Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon

Konami has built a high-class reputation with straightforward entertainments like International Superstar Soccer 64 and the Castlevania series. But this solid citizen of the video-game world pulls a 64-megabit rabbit out of the wacky hat with this new pak.Calling Mystical Ninja "weird" is an understatement, like calling the Broncos a "pretty good football team." This pak reaches new highs in inspired brilliance -- or silliness, for surely there is a fine line between the two. You get a strong hint that this isn't your ordinary video game right from the get-go, when a rotund character named Ebisumaru tears off his clothes and does a dance in an effort to negotiate a discount with a clothes-store owner.Oh, but that's just a light appetizer for their truly inspired lunacy that follows. The setting is reminiscent of medieval Japan, but you certainly won't want to use this game to study for a history exam. How 'bout alien invaders who look and act like the cast from a third-rate Broadway musical? A map bearer known as Mr. Elly Fant?And, oh yes, Mystical Ninja must surely be the first video game in which you get to ride a giant roller-skating robot around the Japanese countryside. Of that we have no doubt.Once you get beyond the extremely strange trappings, though, Mystical Ninja merits plenty of applause for its depth and variety of game play. Melding Super Mario 64-style acrobatics with Zeldaesque power-ups, weapons and attacks, the pak has plenty to offer both action and adventure fans. While far from a full-blown RPG, Mystical Ninja should appeal mightily to players who've been waiting patiently for the N64's first big epic.After getting thrown out of the clothing shop, Ebisumaru and his pal, Goemon, gaze upward in awe as a giant spaceship glides over Oedo Town en route to wreaking wacky havoc on nearby Oedo Castle. The two frustrated shoppers decide to do something about this alien invasion. Goemon, sporting the spikiest ?do this side of a bad '80s band, whacks pots and baddies alike with his pipe. A trip to Mount Fuji early in the game nets him the Chain Pipe, which will remind Zelda fans of Link's Hyrulian Hook Shot.Pressing Down C accesses Ebisumaru, a self-proclaimed Ninja of Justice who bears more than a passing resemblance to Elmer Fudd. Ebisumaru's idea of running is a fast waddle, but anyone who befalls his hammer is in for some serious damage. Later in the game, he'll master magic spells.Joining the duo later in the game are Sasuke, a diminutive robot who specializes in fire and freeze attacks, and Yae, a ninja master who develops the ability to transform into a mermaid.Konami's Osaka development team deftly blends puzzle, action and RPG-like aspects in a 17-stage game that seldom fails to enchant and intrigue. The detail-rich graphics look great, with simple texture-mapped expressions for the characters you control adding a nice touch. Occasionally you can see through walls when your character goes around a corner or climbs a ladder.The screen text is fairly straightforward, although you might grit your teeth at the poorly translated jokes. The perky score nicely complements the comic nature of the game. The biggest annoyance is the unintuitive camera control. Because the C buttons are used to change characters and perform other functions, to change your camera angle you'll have to hold down the R Button while pushing one of the C buttons.However, a reasonably skilled player can quickly adapt to this drawback and plow on with the show. And what a show it is! After a couple of hours of play, we've interviewed the residents of Oedo Town, climbed Mt. Fuji, explored maze-like Oedo Castle and encountered Kashiwashi, the "wartime kabuki robot." And we have absolutely no idea of where this game is going to go. But we can't wait to find out.

Source:

www.nintendo.com

LET'S GO GOEMON!

A giant UFO has appeared over Oedo Castle, and the Mystical Ninja is off to save the world again! Control Goemon and his giant robot, Impact, Ebisimaru, a truly twisted ninja, Yae, the part-time militant mermaid, and Sasuke, a mechanical warrior. This brave band must travel from town to town, collecting information and purchasing helpful items in their quest to defeat the dreaded Peach Mountain Shoguns.

Power up each character's weapons and learn their unique special moves and magical transformations to take on determined enemies and overcome challenging puzzles. The future is in your hands, Goemon — don't blow it!

Source:

Back of Box – N64 (US)