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Nintendo’s bouncy, yellow hero has finally made his way to the U.S.
Was Nintendo right to be leery about introducing this
Japanese-influenced game to Americans? This review discusses the
interesting features of this wacky game.
Starfy has been Japan’s cheerful starfish video game hero for
several years in a series of platform games made by Nintendo. These
have never been released in the U.S., perhaps because they have a
very “Japanese” flavor. Nintendo has finally decided to bring Starfy
to the West in the game Legendary Starfy for DS. This action and
platforming game has a very familiar feel—anyone who has played
Super Mario or Kirby will recognize elements in this game—but Starfy
has its own zany style.
Legendary Starfy begins with Starfy sleeping in his bed at the
Pufftop Palace. He’s rudely awakened when a space-suit-wearing
rabbit falls through the roof onto him. This creature is named
Bunston and Starfy is compelled to defend him when the Dire Pirate
Squad breaks into the Palace and tries to snatch the rabbit. Bunston
disappears with the Squad in hot pursuit, and Starfy begins his
heroic journey to save the rabbit and discover his origins. This
quirky and chaotic plot continues throughout the game, emphasized by
the bouncy, frenetic animation of the characters and the look of the
game, with its 3D background and 2D characters.
The main gameplay difference between Legendary Starfy and its
platforming predecessors is the underwater theme. Starfy can
maneuver on land, but he really excels in the water, where he star
spins, free swims, and launches into the air. As the game
progresses, other actions become available to the player as well as
transformations into four different special creatures, including a
flaming dragon named Monstar and a sonic-egg-laying chicken named
Roostar. There are multiple secret levels within the main levels, a
variety of challenges within each area, a multitude of secrets to
unlock and collectibles to find, mini-games, and a cooperative mode
where a second player can jump into the action in special sections.
The player can also collect items to purchase clothes and
accessories for a 3D Starfy in the pause menu, though this wacky
activity has no other function than to amuse—the accessorized Starfy
can’t be used within the game.
Rated E for everyone with the caveat of mild cartoon violence,
Legendary Starfy’s incredible amount of content is its weakness as
well as its strength. The game itself is simple enough to play and
very entertaining, but the sheer volume and randomness of
activities, extras, and options might get overwhelming for young
gamers. The more seasoned gamers might find the actual gameplay too
simple, but the game’s peculiar style and diverse activities will
keep them involved and having fun. Legendary Starfy may be another
in a long line of Nintendo platformers, but its aquatic theme,
bouncy quality, and wacky premise make it a delightfully different
adventure.
Pros:
- Exceptionally clear instructions for new and young gamers
- Unique characters and gameplay
Cons:
- Might not challenge experienced gamers enough
- The amount and variety of activities may become overwhelming
to younger children
Our Rating:
A
more information:
For more information, user reviews, or to buy:
The Legendary Starfy
Reviewed: 2014
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