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Released during the twilight years of the 16-bit era, New Yatterman: Nandai Kandai Yajirobee is a vibrant action title that captures the zany energy of one of Japan’s most beloved anime franchises. Developed by Tom Create and published by Yutaka in 1996, the game arrived at a time when the Super Famicom was facing stiff competition from newer 32-bit consoles. Despite this, the developers managed to deliver a polished experience that serves as a love letter to the Time Bokan series. Known in its home country by the full title ＮＥＷ ヤッターマン 難題かんだいヤジロベエ, this game brings the slapstick comedy and mechanical mayhem of the Yatterman universe to life with impressive sprite work and faithful sound design.
The narrative follows the classic formula established by the Time Bokan franchise. Players step into the shoes of the heroic duo, Gan-chan (Yatterman-1) and Ai-chan (Yatterman-2), as they once again attempt to thwart the schemes of the villainous Doronbo Gang. Led by the charismatic but perpetually unlucky Doronjo, along with her bumbling henchmen Boyakki and Tonzura, the gang is on a quest to acquire wealth and please their mysterious leader, Dokurobe.
The "Nandai Kandai" in the title translates roughly to "various difficult problems," which perfectly describes the series of traps and robotic challenges the Doronbo Gang sets for our heroes. The setting spans various colorful locales, ranging from traditional Japanese villages to high-tech industrial zones, all rendered in the bright, Saturday-morning cartoon aesthetic that fans of the series adore.
New Yatterman: Nandai Kandai Yajirobee is primarily a side-scrolling action game that emphasizes both platforming and combat. Players can choose between Yatterman-1, who utilizes his signature Kendama weapon for close-to-mid-range attacks, and Yatterman-2, who uses her electric baton. The gameplay is fast-paced, requiring players to navigate treacherous platforms while fending off an army of themed mechanical minions sent by the Doronbo Gang.
A standout feature of the gameplay is the integration of the Yatterman mecha. Periodically, players can call upon iconic robots like Yatter-Wan to assist in battle or clear specific obstacles. These segments often shift the gameplay dynamic, offering a sense of scale and power that mimics the climactic battles seen in the anime. The bosses are a highlight, featuring large, elaborate machines piloted by the Doronbo trio that require specific patterns and strategies to defeat. The inclusion of mini-games and variety in level design ensures that the action remains fresh throughout the campaign.
This game was released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom, targeting the established install base of Nintendo's 16-bit powerhouse.
In the grand timeline of Time Bokan video games, New Yatterman: Nandai Kandai Yajirobee holds a special place as one of the last great 16-bit entries for the franchise. While it did not receive an international release, it has become a popular target for importers and fans of retro anime games. Its legacy is tied to its high production values; by 1996, developers had mastered the Super Famicom hardware, allowing for detailed animations and a color palette that few earlier titles could match. It serves as a bridge between the classic era of the show and the later revivals seen in the 2000s, maintaining the spirit of the original 1970s series while updating the visuals for a more modern audience.