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GBA

Japan

Kuru Kuru Kururin

by Billy Berghammer - August 8, 2001, 11:57 am EDT

9

Billy's only had the FREAKIN' Game since March! So after 5 months what does the lazy boy think of the game that's available everywhere but North America?

Ever since Spaceworld 2000, I had looked forward to one game in particular for the Game Boy Advance. I had pre-ordered an import system the second pre-orders were available, and this game was actually first on my list before Mario Advance and F-Zero. Yes, Kuru Kuru Kururin was the game I couldn’t wait to get my hands on again. Sadly, you still need to import one of the best games to ever grace the GBA.

Kuru Kuru Kururin was the first game I played on the Game Boy Advance. I think the main reason I wanted to see Kuru Kuru Kururin first was the weird screen shots we saw a couple days prior. “What the hell is this line thing dealie?” was what I thought to myself. About 2 minutes after I grabbed the transparent turquoise blue GBA (damn you Nintendo for cheating us of these beauties) I turned to Van Burnham who was playing next to me, and said drooling…”I gotta have this!”

So what is so grabbing about moving a line through an obstacle course. Do I really feel compelled to get some little birdy to safety? As a Nintendophile I have to admit that I feel obligated to help birds in helicopters. Even though I can’t understand any of the story due to the Japanese in the import. But I really do care! Don’t question my addictions.

Sure, Kuru Kuru Kururin is a very cutesy game. That would be one of the only turn offs of this game for a lot of people. The characters are adorable little birds, and the music and sound effects are more happy than most people would want to deal with in the game. To me, this game feels and appears like Bubble Bobble (Bust-A-Move) in a way. But take a second and peel back that fluffy layer and there’s more game play than most people should be allowed to enjoy. But sadly, a lot of gamers will look at this game and vomit due to its kiddie factor.

Sure, all you’re supposed to do is get this helicopter (line) to the goal without hitting the walls. Controls are as basic as they come…the A or B buttons increase your helicopter’s speed, but not your rotation. You’ll encounter springs that will change the rotation of your propeller, as well as heart tiles that will refill your hearts. You initially get 3 hearts, and you lose a heart when your propeller touches an obstacle or a wall. Lose all your hearts and your Birdy is toast. That’s really that’s about it. It’s simple enough that anyone can pick this game up and play.

The beginning few levels are pretty easy. They are basically there to get you used to the controls, and maneuvering the helicopter. About 5-6 levels in, it starts to get trickier. 15-20 levels in, it gets to be the point when you’re happy just to make it through the entire course. Oh yeah, did I forget to say that you are timed on this? Yes, there’s 4 save game slots so you and your buddies can try to get the best times.

I think my favorite part of this game has to be the multiplayer aspect. Racing though courses against friends is an absolute blast. There’s a line gauge at the bottom of the screen that tracks the progress of each player from beginning to the end of each course. When you lose all of your hearts you start over, and when the courses get tricky, it gets even more intense. You’ll see someone get real close to the finish line, and then hit a wall and lose their last heart, and then have to go back to the beginning. Usually a fountain of profanities can be heard while playing this multiplayer. Your opponents are semi-transparent so you can’t touch them, but you can see them while you race against them. It gets insane. The beauty of all of it is the fact that you only need one cartridge to play all the courses. Due to the fact that this game is import only so far, and you’ll be paying 45-60 bucks for it, it’s well worth the investment. I have no idea how many tracks there are total, but Michael “TYP” Cole and I played for at least an hour and I don’t think we saw repeating tracks. At least, we didn’t notice.

Yes, this review is about 5 months old. I was actually hoping to get my hands on an English version so I could understand all the different modes and everything else involved with the game. I still have absolutely no idea why Nintendo hasn’t released this game here in the US. It’s kind of like the Sin and Punishment syndrome…there’s no reason for this game not to be released here. If you are at all interested in this game, I implore you to seek out an English import. Europe and Australia have had this game for a while, so a little digging can get you a serious gem.

Score

Graphics Sound Control Gameplay Lastability Final
8.5 9 8 10 9 9
Graphics
8.5

Kuru Kuru Kururin’s simple concept is portrayed with its simple graphics. Albeit simple looking, the graphics are very colorful. The cut scenes are also done rather well. Overall, it’s very basic looking, but not too bad for one of the GBA’s first titles.

Sound
9

Sound Description: Another game in the GBA arsenal that you really should have headphones on to appreciate. The effect samples are very clean, and sound fantastic. I even like the little Japanese voices screaming. But what I enjoy most sonically from Kuru Kuru Kururin is its music. It’s very peaceful, ambient type “happy” music, but…very VERY catchy.

Control
8

There’s nothing too huge about the control with Kuru Kuru Kururin. Move with the D-pad, and accelerate by pushing A or B. This game is an excellent way to break a rookie in on how to play a GBA.

Gameplay
10

Fun, Frantic, and tense puzzle racing action. Your body will bob and weave while you are maneuvering your helicopter through each maze. Sure Kuru Kuru Kururin looks like it’s aimed towards the kiddies, but once you get sucked in by the action…you’ll forget all about it. All the multiplayer options are available from one cartridge, and multiplayer Kuru Kuru Kururin is probably one of the best link up games to date.

Lastability
9

I’ve been playing Kuru Kuru Kururin for 5 months, what does that tell you? The game just doesn’t get old. I’ll get stuck on a certain level, put the game down, and a week goes by and I’ll pick it up again. Multiplayer is always a good time. I’ve also noticed that girls go nuts over this game. I like girls. You get the idea.

Final
9

Kuru Kuru Kururin should have been released here in North America. It’s very confusing why Nintendo would release this title in Japan, Europe, and Australia…but leave North America out. Don’t fret, you can import this game from Europe for around 50 bucks. It seems a little pricey, but don’t miss out on this fantastic game. Due to the fact that you only need one cart to play all the multiplayer, I think it’s worth the extra money. Overall, I would have to say Kuru Kuru Kururin is still one of my favorite Game Boy Advance games. I would love a sequel or a version on GameCube. And yes, please release them in the US.

Summary

Pros
  • Addictive puzzle racing fun!
  • Cute birds in helicopters!
  • Easy to learn for anyone.
Cons
  • A little too cute for most to handle.
  • Import only.
Review Page 2: Conclusion

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Genre Action
Developer Eighting
Players1 - 4

Worldwide Releases

jpn: Kuru Kuru Kururin
Release Mar 21, 2001
PublisherNintendo
RatingAll Ages
eu: Kuru Kuru Kururin
Release Jun 22, 2001
PublisherNintendo
Rating3+
aus: Kuru Kuru Kururin
Release Jun 22, 2001
PublisherNintendo
RatingGeneral

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