27 Years Ago Today, Nintendo 64 Gave 1990s Gamers One of the Best Side-Scrollers Ever

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The Nintendo 64 is famous for revolutionizing gaming with its introduction of 3D worlds. Games released in the late 1990s, like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, completely changed how players navigated and interacted with game environments, and set a new standard for game design. However, the excitement around these 3D advancements sometimes makes people forget that even during this shift, developers were still creating successful and enjoyable games using classic 2D styles.

Many players who grew up in the 1990s fondly remember games that perfected existing ideas, rather than just pushing for new technology. Things like responsive controls, beautiful art, and creative worlds were just as important as impressive graphics. Released 27 years ago, Goemon’s Great Adventure for the Nintendo 64 perfectly captured this feeling, offering a classic side-scrolling experience that felt special even as other games were moving towards 3D.

Goesmon’s Great Adventure Is A Side-Scrolling Masterpiece on Nintendo 64

Goemon’s Great Adventure was different from most games at the time, which were trying out 3D graphics. It was a 2.5D side-scroller, meaning it combined classic platforming with a clever trick: characters could move in and out of the screen. This created a unique feeling of depth while still keeping the precise control that players expect from a side-scrolling game.

The game was quick-paced, fluid, and offered a lot of variety. You played as different characters, each with unique skills that made trying new things fun. Battles felt impactful, jumping and moving felt precise, and the boss fights were creative and never felt like the same fight repeated. The levels were always introducing new ideas, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.

Goemon’s Great Adventure was visually striking and full of charm. It blended vibrant artwork with Japanese folklore and wacky humor, resulting in a world that felt both authentic and wonderfully bizarre. The game stood out thanks to its unique style, featuring giant robots, dreamlike environments, and over-the-top animations.

The story was fun and stayed with you, relying on its delightful personality more than detailed explanations. It used humor by directly addressing the audience and incorporating silly, physical comedy. This playful approach made it easy for younger players to enjoy, while older players also found it entertaining thanks to its clever, knowing style.

A Hidden Gem on N64 and Beyond

Despite being a high-quality game, Goemon’s Great Adventure wasn’t widely known. The late 1990s had a lot of groundbreaking games coming out, and 2D side-scrollers had a hard time getting attention when everyone was excited about 3D games. It was even harder to stand out next to popular games made by Nintendo themselves. However, those who did play it became dedicated fans.

The game is remembered for its distinctive look, which combined 2D art with 3D effects. This was a bold move, especially since the Nintendo 64 was focused on fully 3D games. While other developers felt they needed to jump completely into 3D, Goemon’s Great Adventure proved that you could still be innovative by building on successful 2D techniques. It showed that side-scrolling games could still feel new and exciting, even on the latest gaming technology.

Even after the Nintendo 64, this game continues to spark conversations about forgotten favorites. It frequently comes up when people discuss hidden gems, the best platformers on the N64, and underappreciated side-scrolling games from the 1990s – despite not receiving much attention when it first came out. For many players, it’s a reminder that the gaming scene of that era was more varied than people often remember. While the Goemon series is still popular in Japan, it hasn’t remained as well-known in the West.

Should Goemon Have One More Adventure Today?

With so many games being remade or remastered these days, it makes you wonder which titles deserve a comeback. Goemon’s Great Adventure feels like a particularly good choice. Its unique art style would look fantastic on today’s consoles, and the gameplay is still fun and engaging, especially if updated with a few modern conveniences.

Bringing this game back now could let a whole new generation discover it. 2D and 2.5D platformers are popular again, making the timing perfect. Lots of games are still succeeding with classic designs, showing people still enjoy that style. A complete remake or remaster could really work, as the game’s unique mix of funny moments, traditional stories, and exciting action would stand out today.

Playing this game again brought back wonderful memories of when I first discovered the joy of video games. It was a truly delightful, surprising, and wonderfully strange experience. I stumbled upon Goemon’s Great Adventure at a rental store years ago, not knowing what to expect. Now, twenty-seven years later, it’s clear this is one of the best side-scrolling games on the Nintendo 64. It shouldn’t be seen as just a quirky oddity, but as a shining example of how good game design remains timeless, even when the industry is changing.

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2025-12-24 01:11