If you ever read a list of the top 10 platform games on the SNES you will more likely than not see favourites such as Super Mario World and Yoshi’s Island hogging the top spots with DK Country following closely behind. Sadly, DoReMi Fantasy would rarely feature in such a list despite a modest loyal following in the gaming community.
Perhaps the only reason why Hudson’s mysterious platformer isn’t more appreciated is simply because it never got released outside Japan, which is a crying shame as it easily rivals Nintendo’s first party efforts for the platforming genre crown on the SNES.
The storyline is your typical damsel in distress routine. Milon must battle his way through various levels and encounter fiendish bosses in order to save his friend Aris the fairy and restore peace to the land. There are cutscenes in-between levels that unveil more of the plot, which is a nice touch adding depth to the proceedings.
For a 16-bit game the graphics in DoReMi stand out from the crowd. The characters, enemies and bosses have a great level of detail and the animations are faultless and smooth. The icing on the cake however is the backgrounds, which really impress with their soft pastel colours bringing the foreground to life in contrast. There are numerous little touches along the way that reinforce the love and care to detail that the developers put into creating DoReMi.
The in-game music is used in an interesting way for a cutesy platformer such as this. You might expect the musical score to be repeated on a loop until you eventually hear it in your sleep. Not so with DoReMi; instead Hudson tried out the innovative approach of fading out the music in favour of mood-altering sound effects such as the noise of the wind in certain stages on the game. This adds an extra layer of depth when combined with all the other neat touches and it works really well in building the in-game atmosphere.
None of the above would matter if the game’s controls were unresponsive and the level design was a mess, but thankfully Hudson do not disappoint on this score either. Controlling Milon is intuitive and as responsive as you could hope for.
There are lots of times when, true to platforming protocol, you will be made to make pixel perfect jumps – never once does it feel like a fault in the controls if you misjudge your target. If that wasn’t enough you can collect bubblegum to give you some grace if you miss a jump, Milon will simply float back up from the off-screen death by blowing a life-saving bubble.
Your main weapon in the game is a bubble blower which lets you encase an enemy and boot them off-screen in Bubble Bobble fashion. In addition to this you can also stun adversaries by bouncing off their heads. There are lots of secret areas to be found as you can break through certain blocks with your bubble blower. Before long you’ll come across a whole range of interesting power-ups to assist you in your quest.
DoReMi is one of the best examples of a platform game on the SNES and holds its own with favourites such as Super Mario World. There is not much to fault the game on, if indeed anything at all. Nintendo and Hudson should be congratulated in pushing this forward for an “import” release on the Virtual Console. It will finally give platform gaming fans a chance to give this wonderful game a chance and hopefully assist in adding DoReMi to the canon of the top 10 SNES platformers lists.
Note: As this game was never released outside of Japan there is quite a bit of Japanese text in the in-game menus and level cut-scenes. None of this distracts from what is an excellent platform romp in any way. The electronic manual on the Wii explains what you need to know.
1. Jazzem
09 Jan 2008, 14:43 GMT
Hmm, I wonder if we'll see this translated (aka Sin and Punishment) or left untouched (Mario's Super Picross)
Looks quite nice in any case
And a sign of a new Hanabi festival!
2. Lwaad
09 Jan 2008, 17:06 GMT
Looks like they gave zelda the powers from Bubble Bobble and put him in a Sonic game
3. dave
09 Jan 2008, 18:35 GMT
This looks like a good game for a sunny Sunday afternoon, and a bottle of wine. Yes, I think I will buy.
4. DEMON212
10 Jan 2008, 05:05 GMT
Looks like Blues Journey spliced with Bubble Bobble.
5. Starwolf_UK
10 Jan 2008, 15:09 GMT
Anyone else find it weird that this gets an OFLC rating when the original Milon's secret castle isn't out in the region that does OFLC ratings?
