A welcome surprise! My neighborhood mom & pop pizza shop had Kid Niki in its game room for maybe about 3 months or so in 1988. It grabbed my attention right away with the distinctive art style and color scheme, and I thought the gameplay was really fun. I always found myself popping in a quarter or two whenever I went in there. I was able to get all the way to the Grub (though not past it) before they got rid of it - pretty respectable for a 10 year old, I think. That’s the only Kid Niki I’ve ever seen in the wild, before or since, but it’s still a fond memory.
Now I want to see American Commando Ninja!! I just checked, it's on TH-cam! I've actually seen it before. It's my kind of movie! Thanks for leading me to it!
This is why I love your comprehensive reviews because while I knew about the 2 Japanese exclusive sequels and it's original Arcade version, I had no idea there was a version for Gameboy nor versions for Apple ][ and Commodore 64. I may pass on the computer ports but I'm definitely going to have to seek out and try the Gameboy version. When I was younger I would often confuse this game with Kid Kool since both titles had the word Kid in them. Since the company Irem is still around after all these years, I wish they would consider reviving their classic titles like this and Hammerin Harry for modern audiences. Sometimes I want to pick up and play something that's short with a mild challenge, has catchy music and simple controls where you're not dealing with the analog sticks and shoulder buttons. Just classicm mindless fun with cartoonish graphics. 😇
I played Kid Niki at a waterpark as a kid and I couldn't stop thinking about how weird it was. When it came out on the NES it became one of my favorite games that I beat many times. I finally bought the arcade version for my PS4 and man is it hard. I can't get far in it but it's still fun.
I beat Kid Niki in Aladdin’s Castle in my home town a few times. I would have been 15. The guy running the arcade watched me do it the first time and said no one had beat it yet. He was pretty excited… I actually felt cool.
Happy you did this video. Found memories playing at the classic Aladdin’s Castle at NIU campus as a kid. Played the NES rented from the old blockbuster.
One of my favorites changes that was made to the NES port was that after beating the boss, you could attack the scroll and it would change into a different item, which could be a difference maker depending on what it changes into. This doesn’t happen in the arcade game - the scrolls’ only purpose it the end of level bonus points.
This was a really good port for the NES. Of course I had no idea it had sequels until years later. We didn't have internet until years later so there were many surprises of what was going on in Japan in the 80's. Death Breath is one of the most memorable bosses in my gaming history.
The Japanese name is translated as Wonderful Yanchamaru.There are other differences in the versions. End of stage bonus is added faster in international version.
I first played Kid Niki during the Summer of 1989 when one of my older brother's friends let me borrow their copy of this and Spy Hunter for the NES. At first the game seemed cool to my 11 year old self but after a while those one hit deaths really started to work my nerves so I gave it back. When I was 13 i traded games with a friend at school a Kid Niki was one of them I didn't want it at first but I was like I'll give it another shot. For years I tried and tried again to tackle this game even when Game Genie was available for NES for some reason the codes didn't not work at all with my copy of Kid Niki and then I was just threw my hands up and vowed never to play this game again. Then one day in 2006 when I was bored I fired this game up on a NES emulator on my PC I finally played through the game after a couple of tries from start to finish seeing the ending which I wanted to see since 1989. Of course this was a few years before I found a speedrun of it on TH-cam.
I always put down whatever I intended to watch when I see there's an update here. Great to see another video. I played the NES version first and wasn't able to finish the last level. Years later, I finally bought the Arcade Archives arcade port. Seems like the NES version has secret rooms that the arcade version doesn't have. Also, I wonder what the words the Mad Monk shouts at you. Such a strange and fun game.
Thanks for another video, I hope you are doing well Patman! Ironically, I don't think I knew about the arcade version until after I had the NES version. I always thought the game characters were really funny, especially that monk boss who drops literal F-bombs. It was a bit difficult but I managed to beat it on the NES a few times.
I first saw Kid Niki at a 7-Eleven in Taylorsville, Utah. I hadn’t gotten to play it then though. I can’t remember where I finally played it. I did have the NES game. I also got it on Arcade Archives.
SOOOO glad to you back to making these wonderful videos for us once again! I didn't really know much about this game previously, so I learned a lot while watching this. As always, looking forward to your future offerings and your continued good health!
