Mr. Goemon (Japan)

Mr. Goemon is a fast-paced, cooperative platform fighter released by Konami in 1986. Players control Ishikawa Goemon and his partner, a ninja girl, as they navigate scrolling stages filled with enemies and obstacles while attempting to steal gold bars from corrupt officials. The gameplay revolves around jumping, attacking with various weapons like swords and shurikens, and utilizing acrobatic maneuvers to evade danger and defeat foes. A unique mechanic allows players to attack the moon to trigger special events or knock enemies off-balance. The game draws inspiration from the legend of Ishikawa Goemon, a historical figure often portrayed as a Japanese Robin Hood who stole from the wealthy. Two players can simultaneously work together – or compete for points – as they progress through increasingly challenging levels, each culminating in a confrontation with a distinctive boss character. Strategic use of power-ups and mastering techniques like bouncing enemies is crucial for achieving high scores and successfully completing the game's objectives. Mr. Goemon established the foundation for an expansive series that would continue throughout the late 80s and 90s, exploring different genres while retaining core elements of its platforming action gameplay. Later entries expanded on this initial formula with RPG and other variations.