Mystical Ninja starring Goemon

 Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Apr 16, 1998
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 60 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 60
  3. Negative: 2 out of 60
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  1. Xanadeux23
    Dec 22, 2020
    10
    This game is a place I will always want to return to. Amazed at the dim-witted review sites that reported a negative sort of culture shock. I played this in 5th grade (not really even knowing what Japan was) and did not find any of the story, characters or humor the least bit puzzling or confounding.
  2. Turjegb
    Jul 25, 2023
    10
    So much fun this is Konami best game and should be remade since now they are back!
  3. JasonS.
    Sep 9, 2003
    8
    It was pretty good...not too great but it has very good moments i still wanna try the 2nd one.
  4. RobertC.
    Feb 22, 2004
    10
    Probably the most underrated game in video game history. This is game had action, RPG-elements, strange humor, and an expansive level format that made it truly seem like it's own living, breathing world. I would recommened Goemon to ANYONE.
  5. Arnout
    Aug 21, 2006
    6
    Not a bad game I guess, but I found it rather boring. The level design is empty...wel in the beginning of the game for sure, the ugly music, graphics - there wasn't anything I liked in the beginning of the game while I didn't get used and wasn't intrigued by the world I visited And finally I didn't have the patience to talk to the folks in town. so I got stuck very Not a bad game I guess, but I found it rather boring. The level design is empty...wel in the beginning of the game for sure, the ugly music, graphics - there wasn't anything I liked in the beginning of the game while I didn't get used and wasn't intrigued by the world I visited And finally I didn't have the patience to talk to the folks in town. so I got stuck very soon, not knowing what to do next, but I didn't care: a reason enough to stop playing.… Expand
  6. AnthonyB.
    Aug 24, 2007
    7
    This game is perfect.The things that ruin it are the extremely slow frame-rate and the camera problems.
  7. RobertA.
    Jul 15, 2004
    7
    Yes. this was a fun one. i got stuck in the middle of the game though. :( never attempted to finish it.
  8. EricT.
    Jul 7, 2008
    10
    This is the best game on the 64, it is like a Japaneses Zelda with great music and you really get into it. The people who don't like it must be on drugs.
  9. AndrewK.
    Aug 21, 2006
    10
    Great game, incredible scenario, music and characters.
  10. [Anonymous]
    Oct 19, 2008
    9
    This is one of the most original games out there, but it is not quite perfect. The gameplay is very simple, there are plenty of WTF moments that will keep you laughing, the story is just as odd... I could go on for ages. However, there is one downside: It's a bit too easy (see also: Bioshock). Luckily, it's still fun and it is necessary to try it at least one. In fact, if This is one of the most original games out there, but it is not quite perfect. The gameplay is very simple, there are plenty of WTF moments that will keep you laughing, the story is just as odd... I could go on for ages. However, there is one downside: It's a bit too easy (see also: Bioshock). Luckily, it's still fun and it is necessary to try it at least one. In fact, if somebody was selling this game with an N64 for 90 dollars, I'd seriously consider buying it.… Expand
  11. GarethD
    Nov 18, 2009
    8
    Absorutely amazing; incredibly Japanese, and great fun for those of us who can stomach some of the stuff that didn't translate well over to the states.
  12. LemonDrank
    Dec 2, 2009
    10
    One of the most original quirky and whimsical games I've ever played. The dialogue alone is enough to play this game the entire way through. Only negative is the camera is cobis satisfactory as certain points
  13. helena23
    Oct 23, 2011
    7
    i dont undrstand bad reviews i actually liked this game its pretty weird but is a japanese style rpg adventure plataformer and its fun which is the most important thing i loved goemon turning into super sayan and giant robot battle
  14. Xiubaca
    Jan 7, 2014
    9
    For a game that was launched in 1998, along with classics such as Metal Gear Solid and Ocarina of Time, Mystical Ninja stood (and still does) by its own merits. This is a very underrated game, as has been stated by other users. The soundtrack is just amazing, one of the best on the N64. Minor problems such as camera angles and bad framerate can be annoying sometimes, but they sure don'tFor a game that was launched in 1998, along with classics such as Metal Gear Solid and Ocarina of Time, Mystical Ninja stood (and still does) by its own merits. This is a very underrated game, as has been stated by other users. The soundtrack is just amazing, one of the best on the N64. Minor problems such as camera angles and bad framerate can be annoying sometimes, but they sure don't take away from the immersive experience Mystical Ninja delivers.… Expand
  15. FrannyFantastic
    Nov 15, 2014
    7
    This is my go-to game for nostalgic pleasure. Though the platforming-heavy sections are quite average, the Zelda-like dungeons are hugely enjoyable. The impressive boss battles, quirky presentation and fantastic music also help to make this a really fun experience.
  16. Alumin88
    Feb 6, 2015
    9
    One of my top 10 N64 games of all time is right here!

