Shadowland

Shadowland (Youkai Dochuuki in Japan) is a side-scrolling 2D platformer with multiple branching paths. Each stage is full of bonuses, secrets and alternate exits and the player must be economical with their savings to purchase items that will help them progress. Though Tarosuke only has one life, he has a health bar with sixteen segments allowing for multiple enemy attacks. The player can recover some or all Tarosuke's lost health with healing items.

Tarosuke's main attack is his focused ki blasts, which can be charged up for additional damage (though the player must be wary not to let them charge up too much, as this will tire Tarosuke out and make him temporarily vulnerable to enemy attack). This ki blast can be upgraded by purchasing stronger versions in stores, which tends to increase the number of projectiles fired simultaneously.

During boss fights player control will switch to the friendly spirit Monmotaro, who fights the boss in Tarosuke's stead. Tarosuke will simply pray at a nearby shrine for success. Monmotaro also fights with ranged ki blasts, though his are able to home in on the nearest enemy. He is also able to fly around the stage to engage bosses easier. Once the boss is defeated, control switches back to Tarosuke.