Kururin Squash

[PeteJ]

Just killed the first boss.

I guess that sums up the differences between the orginal GBA games and this GCN version. There is a mixture of the 'classic' twisty mazes from the Gameboy, but also new style levels which are more open and have enemies littered about which can be killed by pressing A to launch your boxing gloves.
Don't worry, just to make things tough, there are some levels which are very tight and have enemies!

The controls are spot on, as they should be and graphics are extremely colourful (to the point of being sickly) and music cheery (past the point of being sickly).

So far, this is pretty much as expected. It's Kuruin, but on the Gamecube.

The boss, incidently, I was very enjoyable. The whole level was rotating on the spot (a small round cake, if you must know) and you have to get around and knock items into the middle, while avoiding the things on the cake and the enemies too. The cake rotates at different speeds and different directions, just to make it harder.

There is never any doubt as to what you have to do in the game - everything is extremely straight forward and easy to pick up. The difficulty comes in actually doing it.

The game is fully in Japanese and has a number of options I haven't yet looked at. There is a 4 player multiplayer game, which I assume is just battle mode, and it also supports GBA linkup which I think just lets you control the game with the GBA.

If you like the serious on the GBA, get this. As easy as that

[PeteJ]

Multiplayer is either a race or a battle, you can bounce off each other in the race which could be fun.

Just hooked up my GBA but nothing happened, I think it must link with the GBA version which I don't have anymore.

[highlandcattle]

The GBA link is with the new game that hasn't come out yet

[ajb_advance]

The GBA link is with the new game that hasn't come out yet

What makes you say that?

I have the game in front of me and according to the manual you don't.

Don't have a cable myself, but someone might like to try it: buy the 'Mawasite Advance' from the IN GAME shop (30,000), and follow the instructions on the screen (a new menu should appear on the main select screen) do as described on pages 36 and 38 of the manual (e.g remove the controller and replace it with the GBA cable and press GBA the A button).

[roobarb]

I have a Jap GC, link cable, GBA, and also loved the first K-K-K to bits, so should I get this? How does the linkup work, anyone know?

The Japanese language puts me off... any idea on a US release date?

[ajb_advance]

I have a Jap GC, link cable, GBA, and also loved the first K-K-K to bits, so should I get this? How does the linkup work, anyone know?

The Japanese language puts me off...

The linkup seems to have two features, 1) GBA as controller, and 2) a simple quiz, you get to know your KururinIQ. So basically naff. Very little Japanese text.

[roobarb]

The linkup seems to have two features, 1) GBA as controller, and 2) a simple quiz, you get to know your KururinIQ. So basically naff. Very little Japanese text.

That sounds **** :/

I was hoping for some action on the GBA screen - a scrolling map, or mini sub-levels that take place on the GBA screen, or a 2-player game or something along those lines....

Still, anyone know of a US release date for this?

[ElAlcesDiablo]

Given that none of the series thus far have been released in america and only the first in europe, it's dubious this one will be. Language might be a problem with any wacky minigames they may have included, but not for the main game I wouldn'tve thought.
Mine's still in the post, probly get it Wednesday-ish. I have both the GBA games so I'll see if they have any effect on the link up stuff. Looking forward to it...
Does it work alright with freeloader?

[bowser123]

There are no language problems that a little trial and error can't solve TBH.
It's all very instinctive, especially if you've played the second GBA game, Kururin Paradise.
The controls are simple, R rotates quicker, B speeds you up, A punches when available or makes a car honk noise when you can't punch.

Besides the punch ability the main addition is the coins. These have to be collected along the way to buy the different energy/time bar avatars, ships and movies, it also brings a tactical element to the game.
It's no longer enough to race through without hitting the sides, you know have to collect 100% of coins (it tells you in game what % you have) so to get the ultimate score you have to be fast and thorough in collection. Pressing X on the map screen lets you choose the ship, avatar and movie. You can also buy the world maps to show you the level and extra energy bars.

I really like the bold, bright graphics, and as mentioned previously the handling of the ship is spot on. The game also auto saves, so there's no worry about save issues.
As mentioned earlier you have to buy the GBA support from the shop, 30,000 coins opens it up. Not got it yet so I'm not certain as to what the GBA does though.

The modes initially available are:
1 player- Main game, time trial (beat a specific set course time on various difficulties, like traditional Kuru Kuru with no coins)
Multiplayer- 2-4 race or fight (collect points by shooting, most at end wins)

Overall, very promising and fun.
Not played enough to be certain but I'm not sure if Kururin Paradises branching levels (unlock new paths with keys) and bizarre mini games are available, which is a shame if they are omitted.

[PeteJ]

And just to add to that...you get more powers than punching, for example on world 2 you are able to go underwater to avoid logs and mines - though WATCH OUT! - there are mines underwater too! The game can move pretty quickly so it is quite a rush when getting through with a perfect score.

[mattSix]

anyone have multiplayer impressions for puzzle-hungry me?

[ajb_advance]

*SPOILERS*

The final world is probably the best with some new features including giant caterpillars, the final boss is quite nice, especially the very end bit.

When you finish you unlock 'tsurutsuru' (slipperly) mode which replaces the normal kurin with an ball with interia - and you can do the whole thing again.

When you have 30000 points you can buy the GBA linkup ability and you will have a new option on the main menu, select this and at the next screen unplug the controller and connect the linkup cable.

Overall a bit short, also the GBA linkup being just a quiz is a little dissapointing. Well, now onto the time challenges....

[bigbadwolf]

Had a look at any of the expert videos yet? (unlocked upon completion). Some of the later ones are pretty mad - moving between bombs etc and generally flying through the levels without ever being hit.

Bit disappointed by the 'ball' mode; the whole thing takes under an hour to complete.

Anyone know if you get anything for a perfect on each level (when you get that flowery icon thing)? I've only got a couple left to get but they're those last couple of evil ones and I'm not sure I'll bother if it doesn't unlock anything.

[ElAlcesDiablo]

In previous games, getting all perfects unlocks a new set of levels.
Beating the top times unlocks more top times.
I've not gotten all that far in this one yet though. I've got far too many games on the go atm. :/

[Papercut]

I really enjoyed the first couple of chapters, then it became a little more dull... that was playing it in a single session though.

I think it's a game I could come back to many times over. The spin-slow-fast gameplay through tight spots is spot on, and the boss fights are surprisingly decent. Not a bad multi player either.