Play Legendz - Sign of Nekuromu (J)(Supplex) Online

Legendz: Sign of Nekuromu is a Japan-only Game Boy Advance release from Bandai, arriving late in the handheld's life. It fits right in with the era's experimental monster-collecting games, though it never saw an official English translation. The visuals are functional, with chunky sprites and a muted color palette that gives the whole experience a slightly off-kilter feel.

You control a young boy who awakens ancient mechanical creatures called Legendz, using a special device to wind them up and send them into battle. Your main goal involves exploring towns and dungeons, talking to NPCs, and gradually uncovering a plot that’s darker than it first appears. Combat relies on keeping your monster "wound" by tapping buttons rapidly; if you slow down, your creature stalls and becomes vulnerable. You also collect new Legendz by defeating them or finding hidden items, and you can mix parts to create stronger variants. The pace is deliberate, and the difficulty can spike unexpectedly in later areas. It feels strangely tense and tactile, especially when your fingers are racing to keep your monster in fighting shape.