Ganbare Goemon: Sarawareta Ebisumaru! (1991). Play online

Summary

Ganbare Goemon: Sarawareta Ebisumaru! debuted on the original Game Boy in 1991 as the series' first handheld adventure and the sixth mainline entry overall. The game recycles the platform mechanics of the Famicom’s Ganbare Goemon! Karakuri Dōchū, but narrows the cast to a lone Goemon on a solo quest to rescue the kidnapped Ebisumaru—Sasuke and Yae never appear.

Though it launched solely in Japan, Konami revived the title twice. In 1997 it resurfaced in the Japanese Konami GB Collection (Vol. 2) with a Super Game Boy colour palette and decorative borders, and in 2000 it received a Game Boy Color update and a full translation for the European market, where the title screen was renamed Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon. The original GB version hit the 3DS Virtual Console in 2012, and a fresh release is slated for 2026 as part of the Ganbare Goemon! Daishūgō compilation.

Storyline

Ganbare Goemon: Sarawareta Ebisumaru! follows Goemon as he embarks on a quest to rescue his companion Ebisumaru. The entire adventure revolves around locating and freeing Ebisumaru from his predicament. Throughout the game, Goemon navigates various challenges, all aimed at bringing his friend back safely.