Today’s spotlight is on the 1991 Famicom game, キャッ党忍伝てやんでえ (Kyattō Ninden Teyandee), developed by Tecmo.

This side-scrolling action platformer was exclusive to Japan, which is why I ended up buying a Famicom console just to play it on original hardware. Totally worth the effort!

At the start of each level, you choose one of the three Nyankī (Yattaro, Pururun, Sukashii) as your main character. You’re locked into that choice for the stage, but you can freely swap between the Rescue Team to overcome stage obstacles:

• Gotton (Meowzma O’Toole) – digs through the ground

• Mietoru (Bat Cat) – flies over gaps & to high platforms

• Rikinoshin (General Catton) – smashes boulders

• Nekkiy (Spritz T. Cat) – handles water hazards

The gameplay has shades of Mega Man and Ninja Gaiden—fast-paced, with unique abilities that force you to think about which character to use.

The game has 11 unique stages, each with a challenging boss at the end. The game gradually escalates in difficulty, but also has a password feature.

This game features all of the usual villains, and a new edition: Dr. Purple. This character, to date, has not made any further appearances outside of fan creations.

The Famicom release remains the only official video game adaptation of Samurai Pizza Cats / Kyattō Ninden Teyandee - with the exception of their cameo in Tanuki Creative Studio’s 2024 arcade hit, Jitsu Squad.

At least, until the new game is released; according to an interview with the Blast Zero CEO, Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past is expected to see an early 2027 release.