Play Jigoku Gokuraku Maru (Japan) Online

Jigoku Gokuraku Maru is a 1987 Nintendo Entertainment System release from Bandai, a side-scrolling action game that arrived during the NES era's surge of challenging platformers and fantasy adventures. It stands out for its stark, hellish setting and methodical pace, offering a distinct flavor among the platform's many action titles.

You control a lone warrior armed with a sword, navigating screen by screen through demon-infested realms. Your goal is to fight through each stage, defeat the boss, and ultimately conquer the underworld. The combat relies on precise timing; you slash enemies at close range while dodging projectiles and environmental hazards. The game emphasizes careful exploration, with hidden items and alternate routes rewarding thorough play. Its difficulty is steady but manageable, never feeling unfairly punishing. Moving through its eerie, detailed levels creates a tense, immersive mood that holds your attention.