< Back

Goemon's Great Adventure/Mystical Ninja 2 Starring Goemon (N64, 1998)

Subgenre: 3D/2.5D Hybrid Action Platformer/JRPG-ish Hybrid

Perspective: TP View towns, FP view giant robot fights, Side View levels/hostile areas

Other: Hub map, 2-player co-op (2nd player can join in during levels and most town exploration, one player can carry the other player - the ranged subweapon powers up when doing this, can't split up in 2-player mode), Can unlock 4-player co-op!

More linear and formulaic structure (hub maps with one or two branching paths in some areas - one for each of the five main areas, mix of tilted view towns with some exploration and mostly linear sidescrolling levels like in the SNES games - have to collect passes in each area to progress to the next set of levels, levels are more straightforward with one or two branching paths and a couple of detours for items in each (including dungeons/castles) - some have an alternate exit but you're generally told when and how to reach it by NPCs (the game shows on the hub map if you've found all exits to a level or not), you'll revisit previous levels with new enemies in them for some quests, can exit any level or town at their entrance and replay beaten levels, some invisible walls)
Some abilities gained that let you progress or reach new segments in previous levels
Save points (inns and at the beginning of areas here, one slot per game) and in-level checkpoints
4 playable chars - can switch at tea houses in towns here (each one has a slightly different sub weapon and a different special weapon/tool, shared HP and armor for all chars) and via teahouse teleporter pads in most levels (this is a room "in another dimension" meaning you can't access the town when doing this - only teleport back and forth to switch) but no longer switch on the fly (sometimes annoying)
Extra lives system
Day/night cycle (in levels you meet somewhat tougher enemies during night time and in town there are some night time only events, at one point you have to wait quite long to progress but it is optional)
No town or level maps
Some mini-games (On foot race mini-games (second one includes some minor stealth although you don't use sneaking - instead you use the butt bounce jump at just the right time), hide 'n seek mini-game)
Can keep playing after beating the game and visit an additional town in area 4 (via the bus stop)
Temporary main weapon/armor upgrades and no HP upgrades
No quest log/journal feature although it's rarely needed (can revisit the fortune tellers for decent tips)

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review

Influenced by: Ganbare Goemon series (SNES), possibly Tomba or Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Wonder Boy/Monster World series, Castlevania III, Legacy of the Wizard

Influenced: Possibly Mega Man Legends 2