Set in feudal Japan, Ganbare Goemon follows the adventures of its titular character, Goemon, as he navigates through treacherous landscapes and battles against evil forces. With the help of his friends Ebisu-Maru and robot Sasuke, players must work together to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
The gameplay in Ganbare Goemon is fast-paced and action-packed, with a focus on platforming and combat. Players control one of three characters: Goemon, Ebisu-Maru, or Sasuke, each with their unique abilities and strengths. The game features a mix of 2D side-scrolling levels, villages to explore, and challenging boss battles, including the infamous 3D mech fight against "Goemon Impact".