Maru's Mission: Revisiting a Classic Game Boy Adventure

Remember those monochrome adventures on Nintendo's trusty brick? For many retro gamers, the Game Boy library holds a special place, packed with hidden gems and memorable quests. One such title that might jog your memory is Maru's Mission. Released by Jaleco, this action-platformer brought ninja-esque action to the palm of your hand.

Let's take a trip back and see what made Maru's Mission a notable entry in the early Game Boy lineup and how you might be able to play it again today.

What Was Maru's Mission All About?

At its heart, Maru's Mission is a classic rescue story. You play as the titular hero, Maru, a determined protagonist whose girlfriend, Cori, has been kidnapped by the villainous Muramasa. To save her, Maru must traverse six distinct levels, each guarded by various enemies, often inspired by Japanese folklore and mythology.

It's a straightforward premise, typical of the era, but it provides a solid foundation for the gameplay that follows.

Gameplay: Run, Jump, and Throw Stars

Maru's Mission falls squarely into the shooter/platformer genre. You'll guide Maru through side-scrolling levels, jumping over obstacles, navigating tricky platforms, and dispatching foes.

Your primary weapon is a trusty projectile, but you'll also collect various power-ups throughout your journey. These can include:

• Throwing stars (your default)
• Bombs
• Missiles
• Sonic waves
• Spears (useful for underwater sections)

The levels present a mix of platforming challenges and enemy encounters, culminating in boss battles at the end of each stage. The controls are simple and responsive, perfect for the Game Boy's D-pad and two buttons. It's a game that requires quick reflexes and smart use of your limited arsenal.

The Game Boy Experience

Playing Maru's Mission today immediately transports you back to the early 90s. The simple yet effective pixel art, the charming chiptune soundtrack, and the limitations of the monochrome screen are all part of its nostalgic appeal. Despite the technical constraints, the game manages to create distinct environments and enemy designs.

It's a game designed for pick-up-and-play sessions, perfect for commutes or gaming under the covers with a Worm Light.

Revisit Maru's Mission Today

Want to experience Maru's Mission again, or perhaps for the first time? You have a few options:

• Original Hardware: Finding a working Game Boy and a cartridge is the most authentic way, though cartridges can vary in price and condition.
• Modern Re-releases: In 2023, the game saw a re-release for the Game Boy Color (playable on GBC and GBA) titled Ninja JajaMaru: The Great World Adventure. This version offers a slightly updated experience and is available digitally on modern platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Steam, often as part of collections.
• Emulation: Playing via an emulator on PC or mobile is another popular method. Websites like the Internet Archive often host browser-based emulators for classic Game Boy titles, allowing you to play Maru's Mission directly in your web browser.

Many other classic Game Boy titles are also available via modern re-releases or emulation, like Super Mario Land, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, or Pokemon Red Version.

Whether you choose the original hardware, a modern port, or emulation, the core gameplay of Maru's Mission remains intact, offering a fun, challenging, and nostalgic trip.

Why This Mission Still Matters

Maru's Mission might not be the most famous Game Boy game, but it's a solid example of the platformer genre on the handheld. It offers a good challenge, varied levels, and satisfying combat. For fans of retro action games or anyone curious about the Game Boy's diverse library, it's definitely worth checking out. It's a piece of gaming history that shows how much fun could be packed into a tiny cartridge.

Maru's Mission: Quick FAQ

Q: What platform was Maru's Mission originally released on? A: Maru's Mission was originally released on the Nintendo Game Boy.

Q: Is Maru's Mission part of a larger series? A: Yes, the game is part of Jaleco's Jajamaru-kun series, although the original Game Boy release didn't explicitly use the Jajamaru name in all regions. The 2023 re-release is titled "Ninja JajaMaru: The Great World Adventure."

Q: What kind of game is Maru's Mission? A: It's primarily a side-scrolling action-platformer with shooter elements.

Q: Can I play Maru's Mission on modern consoles? A: Yes, the updated version, "Ninja JajaMaru: The Great World Adventure," is available on platforms like Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Steam.