Ganbare Goemon Series (1986-1991)

Ganbare (Go for it!) Goemon! Tricky Tricky Road (Nintendo Famicom)

The first home Goemon title, Tricky Tricky Road offers more variety than the original Mr. Goemon arcade game, but didn't age too well when I attempted to play it back in 2017.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs)

In order to punish the evil Daimyo, together with Goemon we set off to reform the world. Go on a super fun adventure! The program (game) runs on a hugely impressive 2 megabit cartridge!

Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Douchuu / Go for it, Goemon! Tricky Road

Similar to Konami's Castlevania, the MSX version is significantly different, including the introduction of Goemon's main partner Ebisumaru, initially names Nexumi Kozo. Based on the information from the information packed Import Gaming FTW channel, it may be better to stick with the Famicom version.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs.)

It's Goemon vs. Nezumi Kozo (An earthshaking showdown!!)

* Points

* Time

* Koban (Currency)

* Health

* Remaining Players

* Current item display

(Portrait Captions) Goemon, Nezumi Kozo

(Stage Captions) Fishing Village, Mountain Village, Castle Interior, General Store

You're challenged to a powerful array of 49 above ground stages + 230 underground stages.

From a time of peace throughout the world, this is a legend from the Edo age. All throughout the country, the Daimyos were fortunately not fighting with each other, doing as they please without conflict. But, things were unbearable for the common folk. Wheezing and suffering, each day they endured a poverty stricken life, unable to overcome their condition. But there, making his dashing appearance, the countries' 'chivalrous thief,' Goemon. Also, his arch rival Nezumi Kozo has arrived. Thus, the two great robbers, reforming each area's Daimyo, have finally arrived safely in Edo. Will they be able to advise the Shogun on how to lord over his world!? Go for it, Goemon! Don't you lose, Nezumi Kozo.

Ganbare Goemon 2

In this pretty depiction of late night ninja mischief, Ebisumaru is already shaping up into the the same highly recognizable face he sports in the 90s. Hopefully Goemon has some hair care product in that case he's sporting...

Goemon pays us a visit once again.

This time, he's here together with Ebisumaru!

* 2 player simultaneous play enabled.

* Vertical Scroll + Horizontal Scroll + Stair Scroll + Extravagant 3D Scrolling

* New boss stages established

* Upon a game over, you can revitalize yourself.

Go for it, Goemon! Side Story: The Disappearance of the Golden Pipe

A very charming cover of Goemon and Ebisumaru (apparently cosplaying as Colonel Sanders) getting into trouble. It's also worth noting the cartridge itself is larger than usual due to the storage size. I beat this game years back. Not bad at all for an 8-bit RPG, but not sure if I'll replay it ever again.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by RFH and DeadsideSerpent.)

The latest in the Goemon series. This time, it's an RPG.

Handed down over the generations of the Goemon clan, the 'Golden Pipe' has been stolen! Together with the help of Ebisumaru, Goemon sets out on an adventure in search of the pipe. A storied journey full of thrills and loaded with gags, the 4 megabit RPG begins.

* At last, enjoy an RPG with the super popular Goemon.

* You'll be laughing without knowing it in this 'Gag Role Playing" game.

* Be astounded by a game full of unusual ideas.

* GORGEOUS! 4 Megabits of  storage + battery back-up!

Legend of the Mystical Ninja / Go for it, Goemon! The Scroll of Princess Yuki's Rescue

Though not included in the game, the back packaging references "Goemon Ontou," a traditional Japanese song created to promote the series' 5 year anniversary. The American cover art by Tom Dubois is radically different, for the better. I don't think most anybody wants to see Ebisumaru in a Tutu much  anyway.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by RFH and DeadsideSerpent.)

Genuine Historical Period Action!

During the lovely O-edo period, a mysterious spirit lady suddenly appeared. With the towns' people all frightened, Goemon wasn't going to let this slide. Taking along the peculiar 'ninja' Ebisumaru, the 8 megabit action begins...begins!

* View the opening of the game, looking just like an anime.

* You'll dance without knowing it to the "Goemon Folk Song".

* Enjoy piggy-bask based attacks during two player simultaneous play.

* Thrilling historical period action in the high capacity 8 megabit cartridge.

Ganbare Goemon: Sarawareta Ebisumaru! / Kidnapped Ebisumaru!

Going solo for the first time since the mid-80s, Goemon sets off to rescue Ebisumaru. I'm not very familiar with this particular game in the series, but it looks to be well suited for the Game Boy with large, super deformed style sprites.

(Images taken from Gamefaqs. Contributed by usersRFH, TMola, and Guard_Master.) 

Finally, Goemon arrives.

The leisurely Ninja Ebisumaru has been captured. The only lead is a single letter sent by "Yagi" Jubei of Hizen. "I've got no choice." With his trusty pipe in hand, Goemon's up to big trouble on the Game Boy!!