D
Diggeh
Unconfirmed Member
SNES game was fantastic, but I can't beat it for the life of me! Way too difficult. Farthest I've gotten was past the carnival level.
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Let's talk about the Ganbare Goemon/Mystical Ninja series
- Thread starter Azalean
- Start date
DeuceGamer
Member
Been trying to track down complete copies of the games for N64 in good shape. Seems not many survived complete in good shape. With Konami's current stance it seems likely the series is dead 
Wow, thanks for making this thread. I've always wanted to make one myself in the slight chance that I lived long enough to gain threadmaking privileges.
Anyway, I've loved the Ganbare Goemon series since I first saw a screenshot of Legend of the Mystical Ninja in a magazine as part of a feature about games coming for the soon-to-be-released SNES.
I owned (possibly still own) both of the N64 games, but never really thought much of either (compared to the SNES one at least). I also imported and really enjoyed the first PSX entry and now own that on PSN.
Since the recent talk of Konami has led me to despair, it made me come to greatly appreciate my backlog dating back to the mid 80's. I realized I still had a lot of great Konami games to play, and the first thing I wanted to do was play a Goemon game. I tracked down Ganbare Goemon 4 (much easier to find here in Korea thankfully) for Super Famicom and have been playing it for the last couple of weeks. It is an absolutely fantastic game and I feel fortunate to have several more entries in the series to play before Konami really and truly ceases to exist to me. Next up I will play the GBA port of Ganbare Goemon 2, and then I might try to track down 3, or possibly one of the other PSX entries. Hopefully someone decides to translate the SNES games at some point, but at least walkthroughs are on Youtube if you need help.
Overall, Ganbare Goemon is right up there with Castlevania as my favorite series of all time.
We live in dark times.
Anyway, I've loved the Ganbare Goemon series since I first saw a screenshot of Legend of the Mystical Ninja in a magazine as part of a feature about games coming for the soon-to-be-released SNES.
I owned (possibly still own) both of the N64 games, but never really thought much of either (compared to the SNES one at least). I also imported and really enjoyed the first PSX entry and now own that on PSN.
Since the recent talk of Konami has led me to despair, it made me come to greatly appreciate my backlog dating back to the mid 80's. I realized I still had a lot of great Konami games to play, and the first thing I wanted to do was play a Goemon game. I tracked down Ganbare Goemon 4 (much easier to find here in Korea thankfully) for Super Famicom and have been playing it for the last couple of weeks. It is an absolutely fantastic game and I feel fortunate to have several more entries in the series to play before Konami really and truly ceases to exist to me. Next up I will play the GBA port of Ganbare Goemon 2, and then I might try to track down 3, or possibly one of the other PSX entries. Hopefully someone decides to translate the SNES games at some point, but at least walkthroughs are on Youtube if you need help.
Overall, Ganbare Goemon is right up there with Castlevania as my favorite series of all time.
We live in dark times.
The first N64 entry was my introduction to the concept of General Japanese Wackiness. I'd never seen anything like it, and I loved every second of it. My friend and I soon tracked down the SNES version, and co-oped through many a weekend during junior high. I miss the hell out of this series -- downloading the SNES game on the VC is on my rainy day list, but it's a sad thought that we're unlikely to ever see Goemon return properly.
Should have been in the OP. I want Goemon in Smash just for this to play during his final smash.
FaintDeftone
Junior Member
I still have a mint, complete copy of Mystical Ninja 64. I love that game.
BassForever
Member
I always wanted to get both Goemon games but they're always mad expensive when I see them in shops
That's my favorite game! The music is awesome!
BTW Goemon is not the best one, I mean by the time you can do the second jump he is already too low. Yae jumps almost the same height. But the best jumper is Ebisumaru if you have the megaphone; you use the megaphone then do the down air attack above the stone symbol and you will jump higher than Goemon, but if you are not fast in moving stages you will die.
Also I can't get over this:
My Neighbor Totoro's Theme cover in one stage
And winter music threads are incomplete if they don't have this:Festival Village
Yeah, the GG series had some of the best Game Over screens.
Ganbare Goemon 4
Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon
Don't count on it. My advice is save up a little bit so you can get them soon, I have a feeling the N64 bubble has only just begun. Kids who grew up with the system are just now getting to disposable income age, prices are only going to keep going up.
As a kid i really wanted these games for n64... Are these games still good? Would eventually buy them in the near future...
As well as goemon. They still are around 35each or more....
