I was shocked to see AVGN review this one because I always heard this was one of the better games on the Famicom at the time. I gave it a go and wow it was a fun time. You have to search around and find hidden items, items in skull doors like keys, and other members of the Goonies. Wait, is that what they’re called? I haven’t seen the movie. There’s six levels and some intermission styled levels but two of them are pretty short including the last level in the game. Make sure you get each family member before stage 6 or it’ll reset back to stage 1. Though once you know this, you’d have to purposefully do it to let this happen.

There’s a lot of traps and hazards but you can find hidden items and personally I don’t like this design choice. They’re not only hidden but you need to hold certain directions to find them sometimes which can be a pain and feel cryptic for the sake of being cryptic. They do make the fifth stage pretty easy so maybe that’s why. It’s also really hard to find the cameos like Twinbee because I only saw them via a guide. I wouldn’t use one if you don’t care about the items but I don’t blame you if you did use them for those items.

Regardless of that however, this is a fun short game. Nice condensed explorative levels with nice music, good controls, and enjoyment throughout. I didn't even care to see the movie and I still enjoyed my time. This game would only come out here in the states via the Playchoice 10 arcade cabinets. Wait then why did I review this? Oops, forgot this wasn’t Japan only technically. Oh well. Still, give it a try as it’s a great reminder of what Konami used to be, a wonderful game developer. Sure do miss when they were good…