While not to everybodys tastes, role-playing games are one of the most popular one-player genres. Although their prime territory is Japan, the role-playing games popularity has had a tremendous push in the USA and Europe. Nintendos Game Boy doesnt have a vast library of role-playing games, so when the occasional exception makes its appearance it doesnt go unnoticed. Konamis Mystical Ninja is next in the line for the GameBoy.
Since Goemons style of play is similar to that of a poor mans Streets of Rage, it is initially hard to relate to a role-playing game. The action sections of the game take Goemon (the player) through a series of ninja and thug-infested levels. As you travel each level, you will slowly uncover the role-playing element of the game. Based around a weak story line, you will soon find yourself running errands, rescue missions, and other seemingly pointless tasks. However, as you progress, everything in the game is given a meaning at some point or another. Once all is revealed a great, although simple, role-playing game is uncovered. Although Konami dont specialise in the genre, Goemon is one of the better games to be released on the platform, and is worth a look.