LikeThisGame
Ninja JaJaMaru-kun
Games Like

Ninja JaJaMaru-kun

198555/100
Platform

Fantasy

A deceptively simple platformer, its core appeal derives from the tight controls and the clever enemy placement that demands quick reflexes. You'll be throwing shurikens and bouncing across platforms, utilizing a satisfying jump mechanic to defeat the mischievous foes that populate each level. The game's charm lies in its arcade sensibilities, offering bite-sized challenges that reward skillful play and encourage replayability.

About Ninja JaJaMaru-kun

Details
The game stars the brother of Ninja-kun (from Ninja-Kid). Princess Sakura has been kidnapped by Damazu-Dayuu, and because Ninja-Kun is away on a journey, the task falls to young JaJaMaru-kun. In the game, the player starts with three lives and can only run, jump and throw shurikens. The game is divided into stages, each with four floors and eight enemies. Sakura-Hime and Damazu are placed, unreachable, at the top of the screen. Enemies use various projectiles, one of which will cause the player to lose a life. If JaJaMaru-kun lands on top of an enemy, it will simply be temporarily stunned and vice versa. Once an enemy is defeated and offscreen, a spirit will appear and ascend to the top of the screen. It can be collected before it has disappeared to receive points, which vary depending on the enemy. Sakura will sometimes drop petals that the player can collect, and Damazu will sometimes run around, dropping bombs. To advance to the next stage, the player must defeat all eight enemies by using shurikens. Some bricks yield items. They include: A cart that temporarily makes JaJaMaru-kun invincible and faster. Projectiles and enemies will also be destroyed if touched. A bottled substance that makes JaJaMaru temporarily invincible and able to walk through enemies. A red ball that increases speed. Bombs (which must be avoided). Coins that yield various amounts of points. An extra life. If all three types of power-ups are collected, Gamapa-kun, a giant frog, will be summoned, which is completely invincible and able to eat all enemies. If three of Sakura's petals are collected, the player will go to a bonus stage in which JaJaMaru-kun is on the bottom and Damazu at the top. Damazu drops bombs, and the player throws shurikens upward. If the player manages to hit Damazu, bonus points are awarded. If the JaJaMaru-kun is hit by a bomb, he goes on to the next stage. Initially the game was released exclusively in Japan, but it came to the rest of the world for the first time in 2007 as part of the Wii virtual console, as well as for Nintendo Switch Online in 2021.

Top 3 Alternatives to Ninja JaJaMaru-kun

1
Rating
Critic & community
82
Match
Recommendation strength
85%

Mega Man X

Shooter

Like Ninja JaJaMaru-kun, Mega Man X is a side-scrolling action platformer with challenging combat and rewarding exploration. Players must navigate perilous stages, defeat bosses, and upgrade their abilities.

Why recommended

  • Fast-paced action platforming with precise controls and demanding enemy encounters, mirroring the core gameplay of Ninja JaJaMaru-kun.
  • Criteria — Challenging Difficulty through demanding boss battles and intricate level design that requires mastery of movement and combat.
  • Secret paths, hidden upgrades, and a branching level structure provide a sense of discovery and encourage exploration, similar to the adventure elements in Ninja JaJaMaru-kun.
2
Rating
Critic & community
80
Match
Recommendation strength
78%

This game shares Ninja JaJaMaru-kun's emphasis on fluid movement, challenging platforming, and a sense of adventure in a beautifully realized world.

Why recommended

  • Fluid and responsive platforming mechanics with a focus on precision and timing, reminiscent of Ninja JaJaMaru-kun's demanding gameplay.
  • Criteria — Challenging Difficulty through intricate platforming sections and demanding combat encounters that require skillful execution.
  • A vast, interconnected world with hidden areas and secrets to discover, providing a strong sense of adventure and exploration.
3
Rating
Critic & community
75
Match
Recommendation strength
70%

Vagante offers a similar blend of action, challenging gameplay, and exploration, but with a roguelike twist.

Why recommended

  • Fast-paced action combat with a focus on precise movement and timing, similar to the core action gameplay of Ninja JaJaMaru-kun.
  • Criteria — Challenging Difficulty through permadeath, difficult enemies, and unforgiving level design.
  • Procedurally generated levels and hidden secrets offer a sense of adventure and replayability.

Explore Ninja JaJaMaru-kun in detail

Screenshots, prices, playtime, streams and more

View Page →

Want something more specific?

Select criteria to get personalized recommendations

Select at least 1

Explore More Games