Kuru Kuru Kururin is an innovative puzzle video game developed by Eighting and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. First released in Japan on March 21, 2001, and shortly afterward in Europe and Australia as a launch title, the game didn’t make its North American debut until 2016 through the Wii U’s Virtual Console. More recently, it was added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in February 2023. As the inaugural game in the Kururin series, it spawned two sequels, although these remained exclusive to Japan.
Gameplay Overview
In Kuru Kuru Kururin, players navigate a constantly spinning stick, known as the Helirin (or Helicopter in the European version), through intricate mazes. The challenge is to guide the Helirin through these mazes without touching the walls, adjusting its speed and direction to safely reach the end of each level.
- Control Mechanics: The Helirin’s speed can be controlled with three speed settings, and pressing one or both of the face buttons allows the player to accelerate.
- Level Design: The game features a variety of stages, each with three increasingly difficult levels. These stages are themed (ice, cave, machine, etc.) and introduce new obstacles that test the player’s precision and timing.
- Modes: Besides the main adventure, there’s a Challenge mode consisting of smaller levels focused on maneuvering through tight corners or avoiding specific obstacles.
- Multiplayer: Up to four players can join in on a single Game Boy Advance cartridge, making for competitive and cooperative gameplay sessions.
Plot
The story of Kuru Kuru Kururin revolves around Kururin, whose siblings have mysteriously disappeared. Despite having no experience beyond his home world, Kururin embarks on a rescue mission after receiving training from Teacher Hare on how to control the Helirin. Each stage represents a different part of his journey across various worlds, combining narrative with gameplay to enhance the puzzle-solving experience.
