This is an abbreviated article with links to the ROMs and ISOs of the games. To read the full article, please visit Hardcore Gaming 101 at the link below.
Gussun Oyoyo / Risky Challenge – Arcade (1993) [ Irem ]
Every Gussun Oyoyo game plays in exactly the same manner. Instead of controlling your character directly, the game takes an odd Lemmings+Tetris approach. Gussun walks around like an idiot, content to dive off cliffs, suicide into enemies, and drown in water. Your job is to drop pieces to close the gaps and keep him out of harm’s way. Fortunately Gussun will try to co-operate and climb up blocks. If you’re real lucky, he’ll make it all the way to the exit.
If you have any volunteers, play this game with a friend. This turns a hectic and frustrating experience into… well, no I suppose having a friend doesn’t make the game easier. But at least it’s more fun! And only one of you has to make it to the end, which is nice.
Gussun Oyoyo / Gussun Oyoyo S – Playstation / Saturn (April 28th, 1995) [ Xing Entertainment ]
Instead of keeping the original levels, Xing went ahead and made their own. After getting through a few arcade stages, you’ll notice the game quickly changes. Soon you’re off in Xing land, surrounded by new challenges. If you thought the original was hard, this game has levels that are literally nigh impossible. Personally, I have nothing but hatred for the latter half of this game and I hardly recommend you subject yourself to its content.
Super Gussun Oyoyo – SNES (August 11th, 1995) [ Banpresto ]
Super Gussun Oyoyo is everything you would expect of an SNES arcade port. It looks authentic, but the music and voices are a bit tinny because of the available sound chip.
A versus mode is added if you want to crush your friend. You’re both thrown into an arena, tasked with surviving the longest. Drop those pieces to stay out of the water and away from the top. Whomever drowns last is the victor! It’s actually pretty fun and feels like a strange twist on Tetris.
Super Gussun Oyoyo 2 – SNES (May 24th, 1996) [ Banpresto ]
Everything is new and improved. The levels are completely original and sometimes have a much nastier bite. Don’t expect too much – the controls and power-ups are identical to the first one. This time around, the game takes it easy and gives you unlimited continues. It will even save the game when you quit. Thank goodness!
Overall, it’s clear that this game is more awesome in every way. It’s so polished that it gleams with a shine that will blind you to the original.
Zoku Gussun Oyoyo – Playstation / Sega Saturn (October 10th, 1996) [ Banpresto ]
The stage map looks nice, the animated tiles are appealing, etc. You’ll appreciate all the little additions that make the whole experience stand out from its brethren. Banpresto also added some cool new modes. There is a better Versus Mode with new ideas remixed from the SNES sequel. You’ll notice Puzzle Mode makes a triumphant and welcome return. There is also a single-player Survival Mode that makes the Tetris allusion complete. This mode is pretty laid-back for those of you that want to relax and zone out. For the masochists, the last new mode presents a challenge that is more focused on killing and staying alive in a frantic environment.
Gussun Paradise / YoYo’s Puzzle Park – Playstation (November 22nd, 1996) [ Irem ]
The idea is to clear each stage of enemies. You can use a party popper to daze your victims. You then bring them to a nearby bomb and set it off. If you hold down the attack button, you can pick up and throw enemies and bombs into each other. You can also grab an unsuspecting friend and use him as a projectile. He probably won’t appreciate it.
With so many unique locales, cute animations, relentless action, and crazy ideas, I honestly can’t recommend this title enough. It may not be the Gussun Oyoyo you know, but it’s a damn fine game. It’s got that magic 2-player co-op formula that will have you both laughing in stitches as muddle your way to the final boss.