#1 Mystical Ninja/Ganbare Goemon
Like a few other titles on this list, this quirky, heavily Japanese series has been reduced to mobile entries and Pachislot machines. The last notable title was 2005’s Ganbare Goemon: TÅkai DÅchÅ« ÅŒedo Tengu ri Kaeshi no Maki for DS. This nine-year dearth of the blue, pineapple-haired hero Goemon, his portly ninja friend Ebisumaru and their wacky exploits needs to end.
Moving past the awkward camera of Nintendo 64’s Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon and the series’ penchant for tricky platforming, the Mystical Ninja series is a humorous amalgamation of Japanese history and culture. It offers a cavalcade of absurd premises and fourth-wall breaking that is topped off by a superb soundtrack that’s more than willing to spoof an anime intro or two. Simply put, Mystical Ninja exudes charm in all the right ways and deserves another chance in the spotlight.
