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Welcome to the {0} Smashboards Character Analysis! These articles will not be looking at why a character is or isn't likely, so please do not expect that going in. Instead, they will focus on how a character might play in Smash and how their series might be represented within the Fighter's Pass.
"The most likely to star in a video game" Smashboards' Goemon and Ganbare Goemon Analysis
Introduction to the Ganbare Goemon series and Goemon
Ganbare Gomeon was created and produced by Konami. The driving creative force behind the creation of Goemon was led by Etsunobu Ebisu. The series protagonist, Goemon, was loosely based on the japanese robinhood like figure of Ishikawa Goemon. Ishikawa Goemon was a noble who would steal gold and valuables to give to the poor. Ultimately, his fate was to be boiled alive with his son. Whilst the legend itself is rather series in tone, the Ganbare Goemon series is not. Ganbare Goemon, or as it is known in the west "Mystical Ninja" is about the exploits of Goemon and his gang of misfits. The series is set in an alternate "feudal" japan where everything looks ancient Japanese, but the likes of Giant robots, aliens from outer space, crazed dancing stage plays, laugh tracks, 4th wall breaks, a man who throws the death star and many more zenny things are possible.
Like the Mario series, there is no real continuous narrative within the series. It often starts with something happening and Goemon and his crew jump in to save the day. Either it being him saving his beloved Omitsu from being kidnapped by men dressed as Rabbits or saving the world from a man who insists on recycling, anything can happen.
Gameplay of his first outing, Mr. Goemon (1986) revolved jumping from rooftops to avoid obsticales and enemies to reach the end of levels. It was a popular Arcade game, enough for Konami to create 23 main line games, 7 spin off games, 2 Pachislot machines, a medal game and even a board game. The Goemon formula would then evolve into more action platformer fair, with bulk of the titles being 2D side scrolling platformers.
Given such a large series, many would wonder why it is mostly unheard of in the West. The reason for that is because Konami deemed the Mystical Ninja too Japanese and difficult for the west to understand. Only 5 titles (Legend of the Mystical Ninja [SNES], Legend of the Mystical Ninja [GB], Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon (in "Konami GB Collection Vol.3") [GB], Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon [N64] and Goemon's Great Adventure/Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon 2) would be released outside of Japan. Even with its limited worldwide success, the Goemon series flourished in Japan, with a 23 episode anime series, two anime OVAs and a series consisting of 19 Manga. The games the series produced are some of the best platformers many would have missed, with the N64 era being a shining example of solid 3D platforming goodness, being an excellent Legend of Zelda styled game before the official Legend of Zelda was released on the system.
Goemon Character Overview
Goemon would be rather unique for a fighter pass character given that he would follow in Banjos footsteps of being relatively plain, with only one main gimmick in his arsenal. This however does not mean he would be uninteresting or bland, just that he is more tuned for being a Smash Ultimate fighter. Let’s break down Goemon's basics.
Goemon is an average character, similar to Mario, being roughly near the middle. He has decent range, with his neutral B and forward B giving him ranged options. His attack has some decent distance to it and with his moderate speed; he can be quite a formidable foe. He however is slightly slower with his attacks and some of his moves are predictable.
Goemon's color costumes are all based on references to his series. His first 4 colors directly reference himself, and his partners Ebisumaru, Sasuke and Yae. The fifth color is in reference to his Kabuki character design. His fifth color is reference to Baben from the PSX game. His pink alt is referencing a few different foes he has interacted with in his past games, most noteablly the Peach Mountain Showguns. His last color is based on Gorku, also from the PSX game.
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Goemon's franchise icon is the same symbol seen thought all of this games.
https://imgur.com/gJdSB5D
Goemon’s Gimmick
The main gimmick Goemon has is his ability to upgrade his weapons based on pick-ups. If Goemon is able to pull off a charged smash attack that is greater than 60% of its full charge, a fortune cat will fall out of the enemy opponent. If Goemon collects this item, he will gain stat buffs until he the next time he takes damage. Goemon has the ability to upgrade his attack power and range up to four levels, with each getting longer and stronger as he gains fortune cats. If he is hit, he will drop down a level, meaning that it benefits him to avoid damage as much as possible, but he does not start over every time he is struck.
