Ganbare Goemon: Uchuu Kaizoku Akogingu

About

Ganbare Goemon: Uchuu Kaizoku Akogingu shifts the series into sci-fi territory with aliens invading Edo-era Japan. Players guide Goemon and Ebisumaru through a mix of top-down exploration and 2D sidescrolling action as they confront extraterrestrial threats. The game introduces Goroku and Baban as new playable characters, marking a departure from earlier titles that featured fan-favorites Sasuke and Yae. Combat blends platforming and basic enemy encounters, with co-op modes allowing two players to tackle levels together. The structure echoes Ganbare Goemon 3 but adds a space-age twist to the formula. This title stands out as a divisive entry in the series. Its sudden removal of Sasuke and Yae sparked backlash from longtime fans, a change never reversed in later games. Despite its 1996 release, it remains a niche curiosity for series completists, with small online communities discussing the unexplained fates of Goroku and Baban. The blend of historical and sci-fi settings feels awkward but ambitious, reflecting Konami's experimental phase in the mid-90s. While not the most polished Goemon game, it’s a curious footnote in the franchise’s history.

Storyline

One night, Goemon awakens from his sleep to some huge noise, so he and Ebisumaru decide to go and investigate. The pair find out that it's an alien, and that Edo's being invaded!