Man, Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Douchuu is such a weird little gem. You start off as this blue-haired ninja dude (Goemon, obviously) just running around smacking enemies with a pipe, which already sets the tone—equal parts ridiculous and oddly satisfying. The first level throws you right into this colorful, slightly janky feudal Japan where you’re jumping between rooftops, dodging traps, and occasionally stumbling into hidden rooms full of coins.

What really sticks with me is how unapologetically goofy it is. Ebisumaru, your round sidekick, shows up early just to make terrible puns or get into trouble, and the whole thing feels like playing through a Saturday morning cartoon. The platforming’s tight, but some of those later puzzles? Brutal. You’ll be pushing blocks, hunting for keys, and probably yelling at the screen when a hidden spike trap sends you back to the start.

If you’ve got a soft spot for retro games that don’t take themselves too seriously, this one’s a blast—just don’t expect it to go easy on you.