Two versions of the Ghoul. This creature slashes the character with either an uppercut or an overhand strike, the former being what is displayed here. Upon being struck, the character will turn purple, which in the Capcom universe of games means that the character is posioned and either cannot attack (as in Black Tiger/Magic Sword) or sustains damage (D&D series). The link on the monsters site also has an animated gif of the Ghoul in action.
 

Another chronological comparison. This is Sir Arthur in his Eldritch Armor, in his classic jaunty "dauntless knight" half-gallop.