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Goemon Specials and Final Smash
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Neutral Special: Medal of Flames (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon):
This move is from Mystical Ninja and Goemons Great Adventure on the N64. He learns the move by donating five Ryu to the temple on top of the hill. This move is pretty much him throwing the currency in the games, and when he gets the ability to charge it, it is him throwing the currency in the games on fire. Goemon will throw a coin out in front of him. This attack can be charged up by holding down B for a short time. When this move is charged, Goemon will throw a further flying, stronger coin on fire. This move will knock an opponent back slightly and if done right, the flame coin will get in a few more hits before disappearing. This move will always have a forward trajectory, even when he is lying down. There is no bounce or arc to the move. It flys forward until it disappears or hits an enemy. Goemon can spam this move, similar to Falco's blaster, but given its wind up time, it is mainly best for zoning.
Side Special: Mist Meteor (Bōken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon):
Goemon will extend his arm out and a mist will spring out from around him. He is able to damage anyone nearby with this mist that appears. The mist will fly away from Goemon in an arc and land into the ground 4 ft in front of the character. Given it travels in an arc, it is possible for enemies to duck under this move to avoid being hit. This move makes a good edge guarding technique, as when it is shot offstage, it will travel until it disappears off the screen. Goemon is able to move again after the mist has left his person and started flying. He is not able to fire the move a second time whilst a Mist Meteor is currently on the stage. Only one Mist Meteor at any given time.
Down Special: Kabuki Quantum (Legend of the Mystical Ninja):
This move hails from the "Legend of the Mystical Ninja" on the SNES. This is one of Goemon's super moves he can perform to clear out enemies. When pressing Down B, Goemon will grow his hair out long and whip it back and forth. He does this in a head banging circular motion. Just like Donkey Kongs down B, if you hit the B button whilst pressing, he will continue to spin his head. Unlike DK's move, this move can be performed in the air. When Goemon starts, he will lose all forward momentum and drop in place as he whips his hair back and forth.
Up Special: Super Goemon (Legend of the Mystical Ninja):
Goemon will spring into the air vertically about twice his height. He goes straight up vertically and then levels off. He will fly horizontally at this height for 3 seconds before entering free fall. The height Goemon files upwards is dependent on how long B is held, with him flying higher the longer B is held down. This move has great horizontal recovery, but is predictable due to Goemon being stuck on the same horizontal plain until free fall.
Final Smash: Goemon Impact (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon):
Goemon will pull out his signature triton shell and blow into it. He will then jump off the screen and into Goemon Impact. The player will gain control of a reticle that they need to move and aim at opponents. When the B button is pressed again, Goemon impact will fire his Goemon Impact Laser attack into the stage, killing anyone caught in the blast radius.
Goemon’s Smash attacks and other Notable attacks
Neutral A / Multi Attack (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon)
Goemon swings his pipe in an arch fashion over his head. The attack starts from behind his body, swings to in front of him and down toward the ground. It covers 20 degrees from vertical behind his back to 150 degrees from vertical in his front. If the player presses the button again, the Goemon will pull the attack back in a sweeping sideward motion. The second attack has no vertical range, being 90 degrees from Goemons top and sweeping sidewards. A Third press will have Goemon finish off his three hit combo by performing another downward vertical swing. This swing looks very similar to the first one and functions the same.
Forward Tilt A (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)
Goemon swings his pipe forward. This is very similar to his Neutral A attack, but the attack comes out a few frames faster and it has a slightly larger hitbox.
Up Tilt A (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)
Goemon Swings his pipe directly up above his head. This move Functions, has the same frame data and power as his forward tilt, it is just that Goemon is swinging his pipe upwards to the sky.
Down Tilt A (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)
Goemon has the ability to crawl. If the player holds down, Goemon will lie down on his stomach and crawl. By performing his Down Tilt, he will swing his pipe as if he was standing. This move is lower to the ground, and only hits infront of Goemon. Given he is on the ground though, he has a smaller hit box and the move still has the same speed and power as his Forward Tilt A.