There are so many games which never decreased in price such as paper mario or donkey kong64. Still want to buy them
As well as goemon. They still are around 35each or more....
Mauricio_Magus
Banned
I loved the 2D one on the n64, amazing game.
Alex_Mexico
Member
More so Mystical Ninja than GGA but yeah.
In my book Mystical Ninja on N64 is not only the best third party game on that console but the absolute best hidden gem of the console.
It shouldn't have been so ignored. It was the perfect game to play before Ocarina of Time came out while we were all hungry for the first 3D Zelda.
Mystical Ninja has three glaring sins, though:
1) Lacked a battery so it made the Controller Pak (which few people ever owned) a must if you wanted to save your game
2) the camera is tricky and oftentimes unreliable leading to lots of accidental falls and
3) never being rereleased in any form beyond the N64 cart.
I remember being hyped as shit when I saw the first Mystical Ninja for PS2 videos online only to never be able to play it. I'm still salty as fuck of that tease and that game never getting a goddamn localization.
Poltergust
Member
As for that third "sin", I think the main reason it hasn't been rereleased anywhere is because emulators have problems running the game (something to do with the skybox?).
Alex_Mexico
Member
The Sky-what now?
I always thought if there ever was a problem with this game was its lack of built in save feature (my #1 sin). Or just plain old Konami thinking it wasn't worth the effort because no one would want it.
Konami if you're reading this please release Mystical Ninja Starribg Goemon for the WiiU VC. I'll buy it, I swear!!
Sequence Six
Member
I had a decent time with the SNES game but I wasn't all that good at it.
A friend and I had a blast with the N64 version. Hours and hours we spent on that thing. I loved Ebisumaru's solid megaphone the most even though I wasn't great with him when it came to the actual platforming. I usually defaulted to Yae because that bazooka was boss and she could jump and swim.
A friend and I had a blast with the N64 version. Hours and hours we spent on that thing. I loved Ebisumaru's solid megaphone the most even though I wasn't great with him when it came to the actual platforming. I usually defaulted to Yae because that bazooka was boss and she could jump and swim.
Agreed. I remember being really hyped for Mystical Ninja based on the Nintendo Power previews. So hyped, I rode my bike up to Blockbuster Video to rent it the first Tuesday it was available.
Doogington
Member
It really is disappointing that of all the Goemon games released on the GameBoy and GameBoy Color, the only one to get released in North America was the worst one, and we never got the incredible Hoshizorashi Dynamites Arawaru!! It's essentially Ganbare Goemon 2 on the GBC.
https://youtu.be/4Iw7HJuOJsU?t=20s
I ended up buying a lot of all the Goemon Gameboy games a few years ago just to own this game, it's that good. An amazing technical piece for the system, too.
https://youtu.be/4Iw7HJuOJsU?t=20s
I ended up buying a lot of all the Goemon Gameboy games a few years ago just to own this game, it's that good. An amazing technical piece for the system, too.
Only played the first one of N64, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon.
Still one of my favourites, game felt like a japanese colorful more platforming shorter version of Ocarina of Time back then. The robot, the music, the humor, the overworld, sooooo gooood.
Been waiting for vc inevitable replay.
Still one of my favourites, game felt like a japanese colorful more platforming shorter version of Ocarina of Time back then. The robot, the music, the humor, the overworld, sooooo gooood.
Been waiting for vc inevitable replay.
The Giant
Banned
I love this franchise. It kills me that Konami killed this franchise after the ds game. I would love the n64 games on wii u vc.
I remember wanting the gameboy goemon after seeing pics in the aussie nintendo magazine called Nintendo Magazine System. Good thing I never saw in retail, cause when I got it for the 3ds. The game was bad.
Wish Nintendo buys the Goemon ip and give it to Good Feel, since the president and founder of Good Feel was the producer of the Goemon series and directed Goemon 64.
I remember wanting the gameboy goemon after seeing pics in the aussie nintendo magazine called Nintendo Magazine System. Good thing I never saw in retail, cause when I got it for the 3ds. The game was bad.
Wish Nintendo buys the Goemon ip and give it to Good Feel, since the president and founder of Good Feel was the producer of the Goemon series and directed Goemon 64.
Hahah "you know this second verse isn't going to be on the game right? Just say whatever the hell you want".
The NDS game is the best entry in the series. A must play.
How playable is this without reading Japanese?
You're going to need a guide. I tried playing it blind and got stuck in the main town after the first dungeon.
