Overview and Gameplay
JaJaMaru sets out to rescue Princess Sakura from Namazu Dayuu and his army of yokai. Each of the 21 scenes is a compact four-level arena containing eight enemies. Break weak ceiling sections, move between floors, and defeat every foe to clear the stage. Scenes 1 through 18 introduce stronger enemy groups, while the final three mix all types before the sequence loops.
Defeated enemies release spirits for points, and Sakura periodically drops flower petals. Collecting three petals and clearing the scene opens a bonus round against Namazu Dayuu. Score milestones award extra lives, while temporary items can improve speed, extend shuriken range, protect JaJaMaru, or summon the giant frog Pakkun.
Controls And Mechanics
Move with the directional pad, jump with A, and throw shuriken with B. Jumping into weak ceilings opens routes to higher floors. Enemy attacks, bombs, flames, hidden bomb items, and expired time cost a life. Remaining still too long also summons an invincible pursuing flame.
Two-player mode uses alternating turns with separate scores and life totals. Select chooses the player count, and Start begins or pauses play.
Release And Credits
- Release year: 1985
- Developer: TOSE
- Publisher: Jaleco
- Original platform: Family Computer
