"Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero?" Review [PSP]

The PSP may have to live under the DS' shadow but on occasion it receives a gem of a game that can't be found on Nintendo's system.  This game is Prinny: Can I Really Be The Hero? and is another 2D title accompanying the recently released Hammerin' Hero.

Prinny is a spin-off title of the Disgaea RPG series featuring penguin like characters that are forever the face of comic relief in the franchise.  Now with their own game, the Prinnies may have a means to prove themselves.

The story is simple: Prinny's boss, Master Etna, has tasked him to retrieve the stolen Ultra Dessert ingredients.  Spanned over 10 hours or missions, an army of 1000 Prinnies are issued to track down the components to rebuild the legendary tasty concoction.  Etna provides one red scarf which prevents one Prinny from exploding.  After this first "hero" dies, another Prinny from the remaining pool of 999 steps up.  When all Prinnies are gone, the game is over.

The gameplay mechanics  isn't  complicated but offers enough variety to keep the missions enjoyable.  Prinny can dish out moves including the standard slash, aerial slash, hip drop, double jump and dash.  These maneuvers are especially important in winning boss encounters.  The controls feel imprecise at times and is especially noticeable on platform jumping where many times I would either overshoot or undershoot the target.

Without an absolute doubt this game was designed to be difficult right at the onset.  It might even feel unfair at times.  But the charming aspect of this game will keep you coming back for more.

Where I'm Coming From

The PSP and DS are great little machines for portable gaming as I don't have the hours to plop myself in front of the couch anymore.  But just because I enjoy portable games doesn't mean I don't enjoy a challenge.  Prinny offers just that.

What I Compared it to

The difficulty in this game is akin to Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins and Ghouls 'n Ghosts though somewhat more forgiving.  Even normal difficulty (there is no easy difficulty) will cause excessive frustration at times.

What I Liked

The game is highly anime stylized and draws on the PSP's strength to display gorgeous 2D graphics and has an enticing soundtrack.  Voice acting is well done, cute and unique.

What I Didn't Like

I knew well in advance of the game's difficulty before I even started playing it.  For those have limited patience, this game is not for you.  Thank goodness developer Nippon Ichi added checkpoints and starts you off with 1000 Prinnys.  While I can appreciate the difficulty, I didn't care too much for the constant dying but that is the only way to learn the game.

Value

There is some replay value but the game is fairly short.  There are good amount of unlockables such as an alternate story mode by finding the ten torn letters.  Those who are seeking a challenge beyond normal difficulty can try their hands on hard where Prinny will die in one hit.

Final Word

The sense of humour in this game will be the initial draw for those looking at this game.  By the third hour/mission, this game will separate the men from the boys.  Those willing to continue will be rewarded with the satisfaction of completing the stage and more comedy.  Recommended for those willing to tough it through.