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In the vibrant landscape of 1990s Japanese gaming, promotional tie-ins often resulted in some of the most creative and bizarre titles ever to hit store shelves. One of the most iconic examples of this "advergaming" era is U.F.O. Kamen Yakisoban: Kettler no Kuroi Inbou. Released during the height of a massive marketing campaign for Nissin’s Yakisoba U.F.O. brand of instant noodles, this title brings the eccentric world of food-based superheroes to life. Whether you know it as U.F.O. Kamen Yakisoban: Kettler's Black Conspiracy or by its original Japanese title, UFO Kamen Yakisoban: Kettler no Kuroi Inbou, the game stands as a fascinating relic of a time when corporate mascots were treated with the same reverence as action movie stars.
The narrative of the game is as campy and entertaining as the commercials that inspired it. The story follows U.F.O. Kamen Yakisoban, a hero whose very existence is dedicated to the glory of instant noodles. The plot kicks off at the hero's wedding, but there is a major problem: Yakisoban is a bit dense. He stands at the altar, ready to exchange vows, and doesn't even realize that his bride-to-be, Mayumi, is missing until the ceremony is already well underway.
It is soon revealed that the villainous Kettler has kidnapped Mayumi. Kettler, a man with a kettle for a head, intends to marry Mayumi himself. However, his motivations go beyond romance; Kettler harbors a dark desire to destroy the very concept of delicious Nissin Brand instant Yakisoba. Yakisoban must set out on a quest to rescue his bride and protect the culinary integrity of his favorite meal from Kettler’s black conspiracy.
U.F.O. Kamen Yakisoban: Kettler no Kuroi Inbou is a classic side-scrolling brawler (or beat 'em up) that adheres to the established tropes of the genre while injecting a healthy dose of food-themed humor. Players control the titular hero as he fights his way through various stages, ranging from city streets to more abstract environments. The combat is straightforward, allowing players to punch, kick, and use special moves to dispatch Kettler's lackeys.
Reflecting its promotional roots, the game features a variety of foodstuffs as power-ups and environmental elements. The visual style is bright and colorful, mimicking the aesthetic of a tokusatsu (special effects) television show. While the mechanics are accessible, the game provides a solid challenge for fans of 16-bit action games, requiring players to master the timing of their noodle-powered attacks to overcome the eccentric bosses Kettler throws their way.
This game was originally released as a promotional item and later as a retail product specifically for the Japanese market on Nintendo's 16-bit hardware.
While it was never officially released outside of Japan, U.F.O. Kamen Yakisoban: Kettler no Kuroi Inbou has gained a cult following among international retro gaming enthusiasts. Its legacy is tied to the sheer absurdity of its premise and the high production values for what was essentially a long-form advertisement. It represents the pinnacle of the Yakisoban craze that swept Japan between 1993 and 1995, featuring the likeness of Michael Tomioka, the actor who portrayed the character in live-action commercials. Today, it is often cited in discussions about the strangest licensed games ever made, holding a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the weirder side of gaming history.