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While the Ganbare Goemon series is largely celebrated for its vibrant action-platforming and quirky RPG elements, Konami occasionally experimented with different genres to showcase the diverse cast of the franchise. One such departure is Soreyuke Ebisumaru: Karakuri Meiro - Kieta Goemon no Nazo, a puzzle-centric spin-off that shifts the spotlight away from the blue-haired protagonist Goemon to his eccentric, blue-clad companion, Ebisumaru. Known by several names, including the English translation Go Forth, Ebisumaru! The Trick Labyrinth - The Mystery of Goemon's Disappearance!!, as well as Soreike Ebisumaru: Karakuri Meiro - Kieta Goemon no Nazo and the shortened Soreyuke Ebisumaru: Karakuri Meiro, this title offers a unique brain-teasing experience that stands apart from the high-octane adventures fans were used to on 16-bit hardware.
The narrative of the game is captured perfectly in its full Japanese title: それいけエビス丸 からくり迷路 ～消えたゴエモンの謎～. In a surprising turn of events, the legendary thief Goemon has gone missing. Without his leader and friend, the gluttonous and often bizarre ninja Ebisumaru must step up to solve the mystery. The journey takes place within the "Karakuri Meiro" or Trick Labyrinth—a series of complex, mechanical puzzles designed to thwart any intruders. The setting retains the classic "Neo-Edo" aesthetic the series is known for, blending traditional Japanese architecture with bizarre, anachronistic machinery and supernatural elements. As Ebisumaru progresses through the labyrinth, the stakes rise, forcing the self-proclaimed "God of Fortune" to use his wits rather than just his signature oversized fans.
Unlike the side-scrolling or 3D exploration found in the main series, Soreyuke Ebisumaru: Karakuri Meiro is viewed from an overhead angled perspective. This isometric view is essential for navigating the grid-based levels that make up the game's core. The player does not directly control Ebisumaru's movement in the traditional sense; instead, the gameplay revolves around guiding him from a starting point to the exit of each small level.
Ebisumaru walks forward automatically, and players must interact with the environment to change his direction or clear obstacles. This is achieved by manipulating tiles, rotating platforms, and activating various "Karakuri" (mechanical) gadgets. The levels are filled with traps, pitfalls, and enemies that Ebisumaru must avoid. Because Ebisumaru is not the most agile protagonist, precision and foresight are required to ensure he doesn't walk straight into a hazard. The puzzle design starts relatively simple but quickly evolves into complex logistical challenges that require the player to manage multiple moving parts simultaneously. It is a game of logic and timing that rewards patience and a keen eye for level layouts.
This game was released exclusively in Japan for the Super Famicom, bringing a niche puzzle flavor to the console's impressive library of Goemon titles.
Soreyuke Ebisumaru: Karakuri Meiro - Kieta Goemon no Nazo remains a fascinating footnote in the history of Konami's 16-bit era. While it never received an official Western release, it has gained a following among import enthusiasts and puzzle fans. Its legacy lies in its willingness to take a beloved sidekick and place him in a completely different mechanical context. Within the Ganbare Goemon community, it is respected for its charming animations and the way it expanded the personality of Ebisumaru. It proved that the world of Goemon was versatile enough to support genres beyond standard action, paving the way for other experimental spin-offs like board games and sports titles later in the franchise's life.