Hi everyone! You may remember my Super Princess Peach review (check the #tose tag on my blog); I found out it was a Mario-branded spin-off in a way from the Starfy series. Well, if not spin-off, then very similar. It’s the same type of exploratory 2D platforming, finding collectibles, fairly gentle difficulty, and just general look and feel.

It’s no secret that a character’s presence in Smash Bros will also increase my interest in them slightly. Anyway as the only translated Starfy title, official or otherwise, I thought I’d give this a shot. Immediately I was reminded of Ikachan, the brief indie game from the creator of Cave Story. Although Starfy is more level-based, it has a similar feel. Ok maybe it’s just because it starts underwater.

Starfy has an interesting level design dynamic, as there’s essentially two control schemes that are used equally in the game: on land and swimming underwater. Even in places like forests there’s giant droplets falling down, or later the whimsical ability to swim in rainbows that keep the balance between the two. It helps to change up the way you’re playing, and keep it fresh.

The characters in the game are all very likeable and amusing. In this game (the fifth in the overall series), there’s lots of returning ones but an unfamiliarity with the franchise didn’t hurt my appreciation. The art style includes a puppet or stuffed toy aesthetic that is very charming, as well as manga-style cutscenes. The game itself does the interesting blend of precise spritework for the environments, while decking out the backgrounds (and the occasional boss) in 3D polygons. It all adds up to an appealing mix of styles that still gel together in a colourful way.

As I alluded to, it’s pretty simple to play, and not too punishing. You get lots of health, and it’s cleverly tied to the primary minor collectible. I found it relaxing more than anything to play through, and with a configurable bottom screen, you can also be alerted to the presence of treasure if you’re looking to get everything. You will also have to replay past levels to find the secrets after unlocking more abilities, which got a little tedious at times.

The cuteness may get overbearing to you if you’re particularly macho, especially the costumes you get to dress up your perpetually-beaming star. You also get to dress up Starfy’s sister Starly, although disappointingly she’s only playable in specific sections of levels by co-op download play (a bit of a half-assed feature), and in an epilogue chapter.

There’s lots of levels, and lots of extra content to find and unlock, and it’s not too hard to do it. I think if you like the Kirby games (I haven’t played too many, but they’re definitely the most similar), this should keep you occupied. It’s got lots of fun dialogue too, so it’s got its own niche. I guess I could make a thing out of playing a game for every series represented in Smash… What do you think?