6. Pocketim
13 Jan 2008, 00:03 GMT
Cool! this looks like a good game! I read someplace that this is like Milons Secret Castle only it doesn't suck
7. Pocketim
13 Jan 2008, 17:15 GMT
Oh, and by the way Lwaad, Zelda is the name of the princess in the legend of Zelda series, I'm pretty sure that the name you are looking for is Link, he is the guy with the green santa hat thingy
8. Jonno
14 Jan 2008, 01:05 GMT
Oh man! This game is great... a must buy.
9. Tony
22 Jan 2008, 16:16 GMT
This game looks very good. I guess if you like a Super Mario World style game, this one will be a good download. Can't wait to see it
10. Corbie
24 Jan 2008, 09:58 GMT
This is one of the best platformers out there. I recently bought the Super Famicom cart and played through it and loved every second of it. Gorgeous pastel-like visuals and spot-on game play make this game a dream to play. Man I hope they release this on the US and UK Virtual Console.
11. Uncle Meat
25 Jan 2008, 14:56 GMT
Never heard of this one before, but by the looks of that video, it seems like a must-have title. Watching this space.
12. Boredom v2.2
26 Jan 2008, 04:59 GMT
For some reason, that elf character looks like that one character from Inuyasha (i don't watch the show, i've only seen commercials and small viewings and things like that).
13. coire
26 Jan 2008, 22:30 GMT
Looks like great platformer. Might get it.
14. Bensei
07 Feb 2008, 20:10 GMT
Quote: Looks like they gave zelda the powers from Bubble Bobble and put him in a Sonic game
^ so true ^
15. MaxPlastic
27 Feb 2008, 03:29 GMT
I would say it looks like LINK got Bub and Bob's powers and put him in a Sonic game... ZELDA IS NOT LINK! >_<
Anyway, I'm all over this, if it gets released
16. Shortay
08 Mar 2008, 20:05 GMT
I really, really hope we get this next week
Looks like my kind of game.
17. Serpent
08 Mar 2008, 22:11 GMT
Everyone should buy this game., Its a fantastic 2D platformer and I will buy it on day one. To bad i will be too busy playing brawl.
18. TBoneTony
08 Mar 2008, 23:30 GMT
OMG!!!!!!
I would LOVE it to come onto the Euro/Australia Virtual Console!!!!
19. Dazza
08 Mar 2008, 23:45 GMT
@TBone - Don't worry this already has a OFLC rating so Australia (and therefore Europe) will be getting it for sure
20. Luigison
09 Mar 2008, 00:50 GMT
The vc-reviews video only shows one world. For screens of other worlds and a mini game check out http://www.rvgfanatic.com/6501/22801.html
I'll be getting it as soon as possible.
21. NintendoBrad
09 Mar 2008, 01:19 GMT
Whoa, that looks fun! That little fella looks like Shippo from Inuyasha.
22. Clinker
09 Mar 2008, 02:03 GMT
I may download this game eventually.
23. Tides of Chaos
09 Mar 2008, 02:07 GMT
It's a bit strange that the US is getting Import games again when they never received Mario's Super Picross from the last time there were imports.
24. dark moogle
09 Mar 2008, 04:54 GMT
Odds are Nintendo will charge an extra 100 points for proper translations of imports, like they did with Sin and Punishment (which was pretty unfair since the game already had English voicework and all that was translated were the menus)
I really hope that doesn't become a habit of theirs, after all they are making more than enough profit on all their products these days
25. Jonno
09 Mar 2008, 05:09 GMT
I love the gameplay of Milon no DokiDoki Daibouken (Milon's DokiDoki Adventure)! However, I'll be playing Brawl by tomorrow morning at around 11:25AM Pacific time so, no time for Milon (I'm not buying it for a long time).
26. Pocketim
09 Mar 2008, 19:43 GMT
27. KCar
09 Mar 2008, 20:53 GMT
Personally, I'd love to see the 2-4 Goemon games for the SNES to come over here. They could even get away with not translating the 2nd, though the last ones were a little more text heavy (though not unplayable for the anglophone).
