Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Goemon: New Age Shutsudō! revives the side-scrolling action that long-time fans adore while injecting fresh mechanics to keep newcomers on their toes. You alternate between controlling Goemon and his sidekick Ebisu, each boasting a distinct move set—Goemon with his trusty pipe sword and Ebisu with faster, combo-centric strikes. The responsive controls make chaining attacks and dodges feel intuitive, turning every skirmish into a dynamic dance of offense and defense.

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Between the main levels, the game spices things up with bonus rounds that let you take the reins of Goemon’s eclectic friends. These mini-games range from timed obstacle courses to precision-based challenges, offering a breather from the standard platforming action. Successfully clearing these bonus stages rewards you with extra lives, power-ups, or hidden collectibles, giving you a strong incentive to master each side activity.

True to its portable predecessor, New Age Shutsudō! also reintroduces the Impact sequences—first-person mecha battles that break up the side-scrolling formula. Piloting massive robots against towering bosses adds variety and scale, complete with strategic weak points and special attacks that require quick reflexes. The seamless shift between on-foot combat and giant-robot showdowns helps the pacing stay lively, ensuring there’s never a dull moment on your journey through modern Japan.

Graphics

The visual style of New Age Shutsudō! blends a vibrant color palette with detailed character sprites that pop against the varied backdrops of urban streets and neon-soaked skylines. Each stage boasts unique environmental touches—from graffiti-covered alleyways and bustling marketplaces to futuristic warehouses—providing a sense of place that keeps exploration feeling fresh. Background animations, like flickering streetlamps or passing trains, heighten immersion.

Character animations shine with fluid attack motions and expressive idle poses that give the cast real personality. Goemon’s twirling pipe strikes and Ebisu’s acrobatic flips look crisp, even when the screen is packed with enemies and projectiles. Boss designs are equally memorable—each one sporting oversized limbs or cartoonish features that emphasize the series’ playful tone while still presenting a visual threat.

During Impact sequences, the camera switches to a first-person cockpit view rendered in chunky, retro-inspired 3D. While simplistic by modern handheld standards, these sections boast smooth frame rates and distinct HUD elements that evoke classic mech shooters. The contrast between 2D side-scrolling and 3D cockpit segments demonstrates clever art direction that maximizes the hardware without feeling dated.

Story

New Age Shutsudō! presents a lighter, more contemporary take on Goemon’s world. Gone are the feudal palaces and mystical yokai; instead, our ninja-turned-teen hero patrols a neon-lit metropolis rife with high-tech criminals and mecha-wielding villains. This shift in setting breathes new life into the franchise, creating a fish-out-of-water vibe as Goemon navigates city subways, skyscraper rooftops, and underground fight clubs.

Although the narrative remains straightforward—thwart crime syndicates, topple boss after boss, save the city—the playful banter between characters adds charm. Goemon’s deadpan humor contrasts nicely with Ebisu’s cocky quips, while cameo appearances from series veterans in the bonus rounds reward seasoned players. The story doesn’t aim for grand drama; it’s more of an action-packed romp that lets you enjoy the gestures and antics that made Ganbare Goemon a beloved name in Japan.

The simplicity of the plot is amplified by collectible “retro terminals” scattered across levels. These nod to the franchise’s legacy by unlocking short text logs, pixel art, and brief animated sequences from earlier Goemon titles. For fans, these unlockables deepen the lore and hint at future adventures, while new players can appreciate the tongue-in-cheek commentary on Goemon’s evolution from medieval rogue to modern-day antihero.

Overall Experience

As a handheld action game, Goemon: New Age Shutsudō! delivers a tightly paced package that balances challenge and accessibility. The difficulty curve is fair—early levels function as tutorials, while later stages demand mastery of movement, timing, and Impact-stage strategies. Lives and continues are generous enough to keep frustration at bay, encouraging experimentation with different approaches rather than promoting a trial-and-error slog.

Audio design deserves praise as well: a punchy soundtrack mixes traditional Japanese instruments with electronic beats, perfectly complementing the game’s fusion of old and new. Sound effects pop in crisp stereo, from the clang of Goemon’s weapon to the thunderous roar of mech footfalls. The result is an auditory backdrop that keeps energy levels high, whether you’re racing through a time attack or duking it out with a city-sized robot.

Ultimately, New Age Shutsudō! feels like a love letter to both long-time Goemon devotees and curious action-game enthusiasts. Its varied gameplay, expressive art style, and playful story make for an engaging handheld experience that stands out amid generic platformers. If you’re looking for a portable title with nostalgia-driven charm and a fresh dose of side-scrolling excitement, this modern Goemon adventure is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

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