The series is known for its spooky setting, catchy music, and difficult gameplay. Players take on the role of King Arthur, whose bride is kidnapped by the Devil, and run through a series of ever-stranger stages, jumping, throwing daggers and holy water, destroying undead, collecting treasure, fighting bizarre bosses, and often stripping down to boxer shorts.
In the Gargoyle's Quest spin-off games, players control Firebrand, a gargoyle enemy. The setting of the main series remains, while gameplay is a combination of jumping, shooting, flying, and includes RPG elements.