Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ganbare Goemon Kirakira Dōchū: Boku ga Dancer ni Natta Wake continues the series’ tradition of side-scrolling platform action, but it shakes things up by adding an interplanetary stage-select hub. At the start of the game, you choose one of Goemon’s eclectic allies—each stranded on a different planet—to tackle unique levels. Combat is handled with simple button presses for melee attacks and ranged weapons, making it accessible for newcomers while still offering depth for veterans looking to master combos and timed jumps.

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As you clear stages, you’ll collect special abilities that each character loses when separated from Goemon Impact, the giant mech at the heart of the plot. Recovering these powers isn’t just for show: you’ll need them to unlock secret passages, solve light environmental puzzles, and access hidden bonus stages. This mechanic encourages backtracking later in the adventure and injects Metroid-style exploration into what might otherwise feel like a straightforward platformer.

One of the game’s major strengths is its abundance of mini-games and gameplay diversions. Traditional boss battles often trigger shooter sequences where you dodge projectiles in a top-down view, while bonus stages range from footraces on hoverboards to rhythm-style dance challenges that nod to the game’s subtitle. These interludes break up the action, offering a welcome change of pace and rewarding skill with extra lives or power-ups.

Graphics

Graphically, Kirakira Dōchū is a colorful spectacle that blends the series’ historical Edo-period aesthetic with outlandish sci-fi elements. The roster of planets includes everything from neon-lit alien jungles to crumbling futuristic castles, each rendered in bright, cartoon-style sprites that pop on the Nintendo 64 screen. Although the console isn’t pushing cutting-edge polygon counts here, the 2D artwork holds a timeless charm that recalls classic arcade cabinets.

Character animations are fluid and packed with personality—Goemon’s trademark hip spins, Ebisumaru’s antics, and Yae’s acrobatic flips all look crisp and lively. Enemy designs range from robotic ninjas to interstellar frogs, and each foe gets its own palette swap or attack pattern so battles never feel mundane. The stage-select hub itself doubles as a rotating space station, with smooth background scrolls that emphasize the sense of a journey through the cosmos.

While most levels run at a stable frame rate, occasional slowdown can occur when the screen is crowded with enemies or particle effects. It’s never enough to hamper gameplay, but it’s noticeable to players accustomed to more modern 2D platformers. Overall, the game’s visuals strike a fine balance between technical ambition and the playful artistry that the Ganbare Goemon series is known for.

Story

True to Goemon form, the narrative here is lighthearted and whimsical. The plot kicks off when an evil space overlord kidnaps Goemon Impact, the gang’s mighty robot companion, scattering Goemon’s friends across different planets. Your mission is straightforward: pilot your chosen adventurer through quirky worlds, reunite each ally with their powers, and ultimately free the giant mech from its cosmic prison.

Each planet visited feels like a mini-episode in a larger comedic sci-fi saga. Levels often riff on Japanese folklore twisted through a space-opera lens—think sushi conveyor-belt shooters on the moon or sumo wrestler bosses in zero gravity. Dialogue is sprinkled with puns and cultural references, offering glimpses of the characters’ personalities without ever slowing down the action.

While the storyline doesn’t delve into deep character arcs or tragic backstories, its simplicity plays to the game’s strengths. The emphasis is on fun scenarios and surprising set-pieces rather than emotional drama. For fans of Goemon’s trademark humor and wacky cast, the story serves as an enjoyable framework that keeps you motivated to clear each planet and restore the hero’s big iron buddy.

Overall Experience

Ganbare Goemon Kirakira Dōchū delivers a refreshing blend of classic platforming and inventive side content. The core levels are well-designed, offering varied obstacles and cleverly hidden secrets that reward curious explorers. Replay value is high thanks to the necessity of revisiting earlier stages with newly acquired abilities, and the mini-games alone could keep players coming back for high-score challenges.

The game’s pacing is generally strong, though a few late-game worlds can feel repetitive if you’re forced to backtrack without fresh objectives. Difficulty spikes are mild, making this a solid pick for families or less experienced gamers looking for a tolerable learning curve. Seasoned players might find the main path too forgiving, but the optional challenges and hidden treasures provide extra layers of depth.

Overall, Kirakira Dōchū stands out as one of the more inventive entries in the Ganbare Goemon franchise. Its imaginative level design, charming visual style, and eclectic assortment of mini-games make it a must-see for fans of quirky platform adventures. Even if you’ve never danced your way through a Goemon title before, this space-themed romp offers enough variety and character to win you over.

Retro Replay Score

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