CSM: Boing! Docomodake Review

What’s charming about the game is its youth-oriented artwork, it’s hopeful soundtrack (albeit repetitive), and some enjoyable platform action. While kids will only spend about 10 hours to finish Boing! Docomodake, the game can be a pleasure, especially when you use some of the coins you collect to unlock songs and artwork. Yet playing is not a delight from the get-go.

Unfortunately Boing! Docomodake lacks a proper in-game tutorial. What’s present is a confusing mish-mosh of Powerpoint-like directions which barely give you an idea of how to use the touch screen and the various mini Docomodake. Even the manual’s tutorial is confusing. You’ll get the idea after a while of playing by yourself. But many may be frustrated before the game even begins. Sometimes, tapping Docomodake does not result in the release of minis. Plus, once you do start up, some of the levels can be very difficult for a child or even an adult to get through. That’s too bad because the $19.99 price is alluring, especially because U.S. audiences don’t know Docomodake is a marketing tool. Just be prepared for a learning curve.