Oh! Goemon .... How I Miss Thee ...

That guy up there, he's one of the reasons I love video games. Now, don't get me wrong, I got my start long before Goemon: Mystical Ninja arrived on the Nintendo 64, but for me ... it was just one of those games. It's definitely not perfect, and I would totally understand if someone hated it, but for me ... it was an experience to be had. Goemon is kind of like the Megaman of Japan, except for the fact that well ... Megaman is the Megaman of Japan. Goemon has been the star of more than 25 releases since the 80's, and his journey parallels the blue bomber's pretty well.

Goemon arrived on the scene in the arcades and then the NES with simple side-scrolling gameplay. He then adopted an overworld map style similar to that of Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The N64 era brought Goemon into full 3D, and brought him to my attention for the first time. The series went on to spawn an anime, and Playstation and Playstation 2 titles that re-envisioned Goemon as a newer, cooler character to appeal to a younger (more stupid) audience. (Megaman X hmmm ??)

Throughout his journey only four of Goemon's titles ever made it outside Japan, and out of more than 25 that's basically a kick in the nuts for American fans. I can understand why they haven't seen domestic releases, but at the same time, I totally can't. In all honesty, who doesn't want to play as a spunky lil' thief in one weird Edo? Goemon's best friend is a pudgy ninja, and when he's stuck in a pickle, he can call on his giant impact robot to help him deal with the baddies. Seriously, fat ninjas, giant robots, and I'm pretty sure the story of the N64 iteration involved turning Edo castle into a giant peach where everyone danced all the time. If that's not gaming gold ...

To bring things full circle, I'm thinking about Goemon for two reasons.

One: There is a new Goemon title on the DS in Japan. It's been out for pretty much a year now, so I'm thinking Konami will be skipping a US release. ... and I'm crying on the inside. I'm ready to import, but to even proceed in the game mean's it's time to break out the Japanese books. Well ... I had to get learning anyways.

Two: Games like Goemon are the reason I'm excited for the Wii's Virtual Console. Not only should I be able to pick up one of my favorite N64 titles, as well as the sequel Goemons: Great Adventure, but if Nintendo handles things right and proper, they should allow me to pick up all the Goemon titles I missed out on in the first place. They have to understand that there is a market for importing thanks to the DS, and if they open the back catalogs of games we cound never enjoy before ... Whoosh! ... the amounts of money I will give them. Here's hoping Nintendo's on the right page.

Goemon on the N64

Giant robot action

Goemon DS

Hardcore Gaming 101 has an impressive feature on the entire Goemon series with screens and .mp3's as well. Check it out here.

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The worthy purchases ...

I was hoping to go to Circuit City today and catch some of the excellent DS titles they were selling for their July 4th holiday sale. I wanted to come home with Metroid Prime Pinball, Meteos, and Advance Wars: Dual Strike (all for $8.96). Well, my local Circuit City had Tiger Woods Golf. Woo-Hoo. (...sarcasm intended...)

I decided I wouldn't come home empty handed, and that there had to be some game I could purchase to validate the half-hour drive and wasted gas. I scoured the shelves for discount titles and almost made a purchase of The Warriors, when I noticed the limited edition Marc Ecko's Getting Up resting in the display case for a paltry $8.96. I came to decide that even if the game was a festering hunk of shit, I could at least enjoy a really nice tin case for $8.96.

That purchase didn't quell my gaming needs so I drove off to Best Buy, then Gamestop, and then EB Games, where I saw a delicious copy of the increasingly rare Riviera: The Promised Land for $29.99. My DS was desperate for some GBA love, so I snagged it up, as well as laying down $30 for a Final Fantasy 12: Collectors Edition pre-order.

A good day indeed, with many worthy purchases. I'll be playing Riviera, appreciating my wonderful tin case, and trying to beat 'Ready, Steady, Go' on Ouendan for the 1284th time.

Marck Ecko and P Diddy contemplate what is in fact in front of them.

A.) The Marc Ecko's Getting Up Limited Edtion
B.) A brick
C.) Pangea

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