Throwback Fun -- Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? Review

GamerNode - With its new Disgaea series spin-off, Nippon Ichi Software stirs up fond memories of a bygone era, when side-scrolling, 2D action/platformers were all the rage, and the simple joys of jumping around and slashing/pummeling everything in sight were enough to keep us happy for hours on end. Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? for the PSP delivers those simple pleasures, while at the same time punishing players for thinking they're actually good at playing videogames.

In Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero, the ever-enslaved, explosive, penguin-shaped vessels for loathsome human souls are sent by their spoiled master, Etna, to collect the ingredients for the Ultra Dessert, after she discovers that her pantry has been plundered. Unfortunately for the expendable Prinnys, these ingredients are scattered across the Netherworld among ten uniquely-themed levels, and guarded by numerous enemy creatures and powerful boss characters, both from the Disgaea series and unique to this title. Because each Prinny can only withstand four hits before croaking (and just a single blow on hard mode), conquering these foes is not a very easy task.

The frequency with which players die rarely pushes frustration to its limits, however, possibly because the 1000 Prinnys available before the dreaded "game over" create a sense of comfort somewhere deep in the backs of their minds. Amid all the slashing, butt-stomping, bomb-chucking, and vehicle manning, the biggest gripe comes from the sometimes rigid feel of the game's controls. Rushing through the various stages is not really an option, as players employing that strategy will most likely only find the bottoms of many endless pits along the way. Care must be taken in order to successfully traverse the forests, fortresses, volcanoes, etc., and especially to defeat each area's boss. Simply mashing the square button won't work on these baddies; it will take timed butt-stomps to stun them, followed by short barrages of the Prinnys' regular and aerial attacks...and lots of dodging.

Throughout the journey, players will be treated to very pleasing visuals, with detailed 2D sprites moving across crisp and colorful 3D backgrounds. Character design is especially impressive, as each different type of enemy seems to convey its own personality simply by way of its appearance. Voice acting and sound effects also help to convey the silly nature of the characters, and the story in general. The game's soundtrack is enjoyable, albeit somewhat forgettable.

Prinny: Can I Really Be the Hero? is certainly an enjoyable little game. It feels like a throwback to the SNES and Genesis days, which, along with its carefully rendered visuals and lighthearted audio, will put a smile on many gamers' faces. Even so, the game doesn't skimp on challenge, and I can guarantee that the "Hell's Finest" difficulty setting will keep any gamer busy for quite some time. This one is definitely worth a try...

... dood.

16-Bit, Dood -- Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? Preview

GamerNode - Even the stars themselves are surprised at Nippon Ichi Software's new side-scrolling Disgaea series spin-off. Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero takes the demented plushie slaves of the Netherworld -- despicable human souls sewn into peg-legged demonic penguin skins that explode on impact -- and sends them on an epic adventure even Odysseus himself would shy away from. That, or they're out finding dessert.

Someone has pillaged the spoiled, iron-fisted, Prinny slave-driver Etna's dessert stash, so she decides to send 1000 Prinnies (yes, players have 1000 "lives" in this game) on a mission to retrieve ingredients from all ends of the Netherworld to re-create the ultimate tasty treat. Think of it like a sugar-coated, edible Triforce that you have to risk your life to get and then give away to someone who physically and emotionally abuses you.

Lucky for the Prinnies, Etna crafts a magical scarf that makes them only slightly less volatile on the field of battle, so players will be able to withstand a total of four hits per Prinny (in standard mode; one on hard) as they traverse the game's ten themed levels. Still, the game makes it surprisingly easy to die.

Equipped with blades, butt-stomps, and the occasional vagrant bomb, the detailed 2D Prinny sprites will make their way across impressive 3D stages, from forests to fortresses to volcanoes, collecting desserts and fending off a number of new and returning foes, including a boss encounter at the end of each area. Simple square-button slashing will get players through each stage, but the bosses require just a bit more strategy -- namely, the temporarily stunning butt-stomps. It's really a shame the Metal Slug-esque vehicles the Prinnies find along the way can't come through the boss gates.

Despite the massive number of lives at the player's disposal -- and these Prinnies really do define the word disposable -- this game is not easy. Like the great side-scrolling 16-bit action games of which it is so reminiscent, patience and precision are required to be successful during both the combat and platforming portions of Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero.

From the build I had the chance to play, Prinny is shaping up to be a solid title, and with exceptional visuals, fun-yet-challenging gameplay, and plenty of comic relief, it's definitely worth looking forward to. It ships to US retailers on February 17th, dood. (I couldn't resist.)