If I were to describe the PS1 Dr. Slump game on paper, it would probably sound like the most unappealing game in the world. You walk around, talk to people, warp to other places that webbed together in a convoluted manner, and complete their desired quests until you end up going to an action stage. Overworlds are tiny, placed in a void and can only be accessed from other overworld by menu. There is little to no voice acting, hardly any unique animations, not much in the way of side content at all, not even any NPCs that aren't the central characters, even. Yet, we only live on this Earth for so long, and this is a game you should play before you leave.
Dramatic, I know, but to put it into perspective, it's certainly a cheap game, but cheap in very clever ways. By skimping on realistic graphics, it succeeds at being one of the best-looking games for the PS1, toe-to-toe with Mega Man Legends. Who cares if the soundtrack is MIDI, it sure as hell bops, even if the main overworld song is played much too often. Despite the lack of voice acting and cinematic cutscenes a la MML, the dialogue, which is localized very well in the fan-made English patch, is funny and charming. The story clearly rushes through some of the manga's greatest hits, but it's enjoyable all the same. You cannot move the camera, but it's almost always in the place you want it to be. You aren't playing this game for much more than good times with the Penguin Village crew, and that's all it needs to be.
As for Arale's controls... could be better. They get the job done, but your jump is quite heavy and your combat options don't feel too well-equipped for some annoying enemies. There's also way too many insta-kill pits strewn about the later action stages, geez.
I suppose I'm biased due to my history with Dr. Slump, but this genuinely a really nice budget game for what it is. The fact that this was translated is a joy to behold, and it's super-short to boot. If you have 6 hours to spare, give it a shot.
Dramatic, I know, but to put it into perspective, it's certainly a cheap game, but cheap in very clever ways. By skimping on realistic graphics, it succeeds at being one of the best-looking games for the PS1, toe-to-toe with Mega Man Legends. Who cares if the soundtrack is MIDI, it sure as hell bops, even if the main overworld song is played much too often. Despite the lack of voice acting and cinematic cutscenes a la MML, the dialogue, which is localized very well in the fan-made English patch, is funny and charming. The story clearly rushes through some of the manga's greatest hits, but it's enjoyable all the same. You cannot move the camera, but it's almost always in the place you want it to be. You aren't playing this game for much more than good times with the Penguin Village crew, and that's all it needs to be.
As for Arale's controls... could be better. They get the job done, but your jump is quite heavy and your combat options don't feel too well-equipped for some annoying enemies. There's also way too many insta-kill pits strewn about the later action stages, geez.
I suppose I'm biased due to my history with Dr. Slump, but this genuinely a really nice budget game for what it is. The fact that this was translated is a joy to behold, and it's super-short to boot. If you have 6 hours to spare, give it a shot.