Play Osomatsu Kun (Japan) Online

Osomatsu Kun came out on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, developed by Namco. It was part of that wave of games based on popular anime, a common sight on the platform, and it didn't try to be anything more than a straightforward adaptation. You don't get a deep story or complex mechanics; it's just a simple beat 'em up built around the show's cast of mischievous brothers.

You pick one of the six Matsuno brothers, who all control the same, and then you walk through side-scrolling stages. Your main goal is just to brawl your way to the end of each level, punching and kicking a parade of odd enemies. The signature moves are what make it memorable: you can pick up almost any object, like a sign or a trash can lid, and whack people with it. You also have a special spinning attack that turns your character into a human top, clearing out groups of foes. The pacing is fast and a little loose, with jumps that feel floaty and imprecise. It's a game that feels silly and unpredictable in the best way, like causing a playground ruckus with your friends.