Kaiketsu Yanchamaru 3

Released by Irem in 1993, Kaiketsu Yanchamaru 3 is the third entry in the Kaiketsu Yanchamaru series — known in the West as Kid Niki. Young ninja Yanchamaru wields his trusty club across six stages to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend Sayuki. Unlike the straightforward side-scrolling of its predecessors, this installment introduces a branching exploration structure with vertical floor transitions, hidden doors, and collectible scroll items that add meaningful depth. The visuals and soundtrack rank among the finest of the NES's twilight years, and the boss encounters at each stage end deliver sharp, punchy battles. Released only in Japan, it stands as a refined farewell from Irem on the platform.