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A glance down the games on Nintendo's Game boy Advance will tell you, that the puzzle genre is more than adequately represented. Sadly the list is riddled with weak licenses and throwaway budget farces. The number of games worthy of your attention today is limited to no more than a handful of titles.

One such game to make the final cut is Kuru Kuru Kururin, which released back in 2001, as one of the handhelds earliest titles. The game spawned sequels in Japan on both GBA and NGC, but Kuru Kuru Kururin is the only chance westerns got to wrestle with developer Eighting's addictive and patience trying puzzler.

Nothing fancy - just pure gaming

Kuru Kuru Kururin's premise is simple - to say the least; guide a revolving rotor around tight courses while avoiding contact with the sides. Touch the walls more than three times, and you're back to the start square.

Levels start out fairly simple, but quickly evolve into long, winding obstacle runs. Later courses turn into mind blowing endurance runs, where much needed health stations are positioned along the way, and springs must be touched to change rotor direction, if you're to make you way through the deviously designed trials.

With a perfectly designed learning curve Kuru Kuru Kururin will grab you and never let go. While you must be prepared to try and fail - a lot - each crash of your rotor brings you a little further towards goal. You'll need deft fingers, perseverance and ability to plan ahead, if you're to be successful in Kuru Kuru Kururin. But patience does bring its own reward and the sense of accomplishment, when you finally nail that killer stage, is sweet indeed.

Around 30 levels stand ready to test your reactions and strength of conviction, which judged by today's standards seems a bit on the light side. Extra play time can be had through a selection of short courses designed for time trialling. If you manage to find other Kuru Kuru Kururin owners, unlikely for obvious reasons, four players can challenge each others skills.

Simplicity is beautiful

Kuru Kuru Kururin's levels are divided into ten worlds, each with its own theme, e.g. jungle, ocean, all created with a super cute look and feel. Happy, syrupy tunes tickle your ears through the game, which helps cover the sound of grinding teeth, as you try to nail that super tight corner for the umpteenths time.

Want more now!

Kuru Kuru Kururin would be most welcomed if updated and re-released on the current handhelds digital services. Simple and easy to learn yet wildly addictive and attention absorbing like only the best puzzlers can be. Even with its short length taken into consideration - Kuru Kuru Kururin is a must have for GBA and DS owners.

Verdict: Get it!

Verdict guide:

Get it - eBay, Amazon or bargain bin - just find it! This game belongs in your collection.

Borrow - Not worth paying premium dollar for, but worth your time.

Never mind - Might've been great in its day, but now.... forget it.

Article is part of the Summer of Retro review series of the Game boy Advance top titles. For complete review list please check: Summer of Retro.

More retro reviews and news from the handheld video game scene at Handheld Gaming Age.

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