Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Legend of the Mystical Ninja seamlessly blends overhead adventure stages with side-scrolling action, giving players a refreshing dose of variety in each level. Controlling either Goemon (Kid Ying) or Ebisu-Maru (Dr. Yang), you’ll explore bustling mountain villages, neon-lit amusement parks, and imposing castle fortresses in search of the evil spirits plaguing the locals. The transition from exploration to full-on platforming at the end of each village keeps the pace brisk and ensures you’re always adapting to new challenges.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

In town, you’ll navigate an open, top-down view where defeating minor enemies earns you money and items—everything from weapon-enhancing lucky cats to mystical scrolls used for powerful judo techniques. You can only carry so many throwing weapons, and each toss costs precious cash, making resource management an engaging strategic layer. Attack innocent villagers at your own peril: you’ll lose funds, which raises the stakes in every skirmish.

Beyond combat, the game’s wealth of mini-games—ranging from whack-a-mole to a 3D labyrinth and even a quiz show—provides both a lucrative diversion and a delightful change of pace. Want to beef up your special attacks? Spend time at the judo training center to learn four unique scroll-powered moves, then unleash them in side-scrolling sections filled with traps, obstacles, and larger-than-life bosses.

Two-player co-op is where The Legend of the Mystical Ninja truly shines. You and a friend can tackle every stage together, even hopping on one another’s back when the screen scrolls too fast. This piggy-back mechanic cleverly prevents screen-stuck frustration and adds a layer of playful teamwork that ramps up the fun factor.

Graphics

This game’s visuals boast a charmingly cartoony style that perfectly captures the whimsy of feudal Japan reimagined through a colorful lens. Character sprites are bold and expressive—Goemon’s jaunty cap and Ebisu-Maru’s wide grin pop against the vibrant backdrops. Every stage has a distinct palette, from the earth tones of mountain hamlets to the electric hues of carnival rides.

Animation is smooth throughout, with fluid movements during both exploration and action segments. Attacks feel weighty yet responsive, and boss animations are especially striking, giving each showdown a cinematic flair. Subtle touches—like villagers scurrying away when danger approaches—enhance the world’s liveliness.

Environmental details are equally noteworthy. Roof tiles shift in perspective as you climb, rolling logs in the side-scroller bounce with realistic physics, and interactive objects (lanterns, barrels, signs) react believably to your attacks. The UI is clean and unobtrusive, displaying money and scroll counts without cluttering the screen, so you can focus on the vivid, playful scenery.

Story

The narrative premise is delightfully straightforward: strange spirits have seized control of the villagers at the local temple, and it’s up to Goemon and Ebisu-Maru to restore peace. While the plot doesn’t dive into deep philosophical territory, its folkloric roots and comedic banter give it plenty of charm. The sense of a larger, world-spanning adventure grows naturally as you journey from one region to the next.

Character interactions lend personality to every stop on your quest. Shopkeepers gripe about overdue rent, carnival hosts brag about unbeatable high scores, and judo masters dispense cryptic advice before teaching you new scroll powers. These lighthearted encounters create a sense of community and investment in the game world, even when the main focus is on platforming action.

Pacing is handled expertly—each village’s mini-games and shops offer a breather before the intensity of the next side-scroll boss rush. The story unfolds in small, satisfying bites, with just enough dialogue and cutscenes to motivate you without bogging down the flow. By the time you face off against the final temple guardian, you’ll feel a real sense of triumph for having liberated every corner of Japan.

Overall Experience

The Legend of the Mystical Ninja offers a rare combination of action, exploration, and lighthearted minigames that keeps the gameplay loop feeling fresh for hours on end. Its forgiving difficulty curve makes it accessible to newcomers, while hidden collectibles and optional challenges provide depth for veterans.

Cooperative play elevates the experience even further. Tag-teaming enemies, sharing scroll-powered attacks, or simply hopping piggy-back when the screen races ahead—every moment with a friend feels inventive and fun. Even solo players will appreciate the game’s generous checkpoints and balanced progression.

Visually endearing, mechanically varied, and brimming with Japanese charm, The Legend of the Mystical Ninja stands out as a timeless action-adventure that’s well worth its ticket price. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or a newcomer seeking an offbeat platforming gem, this title will keep you entertained from the first village to the final boss encounter.

Retro Replay Score

8/10