Play Tsuru Pika Hagemaru - Mezase! Tsuru Seko no Akashi (Japan) Online

Ever stumble across Tsuru Pika Hagemaru on the NES? It’s one of those Japan-only oddballs that somehow slipped under the radar—which is a shame, because it’s got this goofy, infectious energy. You play as Hagemaru, this tiny kid with a massive forehead (seriously, it’s a whole thing), bouncing around levels to collect "Tsuru Seko" badges like some kind of pint-sized scout.

At first glance, it’s just another platformer, but there’s something weirdly satisfying about the way Hagemaru moves—he’s got this little sprint animation where his arms windmill like he’s about to take flight. The levels are packed with hidden nooks for badges, and some of the puzzles actually make you stop and think (or, in my case, accidentally punt an enemy into a pit). The music’s pure ’80s cheese, all bouncy synths and pep, and the sprite work has that rough-but-charming Famicom look.

It’s definitely niche, but if you’ve got a soft spot for forgotten manga tie-ins or games where the main character looks like he’s perpetually late for lunch, give it a shot. Just don’t blame me when you start humming the theme song.