28. havenx92
09 Mar 2008, 23:00 GMT
I will get this, It looks really good. Its just going to be so hard to care at all with the release of Brawl today....
29. lozislove
10 Mar 2008, 02:17 GMT
LOL. Lwaad that's the exact same thing I thought! (Reminds me a little bit of Donkey Kong Country as well.) I've never seen or heard of this game before and when I watched the video that's what popped into my head.
looks like a cool game though.
30. DJ Triforce
10 Mar 2008, 17:34 GMT
Guys... amazing. Just bought it, and it's rockin'. It reminds me of Super Mario World... only musical. Haha.
31. DJ Triforce
10 Mar 2008, 18:56 GMT
By the way, this game is completely in Japanese. It's kind of funny too because you don't really have any idea what the story is. But you can read the Operations Guide and it will help out a lot. Everybody has to get this game... it's brilliant.
32. Raul^7
10 Mar 2008, 23:06 GMT
LOL, I hated those lighting.
33. Rawful
11 Mar 2008, 00:31 GMT
I'll totally get this game!!
But...not for a week or two...since I got Brawl.
34. Rapadash6
11 Mar 2008, 13:57 GMT
This game is absolutely superb! It's a shame that it never got a release outside of Japan until now, but it's definately worth the 900 points! I hope you guys in Europe get this one soon as well. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
35. Rossi
11 Mar 2008, 21:06 GMT
This looks quiet good, i dont know if i should keep my wii points for the wiiware launch or this..
36. DJ Triforce
11 Mar 2008, 22:09 GMT
Rossi... this game is a must buy. When you get it in your area, pick it up. I promise, you'll love it.
The original is really good too (Milon's Secret Castle for the NES). I mean, this game has a perfect 5 star rating. It's amazing.
37. Drew
13 Mar 2008, 05:03 GMT
I hated the original but I bought this one on a whim because it seemed sort of like super mario world (well duh, snes platformer) and instantly loved it. I don't even care that I have no idea what the story is.
That being said, does anybody know if there's anything available out there that's like (for lack of a better term) a translated transcript of the game?
38. DJ Triforce
13 Mar 2008, 16:07 GMT
Drew, I know it's not a script, but there is a synopsis in the Operations Guide. I suggest giving it a read because it give you a bit of insight on the story, and descriptions of items and such. It helped me a great deal.
39. StarDust
13 Mar 2008, 16:43 GMT
I played this game for about 25 minutes today, without looking at the manual or anything. This game is an absolute joy to play. The learning curve is simple enough that it requires no explaination, but I imagine that higher levels will get more challenging. There is an obvious storyline going on, with some kids, and the animation is very nice and cute. The first couple of levels consist of mainly platforming/ jumping. there are leaves in midair that can be used as steps, and a log boat that slides down a hill into the water and carries you across. you defeat enemies by trapping them in bubbles and tapping them away aka Bubble Bobble style. There are musical notes that can be collected, but I don't yet know their purpose. One Item is a bubble gum, which will save you from falling off the bottom of the screen. On the second or third stage, I think, there are logs that fall from the sky and you have to jump them....The levels are presented on a colorful over world map aka Mario 3/ Mario World style.
If you are a fan of Mario, Sonic, Bonk, and other classic platformers, and are looking for a new experience, this release is well worth it. Rated 5 smileys

40. Peppy Hare
16 Mar 2008, 16:26 GMT
It's a pretty fun game and certainly worth the 900 Wii points. I'm glad I downloaded it.
41. Cally
18 Mar 2008, 09:56 GMT
Wow I really like this game a lot . . . except when I'm asked a question and have no idea what my response is going to do, don't know anything about the story, have to consult the operations guide constantly to know what the menus mean . . .
. . . this is unbelievable. I think Nintendo should update the download with a translation for everyone to download again. Fans out there have already done it out of the kindness of their hearts.
