Mekuri Master

By: Derek Yu

On: April 4th, 2008

Nigoro / GR3 Project’s latest Flash game, Mekuri Master, puts you in the role of a panty-lovin’ pervert. Swing the mouse to lift up girls’ skirts as you run down the hall, raising your “Mekuri Meter” with every successful lift. When the meter gets full, transform into the “Mekuri Master,” who’s skills are so l33t that he can even upskirt female gangsters and wrinkled old teachers! It’s pervy fun (and not recommended to try in real life).

According to friend Shih Tzu, there’s some history behind this game:

But honestly, the first person I thought of when I saw this game: Prometheus, aka Arne. Any chance of a remake that features super low-cut white cotton panties?

(Source: IndieGames.com)

Capstar II

By: Derek Yu

On: October 19th, 2007

Capstar II is a new browser-based game from NIGORO, the Japanese developer behind La Mulana and Rose and Camellia. In the game you control a cute lil’ space pod piloted by none other than “The Invincible Randy.” Unfortunately, your pod’s not so invincible, so as you go through each of the 16 stages, you’ll have to avoid banging into walls, or getting blown up by various traps.

The game controls much like Sub-Terrania (Sega Genesis) or Solar Jetman (NES), with the hitch being that gravity can pull on you from any of the cardinal directions. An entertaining and challenging game, as you would expect from this developer. The later levels are especially nasty.

Comes with online time rankings and 5 difficulty levels.

(Source: Tim)

Hikkoshi (Lonely House-Moving)

By: Derek Yu

On: August 29th, 2007

Hikkoshi is the latest flash game from NIGORO, a cute story about a boy running after the girl he loves. Moles, birds, and luggage are all that stands between them!

The controls and game mechanics are very simple. Use the arrow keys and spacebar to move and jump. Collect food to replenish your life. You get points by jumping over things or more if you jump on top of them (only some things can be jumped on).

It’s hard to distinguish food and hurtful objects at first – just know that there are only four types of food: the white and black rice balls, the blue and white cans of what looks like Pocari Sweat, and the corn and lemons that the farmer will toss you.

It’s fun! Can you beat my level 3 score of 757521?

(Source: dessgeega, from The Gamer’s Quarter forums)

Rose and Camellia: English Edition

By: Derek Yu

On: July 28th, 2007

The elegant art of feminine combat… now in English.

(Source: Indygamer)

Rose and Camellia

By: Derek Yu

On: July 17th, 2007

What can I say about Rose and Camellia other than that it’s a girl-slapping game from the creators of La Mulana!

I love how insanely creepy and awesome your opponents get as you get further. The general theme / atmosphere of this one is spot on.

Death Village

By: Derek Yu

On: May 14th, 2007

NIGORO (formerly GR3PROJECT), creators of La Mulana, continue their tradition of making really, really friggin’ hard games with Death Village, a decidedly smaller, more casual title that will nonetheless have you crying by the second level. At least, that’s where I started crying. But then again, I always cry when I play games. (And also when I touch myself!)

I’m not certain what the story is behind Death Village, but your goal in each level is to get a funny old man through a haunted house and to the exit door. You don’t have direct control over him, but by slamming doors and enabling a variety of traps and scary things, you can lead him over. The atmosphere is spot on, with creepy graphics and sound effects bringing the haunted houses to life and pushing you onward.

The learning curve is deadly high, however, so make sure you at least watch the Level 1 video to get a handle on how the traps work. I couldn’t beat level two, which, on the bottom floor, requires you to somehow jump a gap. So yeah, anyone have any ideas?

(Source: Tim W.)

La Mulana Video Walkthrough

By: Derek Yu

On: May 4th, 2007

Some guy on Something Awful is working on a complete video walkthrough of La Mulana, the epic MSX-style platform game. It’s not complete yet, but there are already 56 videos done!

Unfortunately, dude decided to narrate over the entire walkthrough. Not only is it completely unnecessary, but… well, it sounds like a prepubescent Anthony Michael Hall talking through a rubber hose. WHY?! Honestly, I really dig his enthusiasm, but it makes the videos hard as hell to watch.

(Source: Independent Gaming)

La Mulana Update(s)

By: Brandon McCartin (BMcC)

On: February 11th, 2007

I’ve got just a few quick updates for you on the State of La Mulana:

One, White Knell’s guide has been updated and should be entirely consistant with the English version of the game now. It’s not a walkthrough, but it is an excellent place to look if you’re confused or get stuck or something.

B, the English patch has been updated to version 1.01, probably correcting spelling mistakes and such. (I know I’ve seen at least one.)

Lastly, looking at the logo, isn’t the game called “La-Mulana?” With a hyphen? Or maybe even “La-MuLana?” Perhaps?

Further Updates: This may already be solved, but if the update doesn’t translate the manual, download one here. (Thanks for havin’ my back, Derek and Shih Tzu!)

I also found this: A high quality MP3 soundtrack of the game. Made by the original creators, I think.

As for the difficulty complaints… they’re pretty justified. I think the developer may have allowed for a few design oversights by making the game so unapologetically retro. It’s particularly hard to start. But trust me, this game is a gem at its core.

This is my advice: Use the guide. It’s not so bad if you only use it when it’s necessary. If you’re having trouble starting out, get the Save ROM, Hand Scanner, Glyph Reader, Grail, and Shell Horn as soon as possible. (It shouldn’t take too long, really.) And wander a bunch, breaking pots and killing enemies for cash.

I’m not afraid to admit it took me like five tries before I got rolling. But I didn’t have a guide, did I? :P

La Mulana Translated to English

By: Derek Yu

On: January 27th, 2007

La Mulana, the sprawling platformer that bears a resemblence to the old MSX game Maze of Galious, finally has an English translation thanks to Aeon Genesis:

“The game is huge, with many different areas to explore and dozens of items and weapons to find. Each area has a large variety of puzzles and traps (many of them quite fiendish) and you need to solve the puzzles in each area to discover the Ankhs and Ankh Jewels, which allow you to fight the eight Guardians of the ruins. To solve the puzzles you’ll need to be able to read the tablets scattered throughout the ruins, which will require a Hand Scanner and translation software for the portable MSX that Lemeza has brought along on the adventure. Your Hand Scanner will also allow you to find items and search the bones of less fortunate adventurers.”

The game and the patch can be downloaded together from the AGTP site.

EDIT: FYI, the patch also translates the manual, included with the game!