Ikki (Japan)

In Ikki, players control Gonbe, a courageous farmer. Your primary objective is to collect all the gold coins or special items that appear on the screen to unlock the exit gate and proceed to the next area. The game features a top-down perspective, with each screen representing a small, self-contained area.

Gonbe's main adversaries are relentless ninjas. They emerge from all directions, attempting to attack you. There are various types of ninjas; some engage in close-quarters combat, while others can throw shurikens from a distance. To fend them off, Gonbe is equipped with a sickle as his primary weapon. The sickle has a short range but is effective. Additionally, you can pick up shurikens as a secondary, long-range weapon, though their supply is limited and needs to be replenished by collecting scrolls.

Throughout the game, Gonbe can acquire various power-up items. For instance, bamboo shoots can grant temporary invincibility, scrolls increase your shuriken count, and rice balls restore health. The gameplay emphasizes continuous movement and quick reflexes to dodge ninja attacks and gather items. Despite its simple mechanics, Ikki is known for its high difficulty and repetitive nature, sometimes humorously considered a "bad game" in Japan, yet it retains the unique charm of a classic arcade title.