Groove Adventure Rave: Plue no Daibouken (プルーのだいぼうけん)
Developer: Konami
Release Date: 2002
Platforms: PlayStation
In 2002, Konami put their name on five different Groove Adventure Rave games (all released just months before the anime ended in Japan), two of which were fighting games and two of which were RPGs. Plue no Daibouken stands out amongst the bunch, not only because it’s the sole platformer, but also because it stars the series mascot Plue instead of series protagonist Haru. Developed by Aspect (who would release another licensed anime game in cooperation with Konami, Kaettekita Cyborg Kuro-chan, a few months after this), this game definitely isn’t one of their best platformers, but it does have an unusual core mechanic and plenty of charm.
Instead of traveling with the usual crew, Plue sets off on an adventure with the help of Nakajima (a weird, green flower-like creature) to find the candy of his dreams. Though he has his eyes on one particular prize, Plue can find 100 different candies throughout the game, all of which offer some kind of effect. Some candy exists simply to satisfy his hunger, which you have to keep in check much like Hudson’s Adventure Island, whereas others have far sillier outcomes. Most candies change Plue in some way, giving him facial hair, turning him into a snail, making his head grow in size, and so on. None of these do anything to help you, but there’s fun and laughs to be had in stockpiling candy and trying each one to see what you get. There are genuine benefits from certain pieces of candy, though, such as the ability to attack using a hammer or spray bottle as well as options that let you push large objects, jump higher, summon allies like Haru and Elie, and find the exit more easily.
As a platformer, Plue no Daibouken is noticeably lacking. The level design tends to be confusing, most themes go on for far too long (especially the underwater ones that restrict your candy usage), and there just isn’t much going on in general. The enemy designs are captivatingly goofy and the game is delightfully colorful, but rarely are you in real danger. Pluefeels stiff to control and cycling through your candy is an ordeal since it’s possible to carry every kind at once. It’s a quick game to run through, thankfully, so for those who like the source material or just enjoy encountering incredibly strange foes, Plue no Daibouken can offer an amusing ride without expecting much in return.
