First Impressions: Hmm... quirky Japanese game... plays kinda like Kirby... oh why not?
Gameplay: The Starfy series wasn't originally planned for an English release, being billed as "Too Japanese"(?!) for the Western market. Sure, the fact that you play a starfish prince who lives in the clouds who has to go rescue a rabbit in a space suit who gets amnesia does seem pretty strange but it equals good fun.
In every level, you end up either underwater or on land. You have different controls for either one with Starfy doing a turbo swim underwater and dashing on land. You use your Star Spin to beat up the bad guys as well as collecting pearls and treasure chests along the way. You can exchange these pearls for outfits to dress up Starfy and his sister Starly on the menu screen. Match up an outfit with the right accessories and you unlock a scene.
There are also hidden doors that lead to sidequests which you can complete unlock secret areas for you to visit on the world map between levels.
The world map is where you select levels and is divided into several subworlds with a different theme and a different boss at the end.
At some point in the game, Bunston, the rabbit in a space suit gifts you with different forms like a dragon that breathes fire and a seal that can break through ice. These forms can only be used when Bunston is on screen and the appropriate icon for said form is over his head. Sadly, these forms aren't usually available for big boss fights.
This game also allows for wifi connection with a friend. Your buddy can play as Starfy's sister, Starly and you can explore certain levels together or beat up a boss.
That's one of the unique features Starfy has... but sadly, it's also one of the drawbacks. Starly has different abilities than Starfy and these abilities allow her to reach points Starfy can't. A cluster of pearls right over your head you can't get to can be hella annoying. It's not that big a deal, really. Just a bit frustrating.
Levels are pretty linear and getting from point A to point B is pretty obvious sometimes thanks to an obvious path or a trail of pearls.
Between levels, you can access a special menu with a plethora of choices. There's a shop where you can spend your pearls on clothes, a section where Starfy's sidekick, Moe interviews different characters, a minigame section and a cinema where you can replay all the game's cutscenes.
Speaking of which, the story is told in an adorable comic format with no voiceacting whatsoever... unless you count Starfy's squeaks.
Last Words:
This is fun for a pick up and play session. The storyline is quirky and the characters are enjoyable to say the least. The wifi thing can be a bit frustrating specially if you're used to playing alone but it's nothing to lose sleep over. Levels are still enjoyable even without the wifi.
Personally, I'm playing it for the dragon suit.
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Rating:
Graphics: 4/5
It's a cute, colorful game. The sprites are crisp and clean and the backgrounds are nicely rendered. The bosses are also awesome. My only complaint lies slightly in the 3D models of Starfy and Starly you dress up. Something just doesn't rub me the right way.
Gameplay: 4/5
Controls are responsive but the Star Spin itself can get a little out of hand. Spin too many times and Starfy gets dizzy, leaving you open for attack. Not a good thing just because you tapped Y a little too many times. It's a fun little adventure game with plenty to do and see for the perfectionist collector.
Soundtrack: 4/5
The music's nice and quirky. Fits right in with the game.
The Look and Feel: 4.5/5
Most of the gameplay happens on the top screen while you have an option to pick what you have on the touchscreen during levels. You can pick from a mermaid that gives you advice, to Moe who warns you when you're near a treasure chest, Bunston's collection screen where you see how many forms you have and how many crystal shards you've gathered and Old Man Lobber who gives you stats on how far you've travelled and how many times you spun.
The comic style storytelling works great for the presentation and makes for a fun little game all in all.
Overall Rating: 8/10
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