Video Game Classics: The Legend of the Mystical Ninja
Video Game Classics: The Legend of the Mystical Ninja
Some games will live forever as Classics. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be taking a look at 1992’s lighthearted multiplayer adventure game “The Legend of The Mystical Ninja.”
Emerging from the long running and popular “Ganbare Goemon” anime television and video game series from Japan, this Konami title is one of the few to get ported to North America.
Blending two different video game styles, Mystical Ninja is an unforgettable action/adventure that meshes the best of 2D platforming with the action of beat ‘em-up brawlers.
In the game, up to two players can play together as Goemon and his goofy pal Ebisumaru. Oddly, their names were respectively translated as Kid Ying and Dr. Yang for this American release, but would be restored in later adaptations.
As the game opens, the pair notices odd happenings in their hometown and decide to investigate. Soon enough, they discover that a mysterious army has kidnapped Princess Yuki. Pledging to save her, they travel across Japan to find clues about the hostile force, and locate their hidden base.
Exploring various regions and towns, they visit countless shops, take on mini-games, and battle a wide range of enemies and bosses.
Fighting with a smoking pipe, Goemon slowly upgrades its strength. He does this by collecting power-ups in the form of grey cats after defeating enemies. This will give his pipe a longer reach, before transforming it into a spiked yo-yo. Likewise, the second player wields a wooden fan and mallet.
Interestingly, players can each use their money as a long-range weapon by throwing it at enemies. They can also perform tag-team moves and give each other piggyback rides.
Going above and beyond the usual Princess-rescuing tale common in video games, Mystical Ninja tells its story through vibrant cut scenes and larger than life comedic characters oozing with personality.
Available on Nintendo’s virtual console, The Legend of the Mystical Ninja is an amusing action adventure that shouldn’t be missed.
