visuals, which honestly still hold up remarkably well. The character designs are pure cartoon, echoing the playful style of Banjo-Kazooie, and every ghoulie stands out with a distinct, instantly recognizable look. If you study the models, you’ll notice their deliberately polygonal shapes—clearly a conscious choice by Rare to give the game both a unique style and lasting appeal. The mansion’s rooms follow this same cartoon logic: every space Cooper explores is exaggerated and packed with details, secrets, and Easter eggs for the curious. Some rooms feel like classic mansion fare, while others are totally offbeat, adding a sense of surprise. The lighting, too, deserves a shoutout. It can be spooky or playful, with each room bathed in its own colors and mood, which keeps things visually fresh as you progress. Given that Rare had to rush development after switching from GameCube to Xbox during Microsoft’s acquisition, it’s pretty impressive how polished the final product looks. While the polygonal style might seem dated at first glance, it’s actually what gives the game its charm and helps it stand out—especially compared to all those early 2000s games that shot for realism and ended up aging poorly.
Music: Rare’s go-to composer, Grant Kirkhope, is back at it again, bringing his signature blend of quirky and spooky tunes to Grabbed by the Ghoulies. The soundtrack perfectly matches the game’s offbeat vibe: it’s eerie and playful, and even has a surprisingly chill side when you’re not in the middle of a challenge. The moment a fight kicks off, though, the music cranks up the chaos, letting you know things are about to get wild. Each main Ghoulie gets its own unique theme, which adds personality and helps you know who you’re up against. Kirkhope’s knack for catchy, cartoon-inspired melodies shines here, and it’s a treat to hear him working his magic for Rare once more.
Conclusion: Grabbed By The Ghoulies might not have been an immediate hit with gamers, but it’s become a personal Halloween tradition for me. It was my introduction to the legendary studio Rare, and through it, I discovered many of their more celebrated games. Despite its reputation and the fact that many barely remember it exists, I see something special in it. The game isn’t perfect, but its timeless visuals, catchy music, and charming yet straightforward story keep pulling me back year after year. Maybe it shouldn’t have held up so well, but it’s stuck with me since childhood. For all its flaws, I’ll always defend it as one of Rare’s underrated gems after the Microsoft acquisition.
(Final Grade: B)