Gamertell

Title: Densetsu no Starfy
Price: Out of print, but you may be able to find it used online from $20-$40
System(s): GBA
Release Date: September 6, 2002
Publisher (Developer): Nintendo (TOSE)
ESRB Rating: N/A
Pros: Standard platformer, cute characters, lots of items to collect and some mini-games. You can play and enjoy without any knowledge of the language.
Cons: The game itself isn’t all that challenging or difficult.
Overall Score: 8/10

This week Important Importables was going to look at and rate some DS and PSP straps and charms. That was before Nintendo made the major announcement that Stafy/Stafi/Starfy - whatever you want to call him - was going to appear outside Japan. So, I figured it would be fitting this week to go back to the beginning and review the first Starfy game, Densetsu no Starfy for the Game Boy Advance.

I often wonder if, back when TOSE and Nintendo were creating Starfy, they had any idea that the charming star would become a beloved icon. Practically any GBA or DS gamer who imports regularly knows, and may even be a fan, of the game.

The original Densetsu no Starfy may seem cute and simple. It’s your average platformer, similar to the Kirby or early Mario games. And yet, there’s something special that makes it memorable.

Only a real star can save the ocean denizens.

Technically, the whole thing’s Starfy’s fault. He’s careless and a bit of a klutz. He’s cute though, so we’ll forgive him.

See, technically he’s a star. A prince who lives in Tenkai Castle. He was moving some things around, tidying up and was carrying a bit too much. Not a good idea - especially since one of the things was a magic jar with the villain Ogura sealed inside. It dropped. Into the ocean down below. Whoops.

Shortly after, a huge storm starts up. During the course of it, Starfy falls into the ocean as well. Grandfather Rob, who appears to be a lobster, finds the young star and explains that Ogura’s causing trouble down below. Starfy sets off to fix things and head back home to his castle in the sky.

Adorable, appealing and amazingly easy.

Overall, Densetsu no Starfy is a simple adventure. The game is pretty much straightforward - go through a level to retrieve X object, find Y character or defeat Z boss. There are secret sections as well, but overall, the game’s very easy to play. The typical Densetsu no Starfy level enemy usually won’t even go out of its way to hunt Starfy down. This means the title’s a good option for a beginning or casual gamer.

This relaxed attitude gives players the opportunity to pay attention to the detail in Starfy’s underwater world. Everything is very bright and distinct. The characters he encounters, and either aids or defeats, all look unique and similar to the original oceanic creatures they’re based on. Starfy himself is a joy to watch - for a simple star he has a lot of personality. For instance, if you make him spin attack too much, he’ll get dizzy and flounder in the water or on land, dazed. When he runs, a terrified look crosses his face as if he’s wondering, “How do I stop?”

A good start for what has become a beloved series.

Densetsu no Starfy isn’t hardcore. You aren’t going to be facing overwhelming odds and challenges. The lead character doesn’t look tough (or all that cool) and the villains aren’t terribly menacing. It doesn’t have to be.

Densetsu no Starfy succeeds because it provides a unique platforming experience that takes place mainly below water, has adorable characters and seems to revolve not only around finding and defeating the main villain, but also helping other underwater denizens. It’s fresh, endearing and sometimes even relaxing - something you don’t often see in an action game.

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Importables will definitely look at some DS and PSP straps. If you don’t miss a single installment of Important Importables, or want to know right away when the next column is up, then sign up for the Gamertell Newsletter and RSS feed.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables talked about Ochaken and Ochaneko..

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