Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Goemon’s Great Adventure brings back the beloved side-scrolling action of the Mystical Ninja series while embracing the Nintendo 64’s newfound horsepower. Players guide Goemon, Ebisumaru, Sasuke, and Yae through a variety of stages, each filled with platforming challenges, hidden secrets, and relentless ghostly foes. Combat is tight and responsive—you can hurl coins at enemies or employ each character’s unique weapon, such as Goemon’s trusty kiseru pipe or Yae’s deadly kunai.

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The two-player cooperative mode is where the game truly shines. Whether you’re stacking on top of your partner to reach higher platforms or coordinating your attacks against towering bosses, teamwork is rewarded at every turn. Riding piggy-back allows for inventive puzzle-solving and helps you traverse hazardous areas, making co-op sessions feel fresh and dynamic even on repeat playthroughs.

Exploration is another cornerstone of the design. Interspersed between action stages are quaint Japanese towns where you can chat with villagers, purchase upgrades, and uncover vital clues for defeating Bismaru’s ghostly legions. These non-linear hub areas create welcome pauses in the action, offering side quests and charming NPC interactions that encourage backtracking and secret hunting.

Graphics

While Goemon’s Great Adventure harks back to 2D sprite-based gameplay, it capitalizes on the Nintendo 64’s 3D capabilities to deliver lush, multi-layered backgrounds and larger-than-life bosses. From misty bamboo forests to neon-lit cityscapes, each stage is imbued with vibrant colors and playful details that capture the whimsy of feudal Japan infused with wacky steampunk elements.

Character sprites are crisp and expressive, smoothly animated even when multiple enemies swarm the screen. Boss fights introduce fully rendered 3D models that loom imposingly against detailed set pieces. These encounters often shift camera angles—especially during Goemon Impact mech battles—showcasing first-person sequences that feel surprisingly polished for the hardware’s generation.

The visual design leans heavily on Japanese folklore and pop-culture mashups, resulting in environments that range from serene temple courtyards to boisterous carnival grounds. Subtle touches—like villagers reacting to your progress or spectral wisps floating through a boss arena—add to the immersion and reward players who take the time to soak in the scenery.

Story

Goemon’s Great Adventure kicks off when Bismaru, masquerading in a bizarre nun costume that suspiciously resembles Ebisumaru, absconds with a newly invented Ghost Returning Machine. His grand scheme for world domination contrasts sharply with Ebisumaru’s more innocent desire to commune with an ancestor named “James Dean.” This absurd premise sets the tone for a lighthearted, comedic romp across a ghost-infested Japan.

Throughout your journey, playful dialogue exchanges and wacky cutscenes keep the narrative breezy without ever overstaying its welcome. Goemon’s deadpan wit pairs nicely with Ebisumaru’s goofy one-liners, while Sasuke and Yae provide both stoic relief and charming banter. The plot never aims for deep drama; instead, it focuses on delivering memorable moments that tie each stage’s theme to Bismaru’s zany experiments.

Side quests and town events occasionally reveal amusing backstories for supporting characters, adding texture to the world and giving players incentive to explore every nook and cranny. By the time you face off against the final incarnation of the Ghost Returning Machine, you’ll feel invested in the fate of these four misfit heroes and the delightfully off-the-wall universe they inhabit.

Overall Experience

Goemon’s Great Adventure is a triumphant return to form for the Mystical Ninja series. With its polished controls, inventive level design, and charming sense of humor, it stands out as one of the Nintendo 64’s most underrated platformers. The blend of classic 2D action and occasional 3D spectacle strikes the perfect balance for both veteran Goemon fans and newcomers seeking a fresh co-op experience.

Replay value is high: finding all hidden items, mastering boss patterns, and tackling time-based challenges will keep completionists busy well after the main quest ends. The co-op mode alone makes this a prime pick for couch multiplayer, fostering moments of collaboration and spontaneous hilarity as you overcome obstacles together.

Whether you’re drawn by its vibrant visuals, quirky storyline, or tight gameplay mechanics, Goemon’s Great Adventure delivers an unforgettable journey through a whimsical, ghost-filled Japan. It may not grab the spotlight like some of its N64 contemporaries, but for those willing to give it a chance, this title offers a thoroughly enjoyable platforming adventure that’s bursting with personality.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10