Aerial Neutral A – Daikaen (Ganbare Goemon Gaiden 2: Tenka no Zaihō)
Goemon will generate fire around himself. These 6 little fireballs will spin around him for a brief time as he falls to the ground.
Aerial Up A – Breaking Kick (Ganbare Goemon: Kuru Nara Koi! Ayashige Ikka no Kuroi Kage)
Goemon spins upside down and performs a tormado like kick up into the air. It is very similar to the move Rising tackle that terry bogard uses. Goemon however does not gain any vertical lift from performing the move.
Aerial Down A – Turning Leg (Ganbare Goemon: Kuru Nara Koi! Ayashige Ikka no Kuroi Kage)
This is Goemons down Air move. He spins in a circle sweeping his leg around him, perfoming a spinning kick. A good example of said move in action is Mario’s tornado punch, but instead of punching, Goemon is kicking.
Aerial Forward A – Rocket Kiseru (Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Ōgon Kiseru)
Goemon fires a small rocket pipe lid off the top of his pipe directly into the opponent in front of him. Given this attack is rather powerful, it performs rather decent knockback.
Aerial Back A – Rocket Kiseru (Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Ōgon Kiseru)
Goemon performs the same move as he does for his Aerial Forward A, but he turns and fires it behind him instead of infront of him. Different animation for the attack.
Smash Forward – Kobun Tiger (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)
Goemon will jump onto a Kobun tiger and lunge forwards, ramming into any foes that get into his way. Goemon will then jump off the beast as it turns and disappears.
Smash Down – Mountain Ox Cart (Bōken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon)
Two large ox like carts appear on either Side of Goemon. They come out of the ground with force, knocking foes into the air with an upwards trajectory. When the smash is released, the ox cars will then thrust outwards, away from Goemon. This second part of the attack causes a more horizontal trajectory to enemies that are struck by the attack.
Smash Up – Hidden Snake Road (Bōken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon)
Goemon will stand in place and change the attack. When released, Bone snakes will burst out from underneath him and fly into the sky hitting directly above him. This move has decent range, being able to go roughly twice the height of Goemon himself.
Grab – Chain Pipe (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon)
Goemon throws out his chain pipe Grab. It is like his standard pipe, but it has great reach. Think of Links Hook shot. This grab can also attach to the stage. The chain pipe has considerable reach, about twice that of Goemons standard attack.
Pummel – Kiseru Level 4 (Goemon: Shin Sedai Shūmei!)
Goemon swings his pipe into the enemy and a shining light appears as his pipe strikes the foe, counting as multiple hits and doing multiple pieces of damage.
Throw Down – Kiwai No Mouse (Bōken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon)
6 Small rocket mice appear under Goemon as he slams the opponent into the ground. When the enemy hits the ground, the rocket mice explode, launching the enemy high into the air.
Throw Forward– Rush down (Ganbare Goemon: Kuru Nara Koi! Ayashige Ikka no Kuroi Kage)
Goemon will Take the person and perform close line on them and knocking them forward.
Throw Backward – Boomerang Kiseru (Ganbare Goemon Gaiden: Kieta Ōgon Kiseru)
Goemon will throw his opponent into the ground, and then push them off, toss his pipe into them and send them flying. The pipe will ricochet back to Goemon.
Throw Up – Shirara no Gun (Bōken Jidai Katsugeki Goemon)
Goemon will turn into a small hurricane, spin the opponent around in a circle and launch them high into the air. He will then turn back to normal after the opponent is sent flying.
Goemon’s Entrance Animation and other Animations
Entrance (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)
Goemon will exit a curtain, as if he is leaving from a house.
Taunt Up (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)
Goemon will spin his pipe in a circle and then bonk himself on the head, surprising himself.
Taunt Forward (Mystical Ninja Staring Goemon)
Goemon will face the screen and start to do a “DBZ” style charging pose. His hair will then flair yellow, like he went super sayian. Goemon will then power down right afterwards.