Earthpainting
Member
I don't really care for most of these games, but I have fond memories of the N64 one. It had a good sense of adventure and cartoon characterisation. I'd definitely be down for a new one, but I think we all know the likelihood of that happening is as good as a Suikoden VI.
There are some persistent gags that Ebisumaru has effeminate mannerisms, and long lashes, but like you said it was mostly never brought up again aside from the unfortunate reboot. For the longest time I thought Ebisumaru had a very full blue moustache that flew into the sideburns, so I never questioned his male status, but it turned out to be a thief's handkerchief mask.
Shin Kojima
Banned
I only played that SNES one we got but I have fond memories staying up till morning gambling with my brother. Tried the first one on N64 but I thought it was disappointing in comparison. Always wanted to try one of the other ones but I never got around to it.
Star Falcon
Member
I played and loved the first Nintendo 64 title. It was my first proper exposure to 'crazy japan' and many of the awful jokes and corny drama are just as enjoyable to me 15 years on. It was unlike anything else i'd ever seen at the time.
Beneath all that was a great game still. Sure, there were the odd questionable camera angles and collision boxes, but it was a solid platform with some really fun bosses both in the Impact sections and the regular gameplay. The names were hilarious, i mean imagine the meeting where they came up with:
King Robot Congo
Wartime Kabuki Robot Kashiwagi
Dharumanyo the Surrender Robot
Peach Mountain Battleship Balberra
The four characters contemplated each other well and the bad guys were entertaining throughout. Great soundtrack too - the tunes heard in areas such as Oedo Town and Folkypoke Village still get me tapping my toes today.
I played the second N64 game a little bit which from what i understand was more similar to the SNES titles but it didn't resonate as well with me. The co-operative mode was a welcome addition but wasn't always done well - the Impact battles could have been handled a lot better in Co-Op mode for example. Other than that, my only other exposure to the series was the featuring of some characters and levels in Konami's Krazy Racers for the GBA which was a decent alternative to Mario Kart.
Beneath all that was a great game still. Sure, there were the odd questionable camera angles and collision boxes, but it was a solid platform with some really fun bosses both in the Impact sections and the regular gameplay. The names were hilarious, i mean imagine the meeting where they came up with:
King Robot Congo
Wartime Kabuki Robot Kashiwagi
Dharumanyo the Surrender Robot
Peach Mountain Battleship Balberra
The four characters contemplated each other well and the bad guys were entertaining throughout. Great soundtrack too - the tunes heard in areas such as Oedo Town and Folkypoke Village still get me tapping my toes today.
I played the second N64 game a little bit which from what i understand was more similar to the SNES titles but it didn't resonate as well with me. The co-operative mode was a welcome addition but wasn't always done well - the Impact battles could have been handled a lot better in Co-Op mode for example. Other than that, my only other exposure to the series was the featuring of some characters and levels in Konami's Krazy Racers for the GBA which was a decent alternative to Mario Kart.
I get so damn passionate about these games.
Just everything about the first N64 instalment really hit the spot back in the day. Fresh after playing other platformers like Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie I really needed something else to fill that void.
I was just fully discovering the craziness of Japanese mythology and culture at that point too and it all came in the wonderful package of Goemon.
It's just such a joy to play, ridiculous characters, interesting monsters/scenery, giant robots fighting and just building on the fun formula of the 3D platformer.
Even the second game N64 is great. You don't get the same sense of exploration and wonder because it's trying to hail back to its 2D roots - but everything that made it great in the first game comes back in spades. (Co-op giant robots anyone?)
Just everything about the first N64 instalment really hit the spot back in the day. Fresh after playing other platformers like Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie I really needed something else to fill that void.
I was just fully discovering the craziness of Japanese mythology and culture at that point too and it all came in the wonderful package of Goemon.
It's just such a joy to play, ridiculous characters, interesting monsters/scenery, giant robots fighting and just building on the fun formula of the 3D platformer.
Even the second game N64 is great. You don't get the same sense of exploration and wonder because it's trying to hail back to its 2D roots - but everything that made it great in the first game comes back in spades. (Co-op giant robots anyone?)
Aside from the art. The gameplay is rock solid and actually pretty damn hard. Those that can stomach the designs should check it out.Three, I think. In two of them she looked like this:
Impossiburu
Neo Member
I had no cash to buy games growing up. I did, however, rent them with my allowance. I didn't watch anime, had shit internet (AOL, ha) and had no idea what Goemon was.
I rented the N64 game on a lark and absolutely loved everything about it. When the roller-skating mech battle happened, I lost my mind.
