A few photos (and words) that hopefully showcase why I consider Yume Penguin Monogatari to be my second-favorite example of Famicom box art

Once again I'm going to take a bit of a break from my on-going "Year of the GameBoy" series so I can write about some of the games I've purchased for other systems.

This post, about the not-so-recently-acquired copy of Konami's Yume Penguin Monogatari showcased in the photos below, is a case in point.

I've wanted to own a copy of this quirky platformer-slash-shmup--which features a plump penguin whose main goals in life (as well as in this Famicom game) are to lose weight and to win back his ex-girlfriend--for some time now, but I waited until early this year to do so because they tend to go for a pretty penny on eBay.

I was able to pick up the copy seen in the snapshots throughout this post relatively cheaply, though, thanks to a Japanese seller who was willing to accepting offers.

I'm not sure you can tell, but this copy is in damn near perfect condition. As in, I'm not at all sure any other human's ever been in possession of it--aside from a shop owner or two, I mean. 

Which is kind of crazy, as not only is this one of the more interesting Famicom games in existence--and, as such, I would've expected sat least a single somebody to have snatched it up between its release in 1991 and now--but it also sports some of the box and manual art that's ever seen the light of day. 

Sadly, you won't be seeing any of the Yume Penguin Monogatari manual's art today. I'd definitely look for me to highlight it in a future installment of "Manual Stimulation," though. 

In the meantime, let's ogle its cart label (above), and a very specific section of the back of its box (below). 

Actually, the entirety of Yume Penguin Monogatari's packaging is pretty darn great, if you ask me. I really like its overall aesthetic, which for whatever reason brings to mind saltwater taffy or other such treats. 

I also really like its logo, a miniature version of which can be seen in the photo below. (Check out the very first photo in this post to view the full version.)

Have any of you played this Japan-only release? If so, what are your thoughts on it? Do you like its unique take on the platforming and shoot 'em up genres (despite the questionable message that goes along with its gameplay), or do you, perhaps, consider it to be an over-hyped disappointment?

Regardless, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. Also, feel free to speculate on the name of my favorite example of Famicom box and manual art. Don't worry, I'll reveal it soon enough, but it's kind of fun to guess in the meantime, don't you think?

See also: 'Even more evidence that I have awesome readers'

I'm having way too much fun taking screenshots while playing Tomodachi Life

Would you believe me if I told you I've snapped more screenshots while playing Tomodachi Life than I have while playing any other 3DS title?

Well, it's true. Or at least I think it is.

As for why that is, the only worthwhile response is that this portable "life sim" throws players into so many weird, wacky and funny situations that you can't help but try to capture them in a snapshot.

Cases in point: the following photos of the babies that have been born to Rainbow Island's residents thus far.

The above portrait is of one of my Internet pals, Hayden Scott-Baron (aka docky), his wife, Cher, and their newborn girl, Chloe.

The shot above is of Nikki (of Swapnote fame), her husband, Bill Trinen, and their baby girl, the controversially named Genesis.

And here (above) we see Link keeping a watchful eye on his (and wife Zelda's) adorable baby boy.

Sadly, "adorable" isn't the first word I'd use to describe the first child--a girl, Claire--born to me and Ganondorf.

Both of us are hoping she'll eventually grow into her face. And learn to smile once in a while. Anyway, she's now traveling the world--or waiting to travel the world, at least.

Rainbow Island's kids aren't the only things worth capturing in photographs. Other photo-worthy sights include the tropical locale's many fights--with the one above being between former Nintendo president Hiroshi Yamauchi and Metroid's Samus Aran.

Chocobo + Yoshi x Oskunk

I don't know which of the following pair of game-inspired "graffiti" illustrations I like better: the Yoshi one or the Chocobo one.

If I were forced to choose, I'd probably go with the latter, mainly because I've always had a soft spot for the banana-hued Final Fantasy mainstay, but also because I've had Square Enix's classic RPG series (and its spinoffs) on the mind lately due to the impending release of Theathrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call.

Regardless, both of these Oskunk creations are pretty cool, if you ask me. Speaking of Oskunk, if you'd like to see more examples of this French artist's work, I'd highly recommend checking out his blog, Custom Art, at your earliest convenience.

See also: 'An artistic mash-up I'd never considered before now: Kirby x Zelda'

All you need is Nichiest

Can you believe that shidoshi, Anne and I have gotten together and recorded two episodes of The Nichiest Podcast Ever in the last month? I sure can't.

The latest one is our 10th, by the way--which is pretty impressive ... until you're made aware of the fact that the first Nichiest Podcast Ever was published 24 months ago.

Anyway, we're doing our best to get things back on track. Just don't go expecting to hear our 11th one in the next three or four weeks, as Anne's traveling to Japan shortly (jealous!) and I believe she won't be back until mid-August.



In the meantime, I hope those of you who enjoy listening to gaming podcasts get a kick out of this one. We certainly had a blast recording it.

As for what's covered in this "take": we chatted about the many niche games that were announced at or around E3 2014, we talked about Tomodachi Life and the likelihood of its sequels allowing (or not) same-sex relationships, we discussed Anne's JRPG Community Game-Along (aka #JRPGJuly) and a whole lot more.

Should the above have piqued your interest, you can download or listen to the latest Nichiest Podcast Ever at radio.morningproject.com.

See also: previous posts about The Nichiest Podcast Ever

I like the 7th Dragon vibe I'm getting from this latest Kinki no Magna (Forbidden Magna) trailer

Admittedly, all that we're really shown in the following trailer--which is the latest released for the upcoming 3DS SRPG that's being made by some of the folks responsible for the Rune Factory series--is one of Kinki no Magna's characters running around a couple of its locales, but that's enough for me to add it to my lengthy "seriously consider picking up a copy should it be localized" list.

I'd be even more serious in my consideration, of course, if someone at Marvelous would leak a bit of footage that shows how the game's battles will play out, but I guess that's just too much to ask at the moment.



I'm pretty sure that day will come soon enough, though, as Kinki no Magna's Japanese release date--Oct. 2, as far as I can tell--is approaching rapidly.

Anyway, as always, here's hoping someone (I'm looking at you, Xseed) decides to bring this sucker to foreign--as in, non-Japanese--shores, and sooner rather than later. Assuming its non-running-around-town gameplay is at all enjoyable, I mean.

And the winner of The Gay Gamer Giveaway™: Osawagase Penguin Boy Edition is ...

... Adam Lee.

Yet again, I offer up the sincerest of condolences to those of you who took the time to share your thoughts on your favorite arcade games but didn't walk away with the free copy of Osawagase Penguin Boy.

The good news is that at least one more Gay Gamer Giveaway™ is being prepped as we speak. Look for information on it to be published here within the next week or so.

In the meantime, congratulations to Adam and thanks again to all of you--not only for participating in these giveaways but for continuing to peruse this blog, too.

See also: all of my 'Year of the GameBoy' posts