Written: 12.5.06
Acquired: 9.2.06
Status: Cart only
Price: $11

There's weird, and then there's weird

If there was ever a platformer
destined to stay in Japan from
the moment it was made, this
would win by a country mile

                              
                               It combines an anime feel
                               (based off the anime after
                               all), Japanese wackiness
                               and standard platforming
                               101 techniques. There are
                               8 worlds to romp, with
                               multiple levels for each one

Nangoku has a level-up system... any time you kill an enemy a number pops in its place, indicating how many experience points you just gained. After a set amount, you level up.
This is pretty cool. A password system is also incorporated

Sweep kick, punch and jump kick your way to victory

WORLD 1

Nutthin' like a light morning jog

                                

                                Punch these blocks for a
                                makeshift bridge to safely
                                guide you across deadly
                                bamboo spikes

Yes, a mid-boss!  An umbrell with, uh, one leg...

"A" enables your special power attack (limited)

Rays brilliantly pierce through the forest

WORLD 2

When Worms Attack, Part 2!

                                        






                                                                                          WHADDUP KIRBY!

Hmmm, do we REALLY want
to unlock that sucka?

[Actually, you do. No, really -Ed.]

                                 
                                  Mr. Potato Head's tough!

                                  Grab the key and unlock
                                  the imprisoned worm. It's
                                  actually a helper believe
                                  it or not

Level 2 of World 2

WORLD 3

Prepare for plenty of Asian hi-jinx

                             
                               You're nimble 'nuff to safely
                               make the jump there 

"I like to move it move it"

                                       






                                                                                        Mandatory flamin' bit

These moving pillars make for
a fun but DEADLY set-piece

WORLD 4

WHOA!  LINK makes a special appearance!

              






                                                                             "Um.... did you take a wrong turn?"

"Wait a sec, OH ****"

Link must have accidentally found a portal.  How times have changed in a dozen years...

"I told you, rent was due last week!"

WORLD 5

That little chick there is a baddie
believe it or not. Odd in'it?

                                    






                                                                                        Of course.... of course

WORLD 6

Ace backdrop for an ace motif

PACHINKO!

WORLD 7

Oooh, them dreary clouds help
make world 7 very atmospheric
indeed

I'll leave the rest for you to discover. There's a lot more

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Beneath this strange world of offbeat characters lies a pretty standard, yet solid, platformer. Nothing new is found here, but it's enjoyable and everyone I know who has played it, liked it.
So too have I.  Recommended