Ghost 'n Goblins

You control a knight named Arthur. You walk from left to right, jumping over pits and throwing lances at the zombies, demons, and other creatures that appear. The main goal is to rescue a princess from a castle, but getting there is the real challenge. You can pick up different weapons, like daggers or axes, which change how you attack. The pacing is relentless, with enemies spawning from all directions. It is famously difficult; a single hit strips your armor, leaving you in your underwear, and a second hit ends your life. Playing it feels like a constant, tense scramble for survival.