    The soundtrack, the whacky Japanese humor, the beautifully solid gameplay filled with plentiful mini-games and hidden collectables, the ability to man your own Robot who is also a famous Hollywood star, along with his kick-butt opening theme. This game might not translate well to some, seeing as how it is extremely Japanese-y with    One of my top 10 N64 games of all time is right here!

    The soundtrack, the whacky Japanese humor, the beautifully solid gameplay filled with plentiful mini-games and hidden collectables, the ability to man your own Robot who is also a famous Hollywood star, along with his kick-butt opening theme. This game might not translate well to some, seeing as how it is extremely Japanese-y with it's references it makes but it's the odd charm to all of this that makes the game so much more memorable and entertaining. You also aren't limited to 1 character either, there are 4 in total, with two being playable from the get go, who are Goemon and Ebisumaru, both with unique attacks, abilities, and... in Ebisumaru's case "quirks",

    With all the fun I've had ever since I was about 9-10 years old with this game, I always remember the music above all else. It's soundtrack is just wonderful. I cannot recommend this game enough.    … Expand
  17. BrettSiebenhaar
    Jun 1, 2018
    4
    I don't know what it was about this game, but I just couldn't get into it. The game looked good and everything, I just didn't get invested in the story.
  18. Za_Uvek
    Jan 24, 2022
    6
    A very weird, but not so wonderful action platformer that tries to squeeze in some RPG elements. The game-play and setting is like a mix of Mario 64 and Zelda Ocarina of Time. The story is interesting enough, very cartoonishly evil villain creating havoc etc etc. The overall theme for the game though is extremely Japanese in the sense that nothing makes sense! That's not necessarily a badA very weird, but not so wonderful action platformer that tries to squeeze in some RPG elements. The game-play and setting is like a mix of Mario 64 and Zelda Ocarina of Time. The story is interesting enough, very cartoonishly evil villain creating havoc etc etc. The overall theme for the game though is extremely Japanese in the sense that nothing makes sense! That's not necessarily a bad thing, however it becomes a problem when it's hard to get a sense of purpose and direction. I had to fumble around a bit in the first town, talking to NPCs in order to get a little idea of where to go. But even then, there was a big sense of randomness to it and very little direction.

    If you do like the quirkiness of the Japanese cartoon style humour, you might find this appealing. However, the overall muddled game design makes this a hard one to pick up and play. Only for those looking for a particular niche.    … Expand
  19. Yojimbo2015
    Jan 21, 2023
    4
    Arcade adventure cum RPG in which it takes an absolute age to get anywhere and when you finally do, you wonder why you bothered. It looks quite nice and has a quirky sense of humour but the simplistic combat and gameplay that seems to consist of nothing but endless, pointless conversations with NPCs left me very cold.
  20. MarkusZ
    Aug 5, 2023
    10
    What a hidden gem this beautiful game is. You learn about Japanese culture in the beautiful and peaceful Edo-Periode.

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best N64 Game of 1998
7
#7 Most Discussed N64 Game of 1998
6
#6 Most Shared N64 Game of 1998

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. Nintendorks
    60
    In conclusion, this is a pretty good game, but I doubt I'll add it to my library since it isn't that difficult and doesn't have any lasting value.
    Read full review
  2. TotalGames.net
    85
    An enjoyable, fun-filled game which should keep you puzzling for a long time to come.
    Read full review
  3. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    80
    Mystical Ninja had a nation of young adults spiking and dying their hair. Or not. [Jan 2004, p.189]
See all critic reviews »