The Legendary Starfy is a vibrant and whimsical platformer that brings the underwater escapades of a starfish prince to life on the Nintendo DS. For those who missing out on this aquatic adventure-fear not! As the fifth entry in the series, it finally graced North America and promised to charm players with its colorful landscapes and quirky characters.
Dive into the depths of the ocean with Starfy, the princely starfish ready to swim through a myriad of whimsical underwater worlds! This game is primarily a platformer, but don't expect dry land antics here. Instead, prepare for some serious swimming action! Controls are similar to typical platform games when you're on land, but things take a slippery turn once you hit the water-I mean, after all, it's not called a *pool* for nothing. You'll mainly move Starfy around using the control pad, pressing B to swim faster. Each world consists of multiple stages, with bosses at the end that are just as imaginative as they are-let's say-difficult to defeat. You'll often find yourself on quests to retrieve lost treasures and power-ups like costumes and vehicles, which are like upgrading from a bicycle to a submarine: way cooler.
For a Nintendo DS title, the graphics are visually delightful! The cartoonish art style is charming, and the vibrant colors pop like a beach ball in a family reunion. Plus, it's packed with animations that bring the underwater worlds to life. You'll appreciate the polished visuals as you swim around, dodging enemies and exploring beautifully rendered backdrops, all without sacrificing the whimsical charm that defines the series. It manages to strike the right chord between looking lovely and remaining easy on the eyes when you're deep into a frustrating boss fight.
Overall, The Legendary Starfy is a charming foray into the world of underwater platforming that, while somewhat niche and unpolished, still attracts a satisfactory level of charm and gameplay. It's a cute, enjoyable experience for those who can appreciate Japanese-style whimsy, despite it being overshadowed by bigger titles. Whether you're a seasoned platforming veteran or someone who just knocked the dust off their DS, this title provides plenty of fun. So, grab yourself a squishy controller, prepare for some giggles, and dive in-after all, who doesn't want to play as a starfish? While Starfy may not rule the seas, it certainly wins hearts-7 out of 10 for our underwater prince!