Taunt Down (Legend of the Mystical Ninja)
Goemon will spin his pipe, similar as his up taunt, but instead of hitting himself on the head, he succeeds in the spin and gives a pose, extending his other hand and standing on one foot, to look cool.
Idle 1 (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon)
When Goemon has been left idle for too long, he will put his hands on his hips and start tapping his foot. He has a very angry expression on his face, to signify he is not amused.
Idle 2 (Goemon Anime)
When Goemon has been left idle for too long, he will pull out a rice ball and quickly eat it up before getting back into stance.
Victory 1 (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon)
Goemon will plant his foot into the ground, with a wide gap between his legs. He will put his left hand forward and spin his head in a clockwards fashion. This looks very similar to his animation that is played when he picks up a fortune doll in the Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon N64 game
Victory 2 (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon)
Goemon descends from the sky with sparkles flying around him. This mirrors his animation as he is dropped off by Impact after successfully defeating an impact boss. Goemon will hit the ground and perform a pose with his pipe. The standard legs spread and arms forward pose he often takes.
Victory 3 (Mr Goemon)
Goemon will turn to the screen, hop on one foot to the left, all the while throwing some Ryo. He will continue hopping left throwing the coins until he disappears off screen.
Lose Screen
Goemon performs a slow clap, with a rather angry look upon his face.
Victory Theme (Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon)
This is the Goemon Impact Victory Theme that plays once Goemon Impact has defeated a giant robot.
This is a rip of the Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon (N64) music, i say rip because this is different from the official OST which i found already uploaded her...
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Goemon’s Classic Mode:
Title: Most Likely to star in a
The theme of Goemon’s arcade mode is twofold. Not only is he going on a standard adventure to defeat the villain a-la his gaming adventures, but he is also attempting to break into the west and show the world he is Most likely to star in a video game. His classic mode revolves around taking down other famous game protagonists, but in the vein of a goemon adventure.
Round 1 –Vs. Pac man, Mr. Game and Watch
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The first round is Goemon starting with the earliest known game characters in the game. He is taking on the elderly of Pac man and Mr Game and Watch.
Round 2 –Vs. Ryu, Megaman
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Goemon’s journey has only begun. It is now time for him to take on his next advisory. He has to defeat the Capcom powerhouses Ryu and Megaman, showing that his series has what it takes to stand with his retro kin.
Round 3 –Vs. Giant R.O.B.
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After many major battles, there is often an impact battle. This fight is to represent that. That is why he is fighting a giant ROB.
Round 4 –Vs. Sonic, Bayonetta
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Goemon is now making a stop at the Sega building. He is taking on the heros of Segas old and new series.
Round 5 –Vs. Simon, Richter, Snake
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One last stop before the Goemon takes on the greats. He Is taking on his Konami brethren to show how strong he really is.
Round 6 –Vs. Mario, Luigi, Peach and Bowser
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The final stop, to show the world he is most likely to star in a smash game is the Mario team. Goemon is to take on Mario and his crew. Goemon usually would not be doing this alone, but given Smash, he has to do his best.
Round Final –Vs. Gallom
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Every Goemon game often ends with, or closely with an impact boss battle. Gallom is a perfect stand in for said fight.
Goemon’s Stage: Plasma Fortune Telling House
https://imgur.com/yNZgeD8
The Goemon Plasma stage is rather simples compared to many of the stages that came before it. It is a single walk off platform that has one small wall placed in the middle of the stage. This wall is just a rope that can be bounced off of. The left, right and up directions are where opponents can be KOed. The stage has some background cameos, mainly being Plasma himself and his two fantastic dancers. When the fight gets intense, Plasma will swing on his rope more and more and when the battle gets down to the last minute, or final stocks, the dancers go into dancing overdrive and start dancing at a much quicker pace. It is a simple stage, in the same vain as Dracula’s Castle.
There are other stage cameos outside of Plasma and his Dancers. Specifically Omitsu, Princess Yuki, Kurobei and Ms. Impact peering in from the roof every now and then.