I have only ever known 1 person who could beat the NES version, and they said it was "an easy game." I think the furthest I've ever gotten was the Samurai warrior on stage 7. The music for the Green Grub stage is so good, that I'd like to know why it's only featured once. If PatmanQC's had an award ceremony, the winner for "Best Farts n Queefs" would be the Apple II version!
Most addictive game back then and a favorite. I vaguely remember you could hit random area in the sky and something appeared. Maybe it was those special weapons you showed 🤔
Funny you should mention Mario when talking about the third game. It was one of a few Famicom games that were hacked by pirate game companies to make unofficial Super Mario sequels. I played the bootleg version (found on eBay back in the day) before I even knew what Kid Nikki was.
2:09 - there was a game on the NES that was called "Dragon Power" that i spent 3 hours watching a video to find. I remembered playing it as a kid, but never recalled the name. I later found out it was the Dragon Ball Z game. 10:39 - man, what a blast from the past! I played "Kid Nikki" in the arcade when i was in the 3rd grade. I remember Street Fighter 1 was next to it and Sky Kid. Death Breath is where i got my first insult for kids in my class😄 i never seen anybody making past Big Baldy. 18:35 - the 3rd game looks like Charley Brown to me 👀 Sweet video PatMannnnn💪🏆😎
Not "Dragon Ball Z", but the very early Dragon Ball where Goku is still a kid. (As you probably know, the "Z" was only added to the cartoon, and the comics were always just called "Dragon Ball" in Japan.)
@KasumiKenshirou thanks for the correction. I remember borrowing Dragon Power in the 3rd or 4th grade. I could remember how the game looked, but i could never remember the name. Back then, i had no idea it was based on Dragon Ball. I saw The cartoon for the first time maybe in 2010. 😎
Cool. I was recently playing this unique action game with the spinning staff weapon. Fun game and great coverage of this game's history, Patman QC! Thanks also for showing the home versions. I will try to complete this game finally after all these years!
2:09 The character of Yanim Maru ヤニム・マル or Kid Nikki キッド・ニッキ was really heavily inspired by the character of Son Goku 孫悟空 or Goku 悟空 from the original Manga and Anime hit series call Dragon Ball which remained strong and continue to the series to this day, since Dragon Ball was created by legendary manga artist by Akira Toriyama, (R.I.P) (Rest in Peace) Akira Toriyama you always be remember as legend manga artist for Shonen Jump and as a legendary character designer for Dragon Ball, Dr Stump, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest, Blue Dragon along with other work that Mr. Toriyama really work on will always be remember as the legendary manga artist. 🐲🇯🇵⛩️🏯
Enjoyed this video I remember trying this in the arcades haven't seen this game for quite sometime. Hopefully you can do a Dovumentary on the Arcade game of Black Tiger one day.
At first I thought this was going to be a precursor / lead up to the game Legend of the Mystical Ninja. There character reminds me a bit of the guy from LotMN.
Love this game, especially the cartoon graphics! Got it loaded onto a Super RetroCade, just wish I was somewhat good at playing it. I'd even settle for slightly mediocre!
This game was everywhere back in the day. Never had any interest in playing it, I do now. Always recommending good games to play.. Ever play Gun Nac? Must have Genesis Blast processing on it. Does some amazing screen effects.
Best retro reviews around 👍🏻
Glad you think so!
Very thorough, well presented, and done with love.
Also best TH-cam channel ever
The NES version has alot of hidden secrets to discover. It was fairly difficult, but it was fun.
Patman doing the excellence that he does and what we all love to watch. Welcome back! 🔥❤
Thanks buddy
A welcome surprise! My neighborhood mom & pop pizza shop had Kid Niki in its game room for maybe about 3 months or so in 1988. It grabbed my attention right away with the distinctive art style and color scheme, and I thought the gameplay was really fun. I always found myself popping in a quarter or two whenever I went in there. I was able to get all the way to the Grub (though not past it) before they got rid of it - pretty respectable for a 10 year old, I think. That’s the only Kid Niki I’ve ever seen in the wild, before or since, but it’s still a fond memory.
The arcade game really drew me in as well back in the day and was excited to get the 64 version until I played it :-)
They have it at the galloping ghost arcade.
