Play Kanshakudama Nage Kantarou no Toukaidou Gojuusan Tsugi (Japan) Online

Kanshakudama Nage Kantarou no Toukaidou Gojuusan Tsugi is a 1992 Nintendo Entertainment System release from Irem. It came out during a time when side-scrolling action games were plentiful, and this one fits right in with its own particular style and setting. The game doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, but it offers a distinct take on the genre with its Japanese folklore theme and explosive mechanics.

You control Kantarou, a young boy who travels the Tokaido road throwing fireworks at enemies like yokai and samurai. Your main goal is to progress screen by screen, clearing out foes and avoiding hazards, including explosive crates that can send you flying if you misjudge their blast radius. The bombs have a floaty, arching trajectory that requires careful aim and timing, especially since you often need to hit enemies above or behind obstacles. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty can be unforgiving, with instant death pits and aggressive enemies keeping you on your toes. It feels satisfying to land a well-placed firework and watch the screen clear, even when the challenge makes you retry sections repeatedly.