Ninpen Manmaru

About

Ninpen Manmaru casts you as a penguin in a ninja outfit tasked with gathering golden origami across perilous stages. The game blends platforming with combat as you dodge enemies, leap between floating platforms, and use a pencil to deflect attacks. Each level is a maze of traps and collectibles requiring precise timing. The control scheme leans into basic inputs, letting players focus on mastering the rhythm of jumps and counters. The game’s charm comes from its absurd premise and tight mechanics. Though buried in the Sega Saturn library, it remains a cult favorite for its relentless difficulty and inventive level design. With no modern re-releases, its 1997 release date feels like a forgotten relic. Players often cite the pencil-fighting mechanic as a standout, though its niche appeal means it’s more revered in retro circles than mainstream reviews.