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Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure

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9.5 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 41 critic reviews
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Based on 6 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Mastiff Games

Developer: Falcom

Genre(s): Action, Role-Playing Game

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older)

Release Date: February 12, 2007

Summary

Gurumin stars a strong-willed girl named Parin, who is sent to live with her grandfather in a small mining town while her parents are off excavating an ancient ruin. With no other children living in this town, Parin is surprised one day to encounter a young girl being tormented by a stray dog. After Parin drives off the mongrel, she is shocked to discover the young girl is actually a monster, and like all monsters, invisible to adults. Parin is soon invited to pass through a crack in the wall behind her home and enter Monster Village. Parin has just started making monster friends when evil spirits, known as the Phantoms, invade the village and monsternap most of the inhabitants. Parin soon learns of the Legendary Drill, a weapon hidden underneath the village and, in the right hands, powerful enough to destroy the Phantoms. Thus begins Parin's quest to reclaim the Legendary Drill and set the world right. Features Non-linear game play set in vast world with a variety of stages in different environments. 23 non-player characters, 48 unique enemies, and over 90 items to collect. Destroy everything in your path with your legendary drill: almost all objects are destructible, and many hide money and valuable items. [Mastiff Games]

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What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Worth Playing

With an all-star voice cast and an overall wonderful gameplay experience, I heartily recommend Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure to anyone looking for a game for their kids or looking for a good action-RPG for the PSP.

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Deeko

It's not the longest game on the planet and it suffers from a few problems that keep it from achieving true greatness, but the overall experience is one that is captivating from the very beginning and doesn't let you go until the very end - and once you beat the game, you're given the chance to play through using a different difficulty level, unlocking every side quest, item and feature to be found in the game.

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Console Gameworld

Gurumin should definitely be on your list of must-have PSP games. Action RPG fans will enjoy playing the role of a cute little girl with attitude.

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GameBrink

Despite its flaws, Gurumin is the best action/platformer on the PSP (though many will still prefer "Daxter" most likely). It’s colorful, has a good battle engine, and nice Indiana Jones type levels for players to make their way through. [JPN Import]

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GameZone

Easily one of the most enjoyable and surprising adventure games to grace the PSP, Gurumin is one of those rare treats that are fit for gamers of all ages.

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Play Magazine

Charming, full of personality, and with a gentle sense of humor. [Mar 2007, p.70]

Gaming Target

Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure gets a lot of things right, even though it gets a lot of its cues from other adventure games, namely Zelda or Kingdom Hearts. On top of that, its more childish overtones may prevent older gamers from giving it a chance.

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ZTGameDomain

A breath of fresh air to the PSP family.

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Extreme Gamer

Besides having a typical storyline and a few camera issues, Gurumin is a solid action adventure game on par with the big leagues.

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My Gamer

This title is definitely a sleeper hit.

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Gamers' Temple

If you were to convert The Legend of Zelda into a platform game and threw in a dash of Hello Kitty cuteness, the result would look a lot like Gurumin.

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PSX Extreme

Even though Gurumin borrows quite a bit from other notable adventure games like Zelda, it's still got a soul of its own and a unique charm that few games possess. It's heartwarming in every way, but also an incredibly satisfying experience that fans of the genre absolutely must look into.

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Gamer's Hell

This diamond in the rough makes me want to brush the dust off of my PSP and give it a whirl. Gurumin is an action adventure game with a classic cutesy Japanese look and a well suited plot line.

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Just RPG

One of the areas that Gurumin definitely excels in would be the sound department. The game features a large cast of voice actors, many of which do a terrific job.

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Gaming Nexus

Gurumin is exactly what the doctor ordered, an exciting action/adventure game full of memorable characters and fun levels to fight through. It may not be the best looking game on the PSP, but it's easily one of the best adventure games for Sony's handheld.

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Digital Entertainment News

This surprising action role-playing game deserves a go with its spot-on blend of action, platform, and role-playing elements. While there’s certainly some room for improvement, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure overwhelmingly succeeds in providing an enjoyable gaming experience.

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G4 TV

One of the first real surprises of the year. Fun and childish, yet bizarrely addictive, the mix of solid and interesting gameplay, crazy characters, and some great dungeons make this a great adventure for gamers of all ages.

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RPG Fan

It doesn't have an incredibly lengthy quest or a massive skill system for hardcore RPG fans to dig their teeth into, but Gurumin is the type of game that will snag the attention not only of a core gamer, but also of the younger sibling or sometimes-gamer significant other.

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Pocket Gamer UK

Quirky and bold, Gurumin proves that a simple dungeon-crawler can be as compulsive as even the most heavily-scripted affair.

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TotalPlayStation

Disarmingly solid. One expects a game this spritely to be a little lax on the depth or story. Neither is the case here; what you will find amidst all the genuinely enjoyable characters is an adventure that reaches well beyond the confines of a My First Adventure Game aesthetic and actually satisfies on a hardcore level.

