Ganbare Goemon 2 is that weird, chaotic sequel where Konami fully embraced the series' signature mix of feudal Japan and absolute nonsense. You're still playing as Goemon (or his buddy Ebisumaru), smacking enemies with a pipe and tossing coins like shurikens, but everything's cranked up—bigger levels, weirder enemies, and these bizarre little minigames that pop up when you least expect them.

The first time I played, I got stuck for way too long on the opening stage because I didn’t realize you could ride that giant, grinning cat statue. Classic Goemon logic. The whole thing has this rough-but-charming Famicom energy, with clunky platforming that somehow adds to the chaotic fun. If you’ve played the first one, this is more of that, just slightly unhinged in the best way.

It never left Japan, but if you’re into retro brawlers with personality, it’s worth digging up a translation patch.