42. agent_lime 18 Mar 2008, 19:23 GMT
looks like tons of fun!
43. Rossi
18 Mar 2008, 22:40 GMT
This actually looks really good.. but i am woundering should i save my points for a good n64 game or lash them out on this.. I reall wont this.. Thats when it hits europe..
44. Mario maniac
19 Mar 2008, 09:45 GMT
Well, here's hoping it's released on PAL servers eventually. I just hope we don't have to wait for another Hanabi Festival to see it.
45. solosnake 19 Mar 2008, 09:46 GMT
I downloaded this. I am a huge fan of mario/DKC, so I figured Id give it a try. I have to say it is worth the points, It is just as good as DKC, and only slightly worse than my all time favorite super mario world. This game is top notch, its too bad they didnt translate any of the many cut scenes, but its not a problem.
46. Ho11oWxxMaN
19 Mar 2008, 23:56 GMT
this is definitely the next game I want to buy. Never heard about it until now, but after reading up and watching gameplay videos...this game sounds like a must-by for any platforming fans. Mainly for people who want to relieve the glory days of the SNES.
47. The shoemaker
30 Mar 2008, 20:21 GMT
@rossi
There's not gonna be an n64 game better than this for a long time. There's an Item That no body mentioned and it's the flying shoe. This allows you to float down to the ground slowly. Like the cape in Super Mario World. And collection 100 notes give you a 1-up. I don't mind the japanese, the operation guide explains everything. But I do prefer this game over SMW. I don't think It'll be as long or as hard, but I'm Having much more fun with this game.
Oh and you can also get new abilities, like pushing blocks, etc. Also I thought it was cool that bomberman is in this game.
48. Jupiter Adept
04 Apr 2008, 01:26 GMT
So this game is how long? How hard?
49. TRON
05 Apr 2008, 04:22 GMT
I love Super Mario World, but now having playing this import game, I have to say this easily rivals any platformer on the SNES. It may be because it's new to me, but regardless, this is one of the finest platformers on the VC.
50. Chainsaw Hijinx
06 Apr 2008, 16:26 GMT
I finally purchased this last night and I'm absolutely hooked. Although I'm only on the third world I hope to see more traditionally themed worlds (fire,desert-I believe there is an ice one up ahead) As the dessert world two didn't really do it for me, reminded me for some reason of Clown Man's stage in Mega Man 8
51. theberrage
18 Apr 2008, 14:29 GMT
This is my favorite game released on VC. Hopefully they can update it with english translation. I love the music.
52. Karma
20 Apr 2008, 22:21 GMT
Wow. Did Nintendo ever completly drop the ball on this game or what?
If they are going to charge more for this game than a standard title due to it's "import status", when they are too damn lazy to even translate it, when other people online have even gone to the lengths of doing so for free, that just tells me that Nintendo is lazy and doesn't care if they rip you off.
Yes, this game is an immensely enjoyable game. Only tainted because Nintendo is absolutely too lazy to bother doing anything decent with it.
They dropped the ball here. Most of the time I do NOT advocate grabbing ROM's over VC titles. But there are certain exceptions sometimes in which grabbing the ROM is vastly preferred.
This is one of those times. Don't waste money on an "import" game that Nintendo is too lazy to properly translate.
This game deserves to be played in English with a professional translation and until they do, take a pass on this.
I mean, it's a wonderful game, but that only underscores how important it is that Nintendo actually put some effort into good releases like this.
Send them a message, that they either import games properly or don't bother at all.
53. Dazza
20 Apr 2008, 22:32 GMT
@Karma - I think its a bit optimistic to expect Nintendo to translate and patch a game which they did not even develop. If Hudson were so bothered about this then surely they should be the ones to submit a modified rom to Nintendo.
54. NintendoBrad
22 Apr 2008, 04:57 GMT
I finally beat Milon's Adventure, so now I'll offer my two cents on it.
