Remember the thrill of discovering a Game Boy cartridge you'd never seen before? Tucked away in the vast library of Nintendo's iconic handheld are titles that barely touched North American shores, becoming near-mythical artifacts for collectors and enthusiasts. One such intriguing obscurity is Hammerin’ Harry: Ghost Building Company for the Game Boy.
While the Hammerin' Harry series had a presence in arcades and on other consoles, this particular 8-bit outing holds a unique, somewhat elusive status, especially for those outside its specific release region. Let's grab our oversized hammers and take a look at this fascinating piece of portable retro gaming history.
What Exactly is Hammerin' Harry: Ghost Building Company?
Part of Irem's long-running Gen-san series (known as Hammerin' Harry in the West), Ghost Building Company is the Game Boy entry that brought the hot-blooded carpenter Harry to the small screen. Unlike some series ports, this wasn't just a scaled-down version of an arcade hit; it was a game designed specifically for the Game Boy, offering a distinct adventure.
The core premise remains: Harry (Gen in Japan) is a justice-loving carpenter who solves problems with his trusty, massive hammer. The "Ghost Building Company" part of the title hints at the game's plot, likely involving some nefarious construction or perhaps literal ghosts causing trouble that only Harry's carpentry skills (and brute force) can fix.
Gameplay: Swinging the Hammer on the Go
At its heart, Hammerin’ Harry: Ghost Building Company is an action platformer with beat-em-up elements. Players control Harry as he navigates side-scrolling levels, jumping across platforms, avoiding hazards, and, of course, swinging his hammer.
The hammer is Harry's primary tool, used not just for combat against various foes but also likely for interacting with the environment – perhaps breaking obstacles or hitting switches, staying true to his carpenter roots. Expect classic 8-bit challenge: pattern-based enemies, tricky jumps, and boss battles that test your timing and reflexes. It's the kind of straightforward, addictive gameplay that defined many great Game Boy titles.
The Ghost Building Company Story
While plot wasn't always the central focus of early action games, the title suggests Harry is up against a corporate entity, perhaps literally or figuratively building something they shouldn't be, possibly with supernatural help given the "Ghost" part. Harry, ever the protector of the common folk and traditional ways, must put a stop to their plans, one hammer swing at a time.
Why So Rare? The PAL Exclusive Mystery
One of the main reasons Hammerin’ Harry: Ghost Building Company Game Boy is less known compared to other GB titles is its incredibly limited release. It wasn't released in North America or even across all of Europe (PAL territories). Instead, this particular version was reportedly only sold in Austria and Switzerland.
This made it Irem's tentative step into testing the waters for the series in a Western market, but the narrow distribution meant it flew under the radar for most gamers worldwide. This geographical exclusivity is the primary driver behind its rarity and status among collectors today.
A Game Boy "Hidden Gem"?
Due to its limited release, Ghost Building Company has earned a reputation as a "hidden gem" within the Game Boy library. It wasn't a mainstream hit, but those who have played it often praise it as a solid, enjoyable action platformer that captures the spirit of the series well on the hardware.
Its rarity also contributes significantly to its value in the collector's market. While prices fluctuate, complete-in-box copies, especially, can fetch a premium, placing it alongside other sought-after PAL or Japan-exclusive titles.
Is It Worth Tracking Down Today?
For the average retro gamer curious about the title, emulation is likely the most accessible way to experience Hammerin’ Harry: Ghost Building Company Game Boy. It allows you to play the game without the significant cost and effort required to track down an original PAL cartridge.
For dedicated collectors, especially those focusing on the Game Boy library or the Hammerin' Harry series, finding an original copy – particularly a complete one – is a significant achievement and a valuable addition to their collection, representing a unique footnote in the series' history and the Game Boy's global footprint.
FAQ
Q: Is Hammerin' Harry: Ghost Building Company the only Hammerin' Harry game on Game Boy? A: No, there are other Hammerin' Harry games, but Ghost Building Company is a specific, distinct title released on the original Game Boy.
Q: Why is this game considered rare? A: Its rarity is primarily due to its extremely limited geographical release; it was reportedly only sold in Austria and Switzerland.
Q: Is the gameplay similar to other Hammerin' Harry games? A: Yes, it retains the core action platformer/beat-em-up mechanics of the series, focusing on using Harry's hammer for combat and interaction.
Q: Can I play Hammerin' Harry: Ghost Building Company today? A: Yes, you can potentially play it via emulation. Finding an original physical cartridge is difficult and can be expensive due to its rarity.
Conclusion
Hammerin’ Harry: Ghost Building Company Game Boy stands out in the vast Game Boy library not just for its quirky title, but for its status as a genuinely rare PAL-exclusive release. It's a solid action platformer that offers a taste of Harry's adventures on the go and serves as a fascinating piece for retro collectors interested in the more obscure corners of the 8-bit handheld era. Whether you track down the cartridge or explore it through other means, it's a neat little gem worth discovering.