Goemon’s Music Tracks:
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Here is a list of potential music tracks for the series:
Ganbare Goemon (Famicom) - Secret Maze
Ganbare Goemon 2 (Famicom) - Hokkaidoba
Ganabre Goemon Gaiden (Famicom) - Battle Theme
Ganbare Goemon 2 (Super Famicom) - Title Screen
Ganbare Goemon 3 (Super Famicom) - Boss Theme
Mystical Nina (N64) - I Am IMPACT
Legend of the Mystical Ninja (SNES) - Goemons Home Oedo
Ganbare Goemon: Uchuu Kaizoku Akogingu (PSX) - Oedo Town
Goemon's Great Adventure (N64) - Ryugu Castle
Ganbare Goemon DS (NDS) - Dangerous Pathway
Ganbare Goemon (Pachislot) - Iga Ninja Mansion
Gabare Goemon 2 (Panchislot) - Beat the Mecha Corp
Goemon’s Spirit Board:
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 1: The Royal Family
Type: Assist/Defense
Class: Novice
Ability: Increased Defense
Character: Wario, Villager, Inciniroar
Stage: Suzaku Castle
Rules: Standard Battle
This battle is rather straight forward. You have three opponents that exist that represent the Lord, Princess and her ninja cat. All three will try to avoid the player, running away when the player gets close.
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 2: Monoshiri and Omitsu
Type: Primary/Speed
Class: Advanced
Ability: Increased item power
Character: Goemon, Mii Brawler, Villager
Stage: Animal Crossing Town
Rules: Standard Battle
The player is tasked with defeating Goemon as the Mii Brawler whom is wearing a Vince beard and a Villager run away and throw projectiles at the player.
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 3: Gaiden Companions
Type: Assist/Neutral
Class: Novice
Ability: Higher Hp in Stamina, +10
Character: Simon, Robin, Daisey, Corrin, Inciniroar, ROB, Lucina
Stage: Dracula's Castle
Rules: Stamina Battle
This battle is a 1 v 7 free for all where the player is tasked with defeating proxies for old RPG companions. Simon, Daisy and Inciniroar are all small.
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 4: Baben and Goroku
Type: Assist/Speed
Class: Advanced
Ability: Increased projectile attacks
Character: Mr Game and Watch. Donkey Kong
Stage: Mario Galaxy
Rules: Stamina Battle
Standard Battle where the enemies favor projectiles.
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 5: Seppikumaru and the 4 Tsugiri
Type: Assist/Attack
Class: Legend
Ability: Start with Beam sword
Character: Captain Falcon, Kirby, Kirby, Kirby, Kirby
Stage: Mario Galaxy Omega
Rules: Standard Battle
All enemies start with a beam sword. The Moon Assist trophy will also appear randomly as the battle progresses. Defeat all fighters to win the battle..
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 6: Bismaru
Type: Assist/Neutral
Class: Advanced
Ability: Start with a Lips stick
Character: Wario, ROB
Stage: Gaur plains
Rules: Standard Battle
The player is tasked with defeating Wario, and then a Giant ROB.
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 7: Goemon Impact
Type: Primary/Attack
Class: Ace
Ability: Chance of getting a 2nd Final Smash
Character: Goemon
Stage: Arena
Rules: Standard Battle
Defeat a Giant Goemon whom will get his final smash randomly during battle.
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 8: Goemon Team
Type: Primary/Neutral
Class: Legend
Ability: Stronger B moves
Character: Goemon, Goemon, Goemon, Goemon
Stage: Plasma's Fortune Telling
Rules: Standard Battle
Defeat all 4 goemons
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 9: Shin Goemon Team
Type: Assist/Attack
Class: Ace
Ability: Start with a Super Scope
Character: Goemon, Goemon, Goemon, Goemon
Stage: Big Blue
Rules: Standard Battle
Defeat all 4 goemons. All Goemons have a super scope.
Goemon’s Spirit Battle 10: Boken Goemon Team
Type: Assist/Defense
Class: Ace
Ability: Increased weight
Character: Goemon, Goemon, Goemon, Goemon, Inciniroar
Stage: Delfino Plasa
Rules: Standard Battle
Defeat all 4 goemons and the tiny Inciniroar. .