Game Statistics

• 80 stages.
• 5 game modes.
• Auto-save feature.
• Four players on 1 cart.

Game Design
From a top-down view, you are a slowly rotating rod with a circle in the middle. Supposedly it's a helicopter. Anyway, you have to navigate each of the mazes, while attempting not to hit any walls. After hitting the wall three times, you'll explode and have to start over. The mazes vary from simple, wait until the stick is turned enough to fit, to the extremely difficult, hit the bumper to rotate the other direction, then hit it again on the way past to change back to the same direction, repeat as required. It sounds easy, but until you've got in there and truly had a go at the later levels, you'll know what I mean. You can also collect upgrades, which you can use later on to improve your chopper. And if you're a perfectionist, you can go for the stars on each level, by never ever hitting a wall, and there's also some records programmed in for you to beat.

Graphics
While not the fine point of the game, they're cute and effective, just don't expect the standards of Mario Kart: Super Circuit, more along the lines of a GBC game with a little extra colour and some detail in the backgrounds. The graphics aren't the point of the game though - Tetris didn't need anything fancy to be a hit, and nor does this. If graphics are your thing, you're probably not a puzzle fan anyway.

Sound
Simple, catchy tunes are what this game relies on, and considering you'll be busy concentrating, you don't want loud blaring rock music distracting you. The sound effects sound like they're out of a cartoon - boings, crashes etc. and suit the kidsy graphics perfectly. Not so much speech, only a little here and there, but it's good enough if you ask me.

Control
The controls are very responsive, which is a good thing because a lot of movements are on reflex. You can play with just the D-Pad on most stages, but on long, thin stretches you can use A and B to speed up a little, but you need to be careful when using speed around corners, as the helicopter continues to rotate at the same speed, and may cause you to crash. The controls are good though, and, for obvious reasons, quick to learn.

Satisfaction
The game definitely left me satisfied, if a little frustrated. With so many courses, you'll be expecting the end long before you're actually there. Don't give up!

Replay Value/Game Length
Kuru Kuru Kururin has great replay value, just for the fact that it's addictive. You finish one level, and the next is unlocked, so you keep playing that one untill you unlock the next one. With a huge number of courses, including the mini super-hard stages, the game is extremely long, and you can pick it up at any time and continue where you left off. This one will last you a long time, and it'll probably even outlast the highest quality games, with its innovative and slow-paced puzzlery. And once you're done, you can always play a little multiplayer, where you have to be first to reach the target.

Overall
This game is a hit in my books. It's hard to put down, even after tens of losses on a single course, the frustration dies off fast, and you'll be coming back for more before too long. So take a chance on an import game, I'm sure you'll love it, just like I do.

Game Design	8.8
Mechanics	8.5
Innovation	9.5
Originality	10
Extras	9.5
Depth	6.5
Graphics	7.5
Character/Animation	6.5
Environment	6.5
Framerate	6.5
Sound	7.0
Music	7.5
Sound FX/Voice	6.5
Control	9.2
During Play	8.5
Menus	9.5
Functionality	9.5
Satisfaction	9.8
Challenge	10
Fun-Factor	9.5
Replay Value/Game Length	8.5
Multiplayer	7.5
FINAL SCORE	8.5

Review by Rago

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