Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ganbare Goemon: Tōkai Dōchū Ooedo Tengurigaeshi no Maki delivers a blend of fast‐paced action and light RPG progression that will feel familiar to fans of the Mystical Ninja series. Players alternate between controlling Goemon and Ebisimaru, each with unique abilities that encourage experimentation and strategic level navigation. Goemon’s power gloves let you push and manipulate environmental blocks, opening hidden passages, while Ebisimaru’s ballerina dress humorously grants him the power to drill underground and uncover secret routes or ambush foes from below.

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As you advance, Yae and Sasuke join your roster, adding new combat options and traversal mechanics—Yae’s ninjutsu shuriken and Sasuke’s ninja‐rope swings inject variety into boss fights and platforming segments. The game’s checkpoint system strikes a generous balance between challenge and accessibility; you rarely face punishing backtracking, yet missteps in platform timing or poorly chosen special attacks still carry weight. This smooth pacing makes it ideal for both seasoned Goemon veterans and newcomers looking for an approachable action‐RPG hybrid.

Beyond basic combat, the game sprinkles in light RPG elements: collectible coins, upgradeable special moves, and the obligatory armor enhancements that subtly ramp up Goemon’s defense or Ebisimaru’s attack power. Side quests—such as tracking down mischievous impostors who sully your reputation—offer mini‐puzzles and reward exploration off the beaten path. While the level structure follows a relatively linear hub‐and‐spoke design, the branching secrets and hidden collectibles will keep completionists engaged well past the main story’s end.

Graphics

One of the first things you’ll notice about Ganbare Goemon DS is its distinctive art style, evoking the look of traditional Japanese scroll paintings. Backgrounds and environmental elements are inked in broad, brush‐stroke textures that lend each stage a timeless, hand‐crafted feel. This “living scroll” aesthetic sets it apart from more generic platformers and underscores the game’s Edo‐period setting with an authentic flourish.

Character models, by contrast, are fully polygonal, offering crisp animations and expressive faces that contrast beautifully with the sumi‐e backdrops. Goemon’s swaggering walk, Ebisimaru’s comical drill dance, and Yae’s graceful shuriken twirl all animate smoothly, with clear hitboxes and responsive controls. Boss encounters take full advantage of bold color accents—rich reds for fire‐breathing oni, deep greens for swamp‐dwelling monstrosities—making each showdown visually memorable.

Performance on the DS hardware remains rock‐solid, with stable framerates even when multiple enemies, special effects, and physics‐based block‐pushing converge on screen. Load times are minimal, thanks to the cartridge format, and transitions between stages feel snappy. Though the resolution is constrained by the DS’s screens, the intentional ink‐on‐paper style neatly sidesteps pixelation issues, leaving you immersed rather than distracted by technical limitations.

Story

The narrative kicks off with a classic case of mistaken identity: Goemon and Ebisimaru find themselves locked up for crimes they never committed, setting the stage for a whimsical caper across Edo. Rescue by the resourceful Yae soon reveals a string of impostors tarnishing your names, sowing chaos in villages and marketplaces. This initial setup cleverly taps into the series’ hallmark blend of humor and heroism, framing every level objective—rescue hostages, defuse bomb‐tipped floats, retrieve stolen treasures—as part of your quest to restore honor.

Dialogue is peppered with lighthearted banter, running gags (Ebisimaru’s eye for the ladies), and playful fourth‐wall nods, keeping the tone buoyant even during tougher boss battles. Side characters—from bumbling constables to scheming criminals—are sketched in with just enough personality to make each encounter feel fresh. The writing leans heavily on Japanese puns and idioms, offering a delightful cultural flavor that rewards players attuned to regional humor.

While the overarching plot follows a linear “clear one stage to reveal the next clue” formula, the game does a commendable job of unveiling new twists—impersonators at every turn, double‐crossing warlords, and a tight deadline to save Edo from full‐scale mayhem. The climax delivers a satisfying convergence of characters and story threads, ensuring you feel a genuine sense of accomplishment as the credits roll. For players seeking a narrative with charm, wit, and just enough intrigue, Goemon DS hits the mark.

Overall Experience

Ganbare Goemon: Tōkai Dōchū Ooedo Tengurigaeshi no Maki is a standout entry on the DS platform, marrying the series’ trademark humor and inventive level design with solid action‐RPG mechanics. Its approachable difficulty curve, generous checkpointing, and optional side missions create a welcoming experience for both casual players and dedicated completionists. Whether you’re new to Goemon or a longtime fan of the mystical ninja, you’ll appreciate the game’s blend of variety, pace, and replay value.

The distinctive ink‐and‐scroll visuals, paired with lively character animations, ensure this adventure remains visually captivating from start to finish. Sound design and music further reinforce the Edo atmosphere, with shamisen strings and taiko drums punctuating key moments. Controls feel tight and intuitive, making every shimmy across a ledge or well‐timed shuriken toss feel entirely under your command.

Ultimately, Ganbare Goemon DS delivers a deeply satisfying journey through a spirited version of old Edo, packed with humor, hidden secrets, and engaging combat. Its strengths—unique art style, diverse character abilities, and a storyline that balances whimsy with heroism—outshine any minor shortcomings in linearity. If you’re in search of an action game that captures the essence of feudal Japan while serving up playful, inventive gameplay, this title should be at the top of your DS wishlist.

Retro Replay Score

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