AKA Hamelin no Violin Tamaki, Violinist of Hamelin and Hamel the P-I-M-P
Based off the anime/manga, your task is to guide a young female (named Flute) safely to the exit of each stage. You control the violinist -- Hamel. It's an action/adventure game with puzzle elements, so it's definitely not your average run-of-the-mill platformer. The way you interact with Flute is a riot, as you'll see...
Just like in Nangoku Papuwa-kun, push that block to create a make shift bridge
Don't ask why, but Flute can morph into one of 16 different things! Provided, of course, you locate the proper icon first. Certain sections require certain transformations. It's all about teamwork. As said earlier, this isn't your everyday mindless platformer!
Flute follows you unless you press X to deactivate her. She'll stand still until you press X again
The interaction between Hamel, Flute and the level design is really what makes the game work so well. You can stand on her head, pick her up and carry her around, or even toss her like a cannon ball onto enemies or impeding brick walls!
Flute's expressions are priceless... don't worry this doesn't hurt her one iota....
A look at the first set of levels then:
FOREST DAYTIME
Press "A" to unleash your deadly musical notes
Sometimes you gotta hurl Flute, other times a bomb is provided
Ole Gator Face requires two hits before succumbing
[WHOA EASY THERE TIGER... -Ed.]
*sigh*
1st icon hoo-rah!
You're not Carl Lewis! What to do?
That's right, you hit 'START' and locate the proper transformation for the job. You only have 1 at this point, so it's pretty obvious what's needed here
Press X at any time to change it back to Flute
Oooooh
FOREST EVENING
Duck those thorns and grab the 1-UP
2nd icon you'll find is a frog
There's the little sucker
This level is one of my favorites. Just the aura of it is off the charts, and very reminiscent of DoReMi Fantasy's 1st world in the forest with the lifts. Once on the platform, shoot the spindle to carry the two of you gently across
Game has EXCELLENT music too, adding nicely to the atmosphere
Remember, it's either you or them
BONUS ROUND
If you collect enough stars throughout the levels you're treated to a little bonus game
No Mario 3 influences whatsoever...
THE CASTLE
DUN DUN DUN!
Those flames can be tricky
Right off the bat here, you collect your 3rd transformation icon. It's a robot that can smash any wall
"But you promised me there'd be NO bats, you lying bastard!!!!"
Best to carry her across the flame dripping bits. Relying on the "follow" command is not wise in such cases (she's a bit of a ditz y'know)
Like CASTLEVANIA's red skeletons... that yellow bugger there cannot be permanently disposed of
SNAKES IN A CASTLE!!
A PUZZLE, A MISSING KEY AND A HUMAN DART
As mentioned, puzzles play a part in the game. Here's a neat little one within the castle walls
Hmmmm, I gotta get to the top somehow... first, select the robot transformation...
Sweet
Now, position Flute on the little switch and deactivate her so she won't move from that spot. By standing on the switch, the block up top disappears. Now fire a note at the crystal ball, which results in dropping the door. Ahhh
Once you get to higher ground press "X" again to call Flute, and she'll properly climb the ladder. HURRAH! We're home free now....
[.... NOT! -Borat]
"Sorry toots... you know what it be"
Kill the snake, grab the key, the new icon (not visible here) and go!
Fourth transformation on display
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This was one of those SFC games I heard people raving about (much like Magical Pop'n and Majyuuou) before I discovered it myself. Some of these games don't live up to the hype generated through the masses
This one did
If you love action/adventure SNES games and you don't own this, you're nuts
This was one of those SFC games I heard people raving about (much like