|System: DS||Review Rating Legend|
|Dev: AQ Interactive||1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid||4.0 - 4.4 = Great|
|Pub: Ignition Ent.||2.0 - 2.4 = Poor||4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy|
|Release: March 10, 2009||2.5 - 2.9 = Average||5.0 = The Best|
|Players: 1||3.0 - 3.4 = Fair|
|ESRB Rating: Everyone||3.5 - 3.9 = Good|
Boing! Docomodake's presentation may be along similar lines as other kid-friendly fare, but it's actually more charming than you might expect. Papa Docomodake and his minis are adorable, and they're infused with a lot of personality. While the level designs eventually start to take on a similar, puzzle-heavy feel, they cover different visual themes and incorporate pleasantly bright background scenery. Appropriately chipper music and sound effects further round out the exuberant and playful tone.
With the addition of an extra unlockable world, the game includes quite a few levels (eight per world). Since the game is on the easier side, most will take only a minute or two to complete, but some offer enough challenge to tie your brain up for a bit. Instead of bashing baddies, collecting coins and treasure chests is a major emphasis. Loot you uncover throughout the game can be spent on unlocking images, songs, and other goods. This offers some limited replay value, and many of the puzzles are interesting enough to warrant subsequent playthroughs.
Despite being a product of corporate synergy that inconspicuously ties into existing brand identities over in Japan, Boing! Docomodake DS is surprisingly refreshing. Never mind the fact these mushrooms have sold their souls to the corporate machine, they're in it for the fun, and that's what they deliver.
CCC Staff Contributor