I've revisited the series several times since then once I knew what it was. The games are great, and I genuinely miss it.
I rented the N64 game on a lark and absolutely loved everything about it. When the roller-skating mech battle happened, I lost my mind.
I've revisited the series several times since then once I knew what it was. The games are great, and I genuinely miss it.
McBradders
NeoGAF: my new HOME
Hey guys remember when Konami were fucking amazing?
Holy shit it hurts so bad.
SNES games were brilliant! Only briefly flirted with the N64 ones. Unique games that are sorely missed
Holy shit it hurts so bad.
SNES games were brilliant! Only briefly flirted with the N64 ones. Unique games that are sorely missed
Stone Ocean
Member
The N64 games are among my all time favorites. Goemon 64 is just special.
The GBA game was atrocious though, yuck. At least the Impact battles were cool
Had the N64 game. Was goat for child-me.
But then, tragedy struck. My well-intentioned grandma took me to the local game store. I was trading in games to be able to afford all 3 SNES Star Wars games (I had recently purchased a SNES with birthday money). Had enough money and was putting my trade fodder back when the store owner saw Goemon. Got super excited. I told him I didn't want to trade it in, but grandma was like, "but look how excited he is!" And convinced me to trade it in.
And that's why I don't trade games in anymore.
But then, tragedy struck. My well-intentioned grandma took me to the local game store. I was trading in games to be able to afford all 3 SNES Star Wars games (I had recently purchased a SNES with birthday money). Had enough money and was putting my trade fodder back when the store owner saw Goemon. Got super excited. I told him I didn't want to trade it in, but grandma was like, "but look how excited he is!" And convinced me to trade it in.
And that's why I don't trade games in anymore.
Aveyn Knight
Member
Ooh, I can get aboard with this.
I've only played the N64 games, but I loved them.
Sadly, when I was a kid, my pocket money was scarce so my budget didn't allow me to buy either. However I did rent the first game and completed it and I played a bit of the second at a friend's house.
I do remember being really disappointed that the second game wasn't 3D like the first, but I did like the multiplayer. Then when I grew up, I gained an appreciation of it being in 2D (or 2.5D). Oh and the amazing music. The platforming bits are dead hard though >___<
I've only played the N64 games, but I loved them.
Sadly, when I was a kid, my pocket money was scarce so my budget didn't allow me to buy either. However I did rent the first game and completed it and I played a bit of the second at a friend's house.
I do remember being really disappointed that the second game wasn't 3D like the first, but I did like the multiplayer. Then when I grew up, I gained an appreciation of it being in 2D (or 2.5D). Oh and the amazing music. The platforming bits are dead hard though >___<
JailDesigner
Member
Me and my little bros played the first SNES one thousands of times. Sneaking like a worm or carrying the second player on your back was frigging awesome and fun.
We tried to play the third one, but was on japanese and were unable to go far in game (the one with the big robot) so have to decline on importing.
Fuck Konami! No more Goemon
We tried to play the third one, but was on japanese and were unable to go far in game (the one with the big robot) so have to decline on importing.
Fuck Konami! No more Goemon
Hyperborean
Member
I really regret not buying the first N64 game.
Killer Yakuza B
Member
With all this talk about Ebisumaru someone has to mention his real life model, Etsunobu Ebisu! He was the director, producer and programmer on most of the Goemon games since the SNES games, and is currently the main producer at Good Feel, where he's worked on Wario Land Shake It, Kirby's Epic Yarn and Yoshi's Wooly World. You can see him at last year's Nintendo's E3 thing together with Takashi Tezuka. He not only did the Goemon games with Konami but also worked on the great Batman Returns, Castlevania Circle of the Moon, Konami Krazy Racers, and some other good games.
There are more ex-Konami people at Good Feel, specially from the Goemon team. It would be amazing if they did a "spiritual succesor" kind of thing next, or at least something in a similar style. Good Feel's founder, Shigeharu Umezaki, is another videogame legend of his own who directed or produced classics like Life Force, Contra, Super C, Gradius 2, Blades of Steel, Parodius, the Gomeon games, and a lot of other fantastic stuff.
There are more ex-Konami people at Good Feel, specially from the Goemon team. It would be amazing if they did a "spiritual succesor" kind of thing next, or at least something in a similar style. Good Feel's founder, Shigeharu Umezaki, is another videogame legend of his own who directed or produced classics like Life Force, Contra, Super C, Gradius 2, Blades of Steel, Parodius, the Gomeon games, and a lot of other fantastic stuff.