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The New York Times

Gurumin’s varied settings, simple but engaging combat and interesting story are fun even if your inner child has already reached middle age.

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GameSpy

Suffice it to say that I was completely captivated by this game from start to finish. Of course, it helps that I'm a fan of the JRPG genre.

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PSM Magazine

Gurumin might seem too easy for a lot of gamers, especially at the start, but don't be deceived: there are several harder difficulty modes to unlock. [Apr 2007, p.85]

Games Radar (in-house)

Gore-hounds might go into sugar shock, but if you enjoy light-hearted action RPGs, you’ll probably fall in love with Gurumin.

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GameSpot

Gurumin's engaging combat mechanics, likable characters, and standout music easily make up for its more glaringly unoriginal qualities.

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Modojo

Gurumin serves up a bevy of mostly entertaining fare via its lighthearted romp through a whimsical land of monsters and phantoms. Just don't expect a grandiose story or sweeping genre innovation, and despite its kiddie trappings and minor flaws you may be amazed at how fun this game can be.

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Cheat Code Central

With its cute colorful graphics and simple yet entertaining quests, Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure is one of the few games everyone should play if for nothing else than the sheer fun of it.

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IGN

One of those pleasant surprises that you wouldn't necessarily expect from its childlike appearance. A ton of difficulty levels, loads of accessories and costumes for Parin and lots of mini-games await players that are willing to give this game a chance.

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Playstation Official Magazine UK

Gurumin isn't quite essential, but it is a warm, fluffy, approachable RPG that fits the PSP format like a cashmere-lined glove. [Aug 2007, p.114]

GameCritics

The box art might not be interesting (and personally, I think the title of the game is terrible) but once past those superficial elements it's impossible to ignore the superior design and technical mastery that's present in every minute of gameplay. Gurumin puts most of the PSP's library to shame without even trying.

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GamePro

A lot of people may be turned of by the childish themes and plot, but anyone who puts real time in with the game won't be disappointed with how it plays nor with the unexpected amount of depth there is to be found.

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Armchair Empire

Gurumin is a pretty short game, and these trinkets help encourage replayability, especially at the higher difficulty levels.

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Games Master UK

Tasty! [July 2007, p.84]

WHAM! Gaming

Once every few years, a game comes along that changes all the rules. A game so unique and so groundbreaking that it not only redefines a genre, but redefines how we as gamers connect with our world. This ... is nothing close to that kind of game. But damn if it isn’t fun.

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Eurogamer

It's worth a look if you're short of a good portable adventure, but it's not quite smashing.

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PSM3 Magazine UK

If its girly nature doesn't put you off, you'll have a good time. Otherwise, you'd better look elsewhere. [July 2007, p.85]

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

As a fluffy fantasy adventure Gurumin pushes all the right buttons, although it's hardly serious RPG fare. [July 2007, p.98]

Game Informer

Some of the characters are very memorable and the game has a few scenes that are so bizarre they’re laughable, but the plot as a whole is pretty lame.

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1UP

Despite its control and camera issues and the general predictability of the game's structure (and laughable plot), it's a pleasant throwback to some of the better early 3D adventures.

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GameDaily

No matter how delightful main character Parin and her amusing dialog, dull combat amounts to little more than frequent taps of X and most gamers will breeze through the simple puzzles.

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Thunderbolt

As charming as Parin and the residents of monster town are, everything else is rather stale and clichéd, and that which has already been done better many times before it.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 6 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Jared B. gave it a10:
This game is fantastic. I just bought it and I've played it for two hours non stop. The music is fun, the graphics put my psp to work, the storyline is interesting, the main character is adorable, and the style is addicting. Best psp game I own. I love the ability to free roam. The only downfall is that it's too easy at times, but there are upgrades for weapons and lots of cool special moves and combos.

Nick gave it an8:
okay - I got hooked. I didn't think I would, I really didn't. But damn, the whole thing is so cute and endearing! I'm not a hardcore gamer by any means, but I like my share of stuff like Metroid Prime, etc. And the little things in this game, the little quips here and there show an underlying humor and a love for what they were making. I normally get turned off by the over-Anime style of things, but here - the localization actually works and the humor is smart and enjoyable. The camera makes me want to punch a hole in the wall most of the time, and yes - there is button mashing to be had, but I don't think it's "easy" nor do I think it's "simple". It's fun. Try saying that for MOST PSP games out there, you'll have a hard time.

Eddie B. gave it a9:
The PSP library is finally getting some great games. This game is a hidden gem. It looks really kiddy, which is maybe a minus, but I liked the graphics and gameplay. It feels very old school (espec. the music!). I recommend that you check it out.

Biscotti Lover gave it a10:
I love this game! I want to be Parin, I want to be there, I want to meet the monsters, I want to talk to them. Can't believe the characters feel so real. They'll grab your heart within 20 minutes!

Tom E. gave it a10:
Without a doubt the best Action RPG on the PSP. Beautiful graphics, great sound, lots of depth, well balanced. Resorted my faith in the PSP.

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Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure

Game Info

Summary

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

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