PSP World

Gurumin The PSP's Zelda In High Demand

Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure, the Nihon Falcom action-RPG for PSP (PlayStation Portable) system localized and published by Mastiff, LLC, has been causing quite a stir among RPG fans since its release last month—so much stir that gamers in some areas are now unable to find copies at their local retail outlets. The very limited supply of Nihon Falcom’s first internally developed PSP system title, touted by many journalists as the first “Zelda” game for Sony’s handheld, has vanished from store shelves in many parts of the country.

Bill Swartz, Head Woof of Mastiff, LLC, said Mastiff is working to make additional copies of the game available. “We’re thrilled by the enthusiastic response Gurumin has received from the press,” he said, “and we will make sure gamers in every US city and state are able to experience Gurumin for themselves.”

Mastiff has created a special e-mail box for any consumer who is interested in purchasing Gurumin, but can’t find it locally. Consumers in search of the game can send an e-mail with their location to FINDGURUMIN@MASTIFF-GAMES.COM, and Mastiff will help them find a local retailer with inventory or arrange another way for the consumer to purchase the game.

Gurumin has been receiving widespread reviews has stated in a recent press release.

“Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure delivers the classic Japanese RPG experience and is simultaneously adorable and hilarious,” says Gabe Graziani of GameSpy. He continues: “If you're only planning to get a single RPG for your PSP this year, this could well be the one to play.” Electronic Gaming Monthly was equally enthusiastic, “Gurumin’s solid gameplay and likable characters make it the closest thing to a Zelda game you’ll find on Sony’s handheld.”

“Charming, full of personality, and with a gentle sense of humor, Gurumin is a bright and catchy portable game,” said Heather Campbell of Play magazine. Natalie Romano of Game Zone also had effusive praise for Gurumin. “Easily one of the most enjoyable and surprising adventure games to grace the PSP, Gurumin is one of those rare treats that are fit for gamers of all ages,” she said.

Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure was included in Independent PlayStation Magazine’s April 2007 “Best of the Month” section, and it was the only game for PSP system included in a March 2007 Associated Press story on games with female lead characters. “Gurumin is filled with a uniquely Japanese sense of whimsy that translates well into English,” said Lou Kesten of the Associated Press, “and it’s one of the nicest surprises of the year so far."

About Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure

Gurumin: A Monstrous Adventure stars a strong-willed girl named Parin, who is sent to live with her grandfather in a small mining town while her parents are off excavating an ancient ruin. With no other children living in this town, Parin is surprised one day to encounter a young girl being tormented by a stray dog. After Parin drives off the mongrel, she is shocked to discover the young girl is actually a monster, and like all monsters, invisible to adults. Parin is soon invited to the mysterious Monster Village, which happens to be hidden right behind her town. Parin has just started making monster friends when evil spirits, known as Phantoms, invade the village and monsternap most of the inhabitants. Parin soon learns of the Legendary Drill, a weapon hidden underneath the village that is powerful enough to destroy the Phantoms. Thus begins Parin’s quest to reclaim the Legendary Drill and set the world right.

Gurumin features include:

* Non-linear game play in over 30 stages set in a variety of environments.
* 23 non-player characters, 48 unique enemies, and more than 90 items to collect.
* 18+ costumes to unlock, and 15 equip-able headgear to level up.
* Destroy everything in your path with your legendary drill: many objects hide valuable items.
* Challenging boss battles, puzzles and traps.
* Mini-games galore!
* Hidden characters, modes and other secrets.

Screenshots can be found here.

More information can be found at www.gurumin.us.