Game:

Twinkle Tale (1992)

Duration: 7:59

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Original Air Date: November 16th, 2008 (Revised Today!)

This is a game sample for the Japan-only game, Twinkle Tale. The game has been fan-translated into English, but that's not what this video is about. This is one of the few "great" Japan-only releases for the system, but due to its rarity and, well, greatness, it tends to cost a fair bit, occasionally breaking the $100 limit. It's published and developed by the incredibly obscure companies, WAS (Wonder Amusement Studio) and Toyo Recording.

As Saria, the only person capable of ridding yet another video game land of evil, you'll run 'n' gun your way across nine levels of shooter greatness. The game Is interesting due to its great soundtrack, amazing detail, and distinct variety of levels, some which may require you to move along like a scrolling shooter or tread carefully so you don't plummet to your death, or backtrack through different rooms. The game also has an on-going story, another thing that sets this apart from games of its kind of the time, and is long for this kind of game with about nine fair-length levels. Saria can upgrade her weapons as you go along (The Shooting Star, Diamond Aroww, and Silver Comet) and can switch between them at will, as well as use two different kinds of "bombs". While her arsenal isn't particularly deep, it packs all the versatility she needs.

It's tragic that the game was so overlooked and was supposedly pulled from shelves shortly after its release, which is why it's hard to find; but it's easily one of the best games of its kind on the system. It's one of the few games I was willing to pay an arm and a leg for, and that's saying a lot. Enjoy.