several reviewers reiterated concerns over the previous game that the overt japanese setting and humor might alienate north american fans. one reviewer suggested the game for fans "capable of overlooking some of the games' more inscrutable cultural references." nintendo power wrote that "the story is a weird mix of sci-fi, japanese culture and superheroes, but it seems perfectly suited to the game...full of action and variety." levi buchanan, one of the magazine's reviewers, asserted that the game "radiates personality", while gamepro centered its opinion of the game as very quirky. ign echoed these sentiments, stating that the plot seemed "completely nuts...[yet] somehow fits together to make a highly entertaining and original game." the soundtrack—"always a konami hallmark"—was received well, with critics identifying "that peculiar mix of synthesizer music and old-fashioned shamisen, koto and drum music." nintendo specifically praised "subtle transitions from day to night and back again." schneider also singled out the underworld dungeon's theme for praise, remarking that it suited the "castlevania" style of the stage well. the sound effects of the game mirrored ones used in 16-bit "ganbare goemon" games, although increased in sampling rate and variety.