An unknown place, an unknown time, and you're surrounded by abstract creatures that will harm you. Disheveled and confused, you don't know how or why you materialized into such a world, but all you want to do is escape.
You also happen to be a white penguin with a beanie.
It doesn't take long to realize that 1991's Hebereke is a nonsensical action platformer. Within the first five minutes, you'll encounter a snowball-like creature, a pair of human-sized red lips, flying crows that attack with poop, and a long white string you can climb up that turns out to be someone's drool. All this goofiness is structured around exploring a large connected world where you must figure out where to go next. This is simplified by the fact that most places block your progress based on how many abilities your character has obtained, forcing you to explore elsewhere until unraveling a new power. And as you explore, pulsating, bass-like tunes from composer Naoki Kodaka pummel your ears, known for other memorable NES soundtracks like Batman, Blaster Master, and Journey to Silius.
Credit: City ConnectionSurprisingly, the environments ventured are pretty typical stuff, like grassy hills, caves, and even a snow location, though this is easily offset by the general quirkiness; one such example involves an early boss fight... which happens to be against a girl in a snugly cat costume. After you're done tossing a blob creature at one another in an enclosed room, the cat girl, named O-Chan, joins your cause. You eventually meet and beat down additional allies, each of which can be switched to during gameplay, and every one having their own strengths, weaknesses, and special powers. For instance, every character can't walk on icy surfaces without slipping, with the exception of O-Chan, and another character can float jump, which is helpful for distant platforms.
The main component, its exploration, isn't as "complicated" or repetitive as its contemporaries, like the first Metroid; the game is structured in a way that's accessible to anyone who is decent with platform jumping. Considering the original version of the game was released for the Famicom, you think a lot of the "puzzle" solutions would be obtuse in execution. However, it never goes overboard in making you figure out what to do next, using basic process of elimination in terms of paths and abilities. Better yet, you eventually obtain a map, compass, and even an item that pinpoints vital objects on said map for investigation. The only exception comes towards the end, when you're looking for a hidden switch in darkness and it becomes obvious the devs were being masochistic here.
Credit: City ConnectionThough, owing to the era Hebereke was originally released in, there are "foibles" that are similar to its peers, which some might be annoyed with nowadays. The most obvious one is the password system, consisting of a 6-by-6 grid where you place colored dots in the right spots, and to top it off, you start at the beginning area every time. The same thing also applies when you get a game over, meaning if you were on the opposite side of the map when you died... yeah. But the upside with this Enjoy Edition release are the new additions that make adventuring more tolerable for those irritated with said obstacles. The biggest inclusion is the rewind feature, bouncing you out of death or a huge fumble if you don't like consequences. And if the password system is overbearing, then this version also includes saving and loading on the spot.
With these Quality of Life additions and even a speedrunning mode with an online leaderboard, you'd think this version to be flawless in execution. However, Enjoy Edition has one of the most bizarre translation implementations ever seen. In-game, all dialogue scenes are in Japanese, yet there's also an English translation made for this version. But... the only way to view this translation is in the options menu. That's right: the developers decided not to place the translation inside the actual game. It's not a major issue, but it's still weird. Though, more baffling than that is how you can also view the original English translation from the European reinterpretation version of the game, named Ufouria: The Saga; so... if you're acknowledging Ufouria, then why wasn't there an option to play this version of the game, too?
Credit: City ConnectionDespite these odd blots, Enjoy Edition is still the recommended way to play the original version without having to take extra steps. Even when you remove the QoL aspects from the equation, the game still manages to be a nice little caper with some challenges here and there; if you like exploration or you're into Metroidvania-type games, Hebereke: Enjoy Edition will provide you with a few hours of silly entertainment.
