Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Densetsu no Starfy 4 builds upon its predecessors with a delightful blend of platforming precision and light puzzle-solving. You guide Stafy through an array of underwater and land-based levels, mastering moves such as swimming, spin attacks, gliding, and short dashes. Collecting star orbs serves a dual purpose: they restore your health and act as currency for unlocking new abilities and bonus content. As the game progresses, new techniques open up previously inaccessible areas, encouraging exploration and backtracking.

Midway through the adventure, you gain the ability to switch to Stapi, Stafy’s sister, whose unique repertoire includes wall jumps and crawling through tight passages. This two-character dynamic keeps the gameplay fresh, since some levels are designed specifically around Stapi’s skill set. Beyond the star siblings, the game introduces a roster of charming animal allies—riding an angler fish through dark caverns, bouncing atop a seahorse in swift currents, or even tossing sausages with a friendly pig. Each mount adds its own physics and challenge, ensuring moments of pure joy and surprise.

The structure of each world is straightforward but engaging: complete tasks like retrieving scattered objects or clearing out specific enemies, then face off against a themed boss on the fourth level. Between worlds, you hop on a rose-topped lobster and chart a course by touching the DS’s touchscreen. Precision matters here—you must plot your route in as few strokes as possible while avoiding hazards, adding a light strategic layer that breaks up the action. Overall, the gameplay loop is satisfying, well-paced, and accessible to newcomers while offering hidden depth for completionists.

Graphics

Visually, Densetsu no Starfy 4 is a vibrant showcase of the Nintendo DS’s capabilities. The character sprites are crisp and full of personality, with Stafy’s bubbly expressions and Stapi’s determined poses conveying emotion without needing wordy dialogue. Underwater sequences shimmer with animated bubbles and light refractions, while above-water stages burst with pastel tones and whimsical details, from waving seaweed to fluttering butterflies.

Level designs are varied and imaginative, transporting you from coral reef grottoes to mechanical sponge factories, each environment feeling distinct yet cohesive within the aquatic theme. Animations run smoothly even during onscreen chaos, and the enemy designs—ranging from mischievous crabs to the sinister serpent boss—strike a perfect balance between adorable and appropriately menacing for younger players.

The inclusion of unlockable costumes adds an extra visual treat. Fan-submitted designs transform Stafy and Stapi into everything from ninja starfish to rock ’n’ roll divas, complete with animations that react when you blow into the DS microphone. This quirky feature highlights the game’s playful spirit and gives players a fun reason to revisit earlier stages just to see their latest outfit in action.

Story

At its heart, Densetsu no Starfy 4 tells a simple yet engaging tale: the Princess of the Ami Kingdom has lost a precious treasure to an evil snake, and it’s up to Stafy (and later Stapi) to restore peace and recover the stolen prize. The straightforward premise works well for a family-friendly audience, setting clear motivations without bogging down the pace with excessive exposition.

The cast of characters, though small, is memorable. Stafy’s earnest bravery contrasts nicely with his little sister’s spunky attitude. NPCs you meet along the way—including a rose-obsessed lobster postman and various anthropomorphic sea creatures—provide lighthearted dialogue and missions that add flavor between action sequences. Boss encounters come with their own little cutscenes, giving each showdown a satisfying narrative build-up.

While the storyline won’t win awards for complexity, it delivers exactly what fans of the series expect: charm, humor, and a clear progression from one world to the next. Cutscenes are brief and use expressive animations more than text, making the game accessible to younger players and those who prefer to jump straight into the action.

Overall Experience

Densetsu no Starfy 4 stands out as a polished, joy-filled platformer that leverages the DS’s unique features without feeling gimmicky. Its intuitive controls, varied stages, and steady introduction of new mechanics ensure that players remain engaged without ever feeling overwhelmed. The ability to swap between two protagonists and ride quirky animal allies keeps the core gameplay loop feeling fresh from start to finish.

Replay value is bolstered by hidden rooms, costume unlocks, and the touchscreen navigation challenges between worlds. Completionists will appreciate seeking out every secret pathway and fan-designed outfit, while younger or more casual players can breeze through the main story in under ten hours. The balance strikes a perfect chord for families, solo gamers, and handheld enthusiasts alike.

In summary, Densetsu no Starfy 4 is a must-own for fans of colorful platformers and anyone seeking a lighthearted adventure on the DS. With its endearing characters, inventive level designs, and delightful use of dual-character gameplay, it delivers a memorable dive into an undersea kingdom that’s brimming with fun. Whether you’re new to Stafy’s world or a longtime admirer, this fourth installment offers an experience that’s both familiar and refreshingly inventive.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10