+Very colorful graphics. Milon's sprite is very cute and well-animated. The game has a nice pastel look to it.
+Great atmosphere. The music is very calm and relaxed in most levels, creating a soothing atmosphere that goes well with the game's presentation. The music is upbeat in the boss fights, including a shockingly awesome techno/hip-hop tune for one of the bosses.
+Fair challenge. Things are easy early on, but the difficulty cranks up at the fourth world, so look out! The bosses provide a good challenge, as I had to memorize their patterns before I could beat some of them.
+Great control. The control is pitch-perfect, in all situations.
-Not very original. Seriously, I had more than a few cases of deja 'vu when playing this game. A lot of elements feel as if they were ripped straight out of other games. Here's a list...
>The floaty shoes are exactly the same as Mario's cape.
>The arrow platforms from Mario 3 are here. They even have arrows on them.
>There's even a boss fight that alternates between the sun and the moon... Just like Kirby's Adventure!
>The bubble gum item acts the same as Beat in Megaman 7.
>Milon is Link with Mario's overalls. Really.
-The enemies are pretty lame. They aren't even cute. They're just... there.
-The final boss was a let down. I won't spoil it, but I'll just say it was very easy and anticlimatic.
So overall, DoReMi is a fun, relaxing platformer worthy of your Wii Points. It can't hold a candle to the likes of Super Mario World or Kiry Superstar, but it's still a fun, overlooked game.
=4 out of 5 stars=
55. The shoemaker
27 Apr 2008, 08:21 GMT
It's a pretty good game, it's longer than i thought. I thoughty it would end in the lave world, but nope it keeps going. But i actually find the bosses hard. Mostly because I only have one life when I try to fight the bosses.
56. Jona
10 May 2008, 07:59 GMT
this game is f***ing awesome its my 4th favorite vc game and my favorite import (yea call me crazy i like it more than SM2: TLL BITE ME!!!) and my 2nd favorite SNES game (SM World 1st) Its a really really good platformer and is $9 well spent giv it a try its really fun!!! 4 wat it is its amazing!!!!!
57. CopyofCopyX
17 May 2008, 13:42 GMT
They should have released this along the second Hanabi Festval.
Would be a nice change from all these Shmups.
58. kevenz
25 May 2008, 16:21 GMT
This game is fun but it's not a good as people said around here.
It's really easy and simple..... I'm talking about the simplicity of Super Mario Bros 1 here... I think 9$ is a bit expensive, I bought it because of the hype and I was disapointed, I prefer replaying Mario World for the 348623492734 times over this.
59. Shortay
26 May 2008, 00:39 GMT
I really want this game in the EU... I was convinced we were getting it in the latest Hanabi.
60. Tannman42
02 Jun 2008, 13:51 GMT
Why hasn't this game been released in Europe yet? I would buy it.
61. Makoto
05 Jun 2008, 06:40 GMT
I was hoping this would be more popful mail and less SMW... but it still looks like fun. Maybe I'll buy it some day.
62. Maxime St. Rasse
10 Jun 2008, 17:21 GMT
this game is definitely a must download if you like platformers... the musics awesome.. i feel like it stops and starts with how fast youre movin and sometimes makes jumping sections pretty intense... although its kinda easy theres a huge variety in level design so it doesnt get boring playing it a couple times through
63. pApEr y0sh!
23 Jun 2008, 00:20 GMT
looks pretty childish. but ive heard such good things about it...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
64. Kingston
24 Jun 2008, 21:53 GMT
@pApEr y0sh!: Buy it. I command you.
65. megacody
02 Jul 2008, 00:51 GMT
Kingston is right. This game is one of the best platformers, and makes you think where Nintendo of America went wrong. This game deserves a chance. You won't regret downloading this.
66. THATG0MEZ
02 Jul 2008, 08:59 GMT
Yeah, I don't regret my purchase for this a while back. Fun game and it's a true