Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure - Impression

Platform: Developer: Nihon Falcom Publisher: Mastiff Release Date: 02.13.2007

See all screenshots See art See propaganda See packaging

Complete Game Info Discuss on Message Board

by Jordan Jackson

Gurumin was originally a PC RPG from Nihon Falcom and was ported to the PSP on June 29. Mastiff is localizing the game under the title Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure, and it is set to ship February 12th of next year. Graphically, the game is very solid. All the areas are bright and colorful with a wacky art style that is fun and seems fitting considering most of the game takes place in the world of monsters. There are also several gorgeous animated cut scenes scattered throughout game's first couple hours. "Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure combines beautiful visuals with a solid soundtrack for a great RPG experience." Music is another area where Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure shines. All the music is catchy and fun. The Japanese version also features voice acting for main plot advancement, and it is all well done. If the North American version is comparable in that respect, it will be a welcome addition. Mastiff also says that the North American version will have both English and Japanese voices, so players will be able to choose the ones they like best. Combat in the game will be familiar to anyone that has played another Nihon Falcom game, like Ys VI: The Ark of Napishtim. Battles are done real time by fighting monsters on the field screen. On top of standard attacking and jumping, Parin can charge her drill for more powerful attacks. She can also purchase upgrades that will give her special attacks by doing easy button combinations. Enemies aren't the only thing that Parin will be drilling into. Almost everything is destructible. Parin can destroy just about anything she sees including some walls. This gives her anything from extra money to opening up paths or solving puzzles. Considering the game is on the PSP, something that needs to be addressed is load times, or rather, the lack of them. Unlike other games which can take over ten seconds between areas, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure is generally done loading in under five seconds. This helps keep the action flowing at a steady pace. All in all, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure combines beautiful visuals with a solid soundtrack for a great RPG experience. Look for a full review when the game hits retail next year.