Now I want to see American Commando Ninja!! I just checked, it's on TH-cam! I've actually seen it before. It's my kind of movie! Thanks for leading me to it!
Thank you Patman! This was one of my favorite games on the NES when I was a little kid.
This is why I love your comprehensive reviews because while I knew about the 2 Japanese exclusive sequels and it's original Arcade version, I had no idea there was a version for Gameboy nor versions for Apple ][ and Commodore 64. I may pass on the computer ports but I'm definitely going to have to seek out and try the Gameboy version. When I was younger I would often confuse this game with Kid Kool since both titles had the word Kid in them. Since the company Irem is still around after all these years, I wish they would consider reviving their classic titles like this and Hammerin Harry for modern audiences. Sometimes I want to pick up and play something that's short with a mild challenge, has catchy music and simple controls where you're not dealing with the analog sticks and shoulder buttons. Just classicm mindless fun with cartoonish graphics. 😇
I played Kid Niki at a waterpark as a kid and I couldn't stop thinking about how weird it was. When it came out on the NES it became one of my favorite games that I beat many times. I finally bought the arcade version for my PS4 and man is it hard. I can't get far in it but it's still fun.
The arcade game is pretty difficult
13:28 I love how much the western cover is lying. The cutesy art direction in the actual game must've been quite a surprise.
I beat Kid Niki in Aladdin’s Castle in my home town a few times. I would have been 15. The guy running the arcade watched me do it the first time and said no one had beat it yet. He was pretty excited… I actually felt cool.
I haven't thought about this game in decades, but I used to love playing it. Thanks for the flashback.
New PatmanQC video! Yes!
Hope you enjoy it
Def one of my ultimate FAVORITE arcade games of ALL time 👍
Excellent
Happy you did this video. Found memories playing at the classic Aladdin’s Castle at NIU campus as a kid. Played the NES rented from the old blockbuster.
Glad you enjoyed it
This game was on my 12 year old wish list! Thanks for covering it!
Absolutely, thank you for watching
I remember the NES game well.
It turned out to be a really good conversion
Doesn't compare to the arcade version that look huge
Another good video. The man at the beginning of the videos isn't lying, this is PatmanQC on fire edition. You're kicking ass since you've been back.
One of my favorites changes that was made to the NES port was that after beating the boss, you could attack the scroll and it would change into a different item, which could be a difference maker depending on what it changes into. This doesn’t happen in the arcade game - the scrolls’ only purpose it the end of level bonus points.
This was a really good port for the NES. Of course I had no idea it had sequels until years later. We didn't have internet until years later so there were many surprises of what was going on in Japan in the 80's. Death Breath is one of the most memorable bosses in my gaming history.
NES version was a childhood favorite. Not to mention one of the secret areas sends you flying out of a dinosaur's bumhole when you exit!
The Japanese name is translated as Wonderful Yanchamaru.There are other differences in the versions. End of stage bonus is added faster in international version.
I first played Kid Niki during the Summer of 1989 when one of my older brother's friends let me borrow their copy of this and Spy Hunter for the NES. At first the game seemed cool to my 11 year old self but after a while those one hit deaths really started to work my nerves so I gave it back. When I was 13 i traded games with a friend at school a Kid Niki was one of them I didn't want it at first but I was like I'll give it another shot. For years I tried and tried again to tackle this game even when Game Genie was available for NES for some reason the codes didn't not work at all with my copy of Kid Niki and then I was just threw my hands up and vowed never to play this game again. Then one day in 2006 when I was bored I fired this game up on a NES emulator on my PC I finally played through the game after a couple of tries from start to finish seeing the ending which I wanted to see since 1989. Of course this was a few years before I found a speedrun of it on TH-cam.
I remember seeing this game at a bowling alley and thinking it was the coolest thing ever, that you could spin your sword and let enemies run into it.
Yes it was very cool
Welcome to Another Edition of the HAPPY LITTLE GAMES Show, with PATMAN QC
"Boomshakalaka!"
LOL thanks
I've always wondered why the NES version featured Kid Niki's outfit colored red, as opposed to yellow. 🤔
I always put down whatever I intended to watch when I see there's an update here. Great to see another video. I played the NES version first and wasn't able to finish the last level. Years later, I finally bought the Arcade Archives arcade port. Seems like the NES version has secret rooms that the arcade version doesn't have. Also, I wonder what the words the Mad Monk shouts at you. Such a strange and fun game.
