Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon (N64, 1997)

• Decent map system (semi-transparent mini-map of the current sub area in towns and overworlds but not in dungeons; no full overview map of towns/the overworld while there is one you can find for dungeons and overworld/journey areas (however it doesn't show your avatar's exact location), no proper signs outside town houses - some have untranslated japanese ones)

• Mostly linear structure (some backtracking to explore further into previous areas with persistent abilities gained along the way)

• Four different playable characters that you can switch between on the fly once recruited (they control mostly the same but only Ebisumaru and Sasuke can attack upwards (only while crawling as Ebisumaru though) and each one has a different set of weapons and a unique spell, each one also has a special move or tool, shared HP and gear for all chars)

• Teleport to visited towns with the flute (Ys, Zelda 1 sort of) but not outside of dungeons

• Save points (inns and outside dungeons, before giant robot bosses, one slot per game) and a few health restoration points (hot baths)

• Mixes in other gameplay styles (auto-scrolling large robot/impact bomber level - shallow and trial & error heavy, large robot FP view boss duels - pretty good)

• Extra lives system (9 max) which is a bit redundant in a game with frequent save points

• A few mini-games (stealth (avoid being seen when taking the sweets in the golden temple, crane game - similar to Link's Awakening, whack-a-mole variant (muscle training), mashing mini-game to get the mermaid form) - decent overall but generally one time only

• Overworld areas are more realistic in shape and size but this leads to tons of dead space (can't run very quickly)

• Some sequence breaking possible (hover jump via throwing instead of using the chain pipe, damage boosts, more with glitches)

• No quest log/journal feature

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review

Influenced by: Zelda series, probably Tomb Raider and Mario 64, possibly Wonder Boy/Monster World series, Castlevania III, Legacy of the Wizard

Influenced: Probably Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mega Man Legends, possibly Medievil