Boing! Docomodake DS Review

Apparently video games featuring mushrooms are fairly popular. Games like Super Mario Bros., which features a plumber who grows and gets extra lives from eating mushrooms. Then there is a whole video game – Mushroom Men – which not only devotes its title but makes use of the delectable fungi in its gameplay. Finally there is Dokomodake, a game where you play as a walking mushroom that divides itself to solve platforming puzzles. Oddly enough, it is the most normal of the games I just listed.

The first thing that I said when I picked up the box for Docomodake DS is that it looked a lot like a 2D Mario game. While it has the same look and feel with a vibrant color scheme and merry soundtrack, the best comparison I could make is to Klonoa 2 on the GBA. It is light on combat (which is more of a focus in games like Mario) and heavy on puzzle solving.

As I mentioned, Boing! Docomodake DS is a platforming game in which an emphasis is placed on puzzle solving. The levels are relatively small, but the focus here is on execution and figuring out how to reach the level’s exit. This is easier said than done. Docomodake is a game that makes you think, as well as plan out how you are going to go about each level that you play in the game.

Basically your only goal is to reach the end of the level. On the way though you can collect coins as well as chests to improve your score (time is another factor in calculating your grade). You move your mushroom with the control pad or you can use the face buttons (A/B/X/Y) if you are a lefty. Up on the control pad has your mushroom jump while pressing down on certain platforms he will drill down into them.

The focus here is on touch screen gameplay. By pressing Docomodake he releases a mini version of himself. You start off with five of them and can collect more as you go along. The nice thing about the mini mushrooms is that you can stack them up to create a ladder, throw them at objects and enemies, place them as steps across a gap, lay them down on a button while you move past a blockade and so on. Minis that are close to you will follow you while others on the map can be called back by tapping the hand above Docomodake’s head.

The Nintendo DS was touted as being a driver of innovation. It has certainly delivered on that promise. Docomodake is just another example of developers making use of the touch screen in creative and fun ways. This game is quite addicting, as well as a decent challenge. While there are only a total of 40 levels, you should get a good five or more hours out of it. The concept is interesting enough that you will likely come back for more.