Tools for this page
Boing! Docomodake
(2009, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Cute platform puzzle game needs a better tutorial.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence & scariness:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Boing! Docomodake was written by Harold Goldberg
Parents need to know that this is a game in which you play as the mascot of a Japanese cell phone company. But this consumerism won't be apparent to kids in the U.S. While this game looks like a cute kids' game that's simple to play, certain levels can be somewhat maddening. Some children will love the challenge. Others may be frustrated.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Parents can talk about why would a company make a game featuring the mascot of a Japanese cell phone company? What it would be like to live in Docomodake's
world. Who is your favorite Docomodake family character, Mama, Papa or the shy
Junior High Docomodake? Do you like playing as a mushroom? Why or why not?
More on Boing! Docomodake
What’s the Story?
Docomodake is the cute, very recognizable mascot for the Japan's huge mobile phone operator, NTT Docomo. Thankfully, we don't know him as a marketing tool here in the U.S., rather he is just as a cuddly new game character. In BOING! DOCOMODAKE, you control Papa, a huge, colorful mushroom, on his adventurous quest through verdant environments to find his missing family members. Papa wants to find his brood in time to enjoy the annual village festival.
The game mixes use of the DS touch screen with the D-pad and buttons. Although the tutorial is confusing, you basically move Docomodake through short levels full of climbing, jumping, flipping switches, and searching for treasure. You're graded at the end of each level, which also records the speed in which you finish it. The game's unique feature is that the fat fungi slims down and splits into many other fungi, enabling you to use them as platforms on which to jump and as bridges. Tap the big guy repeatedly to release a number of little ones. To bring them back into Docomodake, tap the hand above his head twice. But if a mini Docomodake is away from its host for over 10 seconds, it will faint.
Close
Is It Any Good?
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.
Close
Publisher’s Details
Released on 3/10/2009, price $19.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for (No Descriptors))
ESRB rating: E (for (No Descriptors))
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
good
great
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
good
great
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Do you play it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
