Konami’s Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Dōchū (1986) is the first console entry in the long-running action-adventure series, casting you as a noble thief exploring Edo-period Japan. Viewed from a top-down perspective, you must navigate sprawling towns and countryside, fending off enemies while managing your growing wealth to survive its challenging stages.
How to play
Your objective in each stage is to collect three passes, which are required to exit the level. These can be purchased in shops, found in hidden first-person mazes, or discovered in secret locations. Use the Arrow keys to move, X to jump over obstacles, and Z to strike enemies with your pipe or throw coins. Press Enter to pause and Shift to select.
Tips
- Jump frequently in suspicious or empty areas; many entrances to underground mazes and secret shops are invisible until you jump on the correct tile.
- Prioritize securing your three passes before spending heavily on upgrades, as the cost of items increases significantly in later levels.
- Stock up on dumplings to restore health and buy armor to mitigate damage, as the difficulty ramps up steeply as you progress.
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