Star Power: Why I love Parasol Stars

[grolt]

In addition to NINJA SPIRIT, the other game I finally finished today was PARASOL STARS, although it is one of the earliest games I ever had for the system.  When I bought the system from a clear-out years ago as a kid, I was also able to pick up a handful of games from my local video rental store that was also getting out of the TG-16 market.  Of all the games I got, the only two I remember actively playing was FANTASY ZONE and this one, the third (kind of) game in the BUBBLE BOBBLE universe.  I was a big fan of the original game in the arcades and on the NES, but I think PARASOL STARS might even be a little better.  More variety, bigger sprites, more colors and a score (albeit repetitive) that even manages to one up the instantly recognizable BUBBLE BOBBLE theme.  The best improvement is the whole umbrella mechanic, which allows for different kinds of attacks but also allows you to manipulate jump and float speed, and the ability to hoard attack bubbles to form super attacks.

PARASOL STARS does a great job balancing playability with difficulty - it's easy to pick up and play and the central objectives are pretty easy to execute throughout the game, but with all the things going at once in the later levels it can be difficult, but never overwhelming.  I finished this with my girlfriend on the other controller (thanks for that, null), and she was able to keep up and play right to the end, even delivering the final blow during the final bonus world.  A great two player experience.  It took us several tries to advance in the game, but eventually on one playthrough we activated a hidden door that took us to a room with a 99 credit coin, and it was pretty smooth sailing after that.  Maybe a bit too easy, but that was something I appreciated about the game - each playthrough seemed to have us doing something different, whether it was unleashing a certain random power attack, or unlocking a bonus stage or 1UP.  Even on our 10th attempt we were still uncovering new things.

Props to Working Designs for bringing this great game Stateside, in what would be the start of a pretty legendary run releasing lovingly localized gems on the SEGA CD, Saturn and PSX in addition to all their great stuff on the TG-16.

Chime up and give this game some love...I only saw three or so responses in the GOTW thread from 2014.  The dudes from Taito deserve some love.

[T2KFreeker]

I just recently got Parasol Stars again, so have really been enjoying it. I actually used to not like the game, but over time, i have gotten the itch to play it again. I am happy to be plugging away at it again. I just suck at it anymore...need more practice...LOL A classic for sure though.

[hoobs88]

I play this game every summer to try to beat my high score (see signature) since I am the self proclaimed champion of it but my current score seems unbeatable. Still needs to be played every so often since it is so fun.

[escarioth]

hmm. i missed a chance to buy this one ...
you're making me regret it now 

[T2KFreeker]

hmm. i missed a chance to buy this one ...
you're making me regret it now 

Yeah, it's really bad these days as the prices have gotten so stupid and out of control. This game seems to fetch upwards to $100.00 now! Just sadness.

[NightWolve]

I own this game as well. I can kind of remember speaking to a lady over the phone at Working Designs to order it. I paid $9.99 plus shipping I believe.

I asked her about their remaining stock and recall she said they had some Cosmic Fantasy 2 CDs left over for $29.99, but unfortunately I had already purchased an ugly used copy by that time so I couldn't justify buying a new one just cause the manual and map were all crinkled up and so forth... I think we also talked about how work had begun on Cosmic Fantasy 3 but they were at the crossroads with TTi's future and didn't know if it'd ever see the light of day.

Anyway, it's a cutesy somewhat fun game, perfect portable for your Turbo Express and while I did beat it, I don't believe it got all that much replay from me afterwards...

[johnnykonami]

One of my faves as a kid.  Seemed kinda fruity (heh heh, get it?) at the time but I was sold on it from day 1.  One of the only Working Designs releases that I still have from my original collection.  I am pretty sure I had them all at one point.  Great game though, I mean to get it set up and try to play it with my gf sometime in the near future.

[lukester]

There's a tip in the manual for how to get three identical icons. I didn't learn this until I beat the game like 10 times.

If you throw only 2 large water droplets of the same color in one stage, then that icon will appear in the next level.

Of course if you want to make the Rainbow Islands level easier, get two star icons in the toy level and then get the last icon in the Rainbow level. No pressure to get three in one level.

[KingDrool]

Definitely in my top 5 for the system. I was obsessed with this game as a kid and still play it quite a bit. I remember taking my TurboExpress on vacation and playing this thing in the car and in the hotel, eating up double-a batteries like candy. Good times.

[majors]

This game seems to fetch upwards to $100.00 now!

Even back in the turbolist days, PS was asking 30-50 IIRC. I just could not stomach spending more that $15 on a US HuCard. I ended up getting a JP copy back then since it was cheap. Great game! Collecting hidden fruit is addictive.

[esteban]

My brothers and I loved playing Parasol Stars and Cadash when they were released.

Both games had 2-player co-op, which was awesome.

[turboswimbz]

I love this game.  I need to make a run on a high score at some point.  I can't find it but I read an old article on how to maximize score, ect.  that was pretty cool.   

[grolt]

This game seems to fetch upwards to $100.00 now!

Collecting hidden fruit is addictive.

Yeah, that's my favorite part, missing an enemy with a bubble and just having an entire row of fruit pop up instead.  Then you just go all ADD and spam throw bubbles until that well dries up.  Really, it's tough to even know what you're getting in the game, because there is such a huge variety of random treats littered throughout the level, but it sure is gratifying.