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| Title: |
Densha de GO!
(Let's go by train!) |
| Publisher: |
Coconuts Japan |
| Features: |
GameBoy/GameBoy
Color/Super GameBoy, Password Save |
| Format: |
Train Simulation
Japanese Import |
| Reviewer: |
Lancelote |
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Introduction
It's a standard simulation game: you play the conductor guiding an electric
train and transport unseen passengers from point A to point B, while carefully monitoring your speed, calculating
when to ease in the breaks, and make sure you get to the next station in time. So why on earth is there such a
big fuss about it in Japan? And why has it been ported over to so many systems? These questions can only be answered
once you have played the game. Then you'll realize what the whole hoopla is all about.
Game Play
There are two trains you can choose from in this version, though I'm still
not quite sure what the difference is, but both provide different routes to travel. There are also three controls
you can choose from. Type A is the default, where you use the directional pad to move the lever up and down to
change speed and the A and B buttons to raise and lower the brakes accordingly, type B raises and lowers the accelerator
using the D-pad, and the A and B buttons turn a dial that replaces the brakes, and finally, type C is same as B,
except that the dial and the lever has reversed in position on the screen. Also, the select button triggers the
horn. The box at the bottom indicates how many meters you are from the station, your final
destination.
There are several rules you must follow as you play the game, and honoring them will sometimes give you bonus points.
Whenever a railroad crossing comes up, you must keep your speed 70 k/ph or lose five points, exceeding 90 k/ph
will make you lose ten points, and when approaching the station, you have to keep your speed 50 k/ph or lower,
or receive another penalty of five points. Sometimes, when there's a countdown 'til you reach the station, and
your speed is 50 k/ph or lower, you will be awarded with five points, and you will also be either awarded five
points if you honk your horn to warn construction workers when the sign pops up. Of course, lives are endangered,
so five points will be lost if you don't. To win, you must stop within five meters, more or less, of the exact
stop. Five extra points are also rewarded if you stop exactly where you're supposed to. Weather and accidents also
play an important role in the game. Don't worry, though, it's not as hard to remember as it seems. You also don't
need to know any Japanese to enjoy this game.
The game is not as easy as it looks! It's incredibly difficult at times to do everything on time. There's also
a bonus round where you have to drive a gandy dancer (one of those hand-powered railcars you see all the time in
cartoons) using the A and B buttons.
Graphics & Controls
The controls are flawless, since they only require simple button pushing,
with no combinations involved. All of the buttons are pressed individually. As for the graphics, they've been done
pretty well considering this is a monochrome game. The beautiful scenes in the background provide an aesthetically
pleasing feeling and changes every time. It may not be the best in the world, but it has realistic aspects that
I personally enjoyed.
The music is one part of this game that requires much work, though. The same tune plays over and over. It really
disturbed the whole experience. Thank goodness you can turn it off.
Final Comments
This cart serves as a wonderful addition to my GameBoy collection. It plays much like a puzzle game, so it has
tons of replay value. There's this certain mystique about the game, something about helping strangers reach their
destination that makes me want to return to its weird little world. The eye candy and the overall aspect game is
very relaxing. Buy this game if you want the ultimate stress reliever! :D
It must also be noted that all the routes in this game are actual routes, meaning that there are actual people
in Japan that take these trains. The scenery is also from real places, so you will be able to see Mount Fuji, the
Tokyo Tower, and much more. It's like sight-seeing through your GameBoy! With all this kept in mind, this is a
cartridge that I highly recommend. |
