Gen the Carpenter Gameboy game

Hammerin' Harry, also known as Daiku no Gen-san (Carpenter Gen) in Japan, stands as a testament to classic platforming adventures. Developed and published by Irem in 1990, this series of games brought the tale of Harry, or "Genzo Tamura" in Japan, to various gaming platforms such as arcades, Famicom, Game Boy, Super Famicom, and Sony PSP. Harry, a skilled carpenter armed with his trusty hammer, becomes the guardian of Beranme, his hometown, defending it from the grasp of corrupt construction companies.

Gen the Carpenter: Smash Smash Hammer Smash, a hidden gem in the Game Boy Color library, remained an exclusive treat for Japanese audiences. Developed by Biox and released by Irem in 2000, this puzzle-platformer diverged from the series' traditional action-packed gameplay. Instead, it offered a more subdued, yet equally engaging experience, challenging players to navigate through intricate puzzles as Gen embarked on a quest to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend, Kanna, from the clutches of evil forces led by President Kuromoku and Dr. Parallel.

In Smash Smash Hammer Smash, players journey through sixteen expansive stages across four worlds, each culminating in a mix of action and puzzle-solving as Gen faces off against formidable bosses. Armed with three distinct hammers, players must utilize their unique properties to overcome obstacles and progress. The Wooden Hammer turns enemies into movable blocks, the Metal Hammer interacts with magnets, and the Pico Hammer lures enemies, enabling strategic puzzle-solving.

What sets Smash Smash Hammer Smash apart is its incorporation of optional collectibles, such as stars hidden throughout the stages. These collectibles not only provide additional challenges and replay value but also hint at the game's depth by requiring advanced maneuvers to reach them. Through clever level design and subtle cues, players discover hidden techniques like the Hammer Jump and Hammer Pop, expanding their repertoire of moves beyond the basic controls.

As players master these advanced techniques, they unlock new layers of enjoyment, akin to the satisfaction found in mastering Celeste's intricate maneuvers. The game's depth and replayability extend beyond mere completion, inviting players to explore its nuances and strive for personal bests.

Despite its limited release, Smash Smash Hammer Smash garnered praise for its inventive gameplay and intricate level design. Its success paved the way for Biox's subsequent title, Samurai Kid, which further refined the formula introduced in Smash Smash Hammer Smash, promising even more thrilling adventures to come.