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Akumajō
Special Boku Dracula-kun
悪魔城すぺしゃる ぼくドラキュラくん
19 Oct 1990 |
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Following
their time-honoured habit of parodying everything
in sight, Konami indulged their Akumajō
Dracula Series with the cutesy Boku Dracula-kun.
This is more than a simple spoof though - it is a stand-alone
game in its own right, a fully-blown 'official' spin-off
in the same vein as Parodius. For the curious, Simon Belmont had already made
a guest appearance in the wacky Konami
Wai Wai World (1988).
This simple action game deals with the young 'Kid Dracula' and his quest to control
his evil minions. Along the way he
slowly learns how to use his powers: fireball
attacks, turning into a bat, walking on ceilings... Around
this educational theme Konami created a smart, bouncy
and ridiculous environment to get through.
Yup, it's all here: Frankenstein is a transvestite,
enraged snowmen fire popsicles, the New York skyline
is infested by crooks in blue Spider-Man outfits, King
Kong throws toy airplanes, the Statue of Liberty loves
to quiz (the answers are in her book) and you can even
gain extra lives by accurately guessing the colour of
can-can dancers' underwear.
It's silly, it's dumb, and it's also kinda fun. In
a similar vein to Capcom's Rockman
(1987) at first the game seems orientated
towards younger players; but some sections (like Stage
7's elevator) can be really tough and seriously taxing
on the nerves.
Not your traditional Dracula
then, that's for sure. Yet it fits in comfortably as
a genuine part of the series; a deliberate breath of
fresh air amidst the usual ghouls and grime.
Rating:  |
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Game Boy
Three years after the original Famicom
version, Boku Dracula-kun made a second appearance
on the Game
Boy in 1993 - not in a full-on sequel but more
of an 'enhanced remake' featuring additional levels,
different bonus games and a more emphasised storyline.
It works well: the game provides enough novelty
to be worth a quick replay, and the formula turns out
to be remarkably well suited to the handheld format.
And as opposed to the original, the GB version did get
itself an international release as 'Kid
Dracula' along with a simplified password system and (surprisingly) an
increased difficulty level.
One of the best new bonus games has to bo game 'C' for
extra lives (bottom right). Face off against
a Zombie in a game of Janken (Rock, Paper, Scissors)
with a twist: not only do you have to win the game,
but when you do you have a split second to bash the B
button, and twat him on the head. Get it right 5 times
for a 5UP, but two mistakes and you're off.
Ready? - Jan... Ken... Pon! Yay! <CRACK> |
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Akumajō
Special Boku Dracula-kun
悪魔城すぺしゃる
ぼくドラキュラくん
FAMICOM |
DETAILS
| Format |
Famicom |
| Released |
19
Oct 1990 |
| Publisher |
Konami |
| Product
ID |
RC847 |
| Size
(cm) |
14
x 9.5 x 2 |
| Weight
(kg) |
0.12 |
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The
original 1990 Famicom version
of Konami's eccentric Akumajō
Dracula spin-off remains
Japan-only to this day - and
that's a great shame considering
its undeniable charm.
Standard FC cardboard
packaging, 2Mbit cartridge,
colour manual. |
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Akumajō
Special Boku Dracula-kun
悪魔城すぺしゃる
ぼくドラキュラくん
GAME BOY |
DETAILS
| Format |
Game
Boy |
| Released |
3
Jan 1993 |
| Publisher |
Konami |
| Product
ID |
DMG-DFJ |
| Size
(cm) |
10.2
x 8.8 x 1.9 |
| Weight
(kg) |
0.06 |
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Konami's
cutesy Akumajō Dracula
tribute returns in this 1993
remix of the original Famicom
version, featuring extra levels
and simplified bonus games.
Not a bad GB game by any means,
and also quite a rarity these
days.
Standard small-size GB packaging,
2Mbit cartridge, 20-page monochrome
booklet. |
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'Akumajō
Dracula', 'Castlevania', 'Boku Dracula-kun' and 'Konami' are registered trademarks
of Konami Corporation
'Famicom', 'Game Boy' and 'Nintendo' are registered trademarks of
Nintendo Co. Ltd.
Akumajō Special Boku Dracula-kun TM & © 1990 Konami All
Rights Reserved
Page content, design & layout © 2012 Arcade Gear |
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