Thanks for another video, I hope you are doing well Patman! Ironically, I don't think I knew about the arcade version until after I had the NES version. I always thought the game characters were really funny, especially that monk boss who drops literal F-bombs. It was a bit difficult but I managed to beat it on the NES a few times.
I first saw Kid Niki at a 7-Eleven in Taylorsville, Utah. I hadn’t gotten to play it then though. I can’t remember where I finally played it. I did have the NES game. I also got it on Arcade Archives.
SOOOO glad to you back to making these wonderful videos for us once again! I didn't really know much about this game previously, so I learned a lot while watching this. As always, looking forward to your future offerings and your continued good health!
Yayy! Finally someone talks about one of my fav obscure games of my childhood.
Glad you're back Patman. Hope you are doing well.
You are an inspiration to many people PatmanQC, and i wish you and your family a fantastic Christmas and a fabulous New Year, too
I have only ever known 1 person who could beat the NES version, and they said it was "an easy game." I think the furthest I've ever gotten was the Samurai warrior on stage 7. The music for the Green Grub stage is so good, that I'd like to know why it's only featured once. If PatmanQC's had an award ceremony, the winner for "Best Farts n Queefs" would be the Apple II version!
I used to play the Heck out of this game as a kid in the Arcade. The Nes port is A great conversion!
Your videos are great sir! Hope you are staying well! Thanks a lot
So glad your back and I hope your doin better brother, missed your videos man!
"It's all in the reflexes.'
- Jack Burton 'Big Trouble in Little China'
Most addictive game back then and a favorite. I vaguely remember you could hit random area in the sky and something appeared. Maybe it was those special weapons you showed 🤔
Happy to see you back pats.
Funny you should mention Mario when talking about the third game. It was one of a few Famicom games that were hacked by pirate game companies to make unofficial Super Mario sequels. I played the bootleg version (found on eBay back in the day) before I even knew what Kid Nikki was.
Patman is back! I'm very happy to see your videos pop in my feed Pat! Welcome back! 😊🔥❤
My M
man! Still doin the best videos on the best games love to see it!!
Awesome game but super difficult in my opinion, I usually get frustrated and quit but I always come back.
I totally LOL'd at the "Silver Bells" remark. But I definitely gotta give this game a shot.
Aww, poor Patman's wife.
Silver Bells hits right when you sing it, though.
This is one I have literally never heard of before!
2:09 - there was a game on the NES that was called "Dragon Power" that i spent 3 hours watching a video to find. I remembered playing it as a kid, but never recalled the name. I later found out it was the Dragon Ball Z game.
10:39 - man, what a blast from the past! I played "Kid Nikki" in the arcade when i was in the 3rd grade. I remember Street Fighter 1 was next to it and Sky Kid. Death Breath is where i got my first insult for kids in my class😄 i never seen anybody making past Big Baldy.
18:35 - the 3rd game looks like Charley Brown to me 👀
Sweet video PatMannnnn💪🏆😎
Not "Dragon Ball Z", but the very early Dragon Ball where Goku is still a kid. (As you probably know, the "Z" was only added to the cartoon, and the comics were always just called "Dragon Ball" in Japan.)
@KasumiKenshirou thanks for the correction. I remember borrowing Dragon Power in the 3rd or 4th grade. I could remember how the game looked, but i could never remember the name. Back then, i had no idea it was based on Dragon Ball. I saw The cartoon for the first time maybe in 2010. 😎
I only scratched the surface on this one during a Galloping Ghost visit. I'll have to devote more time to it next time.
Well done. I did not know all the variations of Kid Nikki that were out there.
Cool. I was recently playing this unique action game with the spinning staff weapon. Fun game and great coverage of this game's history, Patman QC! Thanks also for showing the home versions. I will try to complete this game finally after all these years!
Hell hath no fury like a punk rock ninja! Stellar vid my friend! 🥷🏼❤️🎮
Thanks Rob, how are you doing?
@ excellent sir! Hope you are as well!
Great to have you back PatMan!
Anyone else here remember VGDC? Kid Niki was one of the parodies - and an animation test for Rise of the Mushroom Kingdom.
A good night when a Patman drops lets go!
2:09 The character of Yanim Maru ヤニム・マル or Kid Nikki キッド・ニッキ was really heavily inspired by the character of Son Goku 孫悟空 or Goku 悟空 from the original Manga and Anime hit series call Dragon Ball which remained strong and continue to the series to this day, since Dragon Ball was created by legendary manga artist by Akira Toriyama, (R.I.P) (Rest in Peace) Akira Toriyama you always be remember as legend manga artist for Shonen Jump and as a legendary character designer for Dragon Ball, Dr Stump, Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest, Blue Dragon along with other work that Mr. Toriyama really work on will always be remember as the legendary manga artist. 🐲🇯🇵⛩️🏯
I really love and enjoy this video patman! ❤
This is a surprise. Can't wait to watch this. That was one of my favorite Nintendo games back in the day.
Another awesome video from the master reviewer !!
Wow, thanks!
Enjoyed this video I remember trying this in the arcades haven't seen this game for quite sometime. Hopefully you can do a Dovumentary on the Arcade game of Black Tiger one day.
Excellence
Thanks
So glad to see you back. Keep on going strong.
As always, thank you for the awesome content!
Awesome 👏🏻 keep the awesome content coming! See ya Thursday !
Another great video pat :) I’m so glad you are doing well
One of my all time favorite games! Super fantastic docu-review of the game as always. 🎉 ❤✌🏽
Seeing this game being played reminds me of the game mechanics of Wonderboy: the first one and Wonderboy in Monster land! 😊
My man sounding good, my heart is so full! Keep em coming pacman!
Master of the Ninja art of algorithm
I like how some of the sounds in the game are literally taken from Kung Fu Master.
Patman video!!! Yes!!!
Hope you enjoy it
Welcome back Patman!
The Arcade was a pretty fun. Playing it on the NES didn’t have that same feel.
Another great video game documentary,glad your back Patman.
Much appreciated
Gameplay wise it has a green beret feel with the short attack.
Love the vids, theyre perfect for listening with mame going
“Short, little pockets of air blasted RIGHT IN YOUR FACE!!” 😂😂
Solid job, Pat. My dad absolutely loved the NES game. I personally prefer Yanchamaru's original Japanese look.
Thanks, I prefer his Japanese look as well
This was one my favorite games! The pizzeriabsolutea on my black
At first I thought this was going to be a precursor / lead up to the game Legend of the Mystical Ninja. There character reminds me a bit of the guy from LotMN.
Childhood classic
Love your reviews much
Love this series. Fun and weird.
2:08 That's exactly what I was thinking but then again it's a bit visibly obvious, so there!
Good call
13:30 The girl in the pink dress on the cover looks like a modified version of Casey from Return of the Living Dead.
The Japanese game ads always crack me up
Kid Nikky 3? We had it on Argentina, but it was Super Mario Bros 13.
I remember a bootleg of Super Mario 14 that used a hack version of Kid Nikki 3.
Excellent, did not know that
Keep them rollin' brother 👍
@PatmanQC I said it before, and I always say it... You have the heart of a true warrior 07
Thank you my friend
Love this game, especially the cartoon graphics! Got it loaded onto a Super RetroCade, just wish I was somewhat good at playing it. I'd even settle for slightly mediocre!
Patman, I'd Like for You to Upload the History of GALAXIAN
I have to wonder what the composer of the main theme was thinking.
Only a 10 second loop, it is catchy though
"I can't believe my boss only gave me a day to learn how to program music and then compose and program a theme song for this game!"
I enjoyed Kid Niki Radical Ninja, it's one of NES games I enjoyed!
So did I, it was great
Indeed!
Is it just me, or does Kid Niki look like a young Goku?
Like I said in the video, they were inspired by the original Dragon Ball manga
This game was everywhere back in the day. Never had any interest in playing it, I do now. Always recommending good games to play.. Ever play Gun Nac? Must have Genesis Blast processing on it. Does some amazing screen effects.
Main character always reminded me of Son Goku. So you’re not wrong.
Thanks
@ You’re welcome. Keep it up.
Death breath was the goat.
I remember the nes game
Karate champ pleade and great job thanks i love your videos
Great Stuff!
Thanks!
Awesome video have a great weekend
Thanks, you too