Moving away from the straightforward side-scrolling action of its predecessor, GeGeGe no Kitaro 2: Yokai Gundan no Chosen reinvents the franchise as a sprawling, ambitious RPG-adventure hybrid. Players guide Kitaro across a top-down map of Japan, engaging in turn-based encounters that rely heavily on a unique "spirit power" resource management system. While the first game was a simple platformer, this sequel attempts a more narrative-driven experience, demanding players to interact with NPCs and solve environmental puzzles to progress through the Yokai Army's various strongholds.
Visually, the game captures the eerie, whimsical aesthetic of Shigeru Mizuki’s original manga with impressive fidelity for 1987 hardware. The character sprites are recognizable, and the enemy designs—ranging from traditional Kappas to more obscure spirits—provide a dark, atmospheric charm. However, the game is notoriously cryptic; without the fan-translation patch, navigating the menus and understanding specific quest requirements is nearly impossible for Western players. The soundtrack, while capturing the spooky theme, can become somewhat grating during the frequent random encounters and intensive level-grinding sessions.
Despite its innovations, the game suffers from a steep difficulty curve and a lack of clear direction that can frustrate modern players. The combat mechanics feel somewhat rudimentary compared to 8-bit heavyweights like Dragon Quest, and the heavy reliance on grinding can stall the pacing of the adventure. Nevertheless, for fans of Japanese folklore and retro history, this translated version offers a fascinating glimpse into a transitional era of game design where genres were still being defined. It remains a flawed but essential piece of the Famicom’s extensive library, showcasing the sheer variety of Bandai’s early licensed output.
**JOYPAD VERDICT: A charmingly spooky RPG that successfully bridges the gap between action and strategy, though its high encounter rate and cryptic progression may deter casual players. It is a rewarding experience for Shigeru Mizuki fans, provided you utilize the English translation patch to navigate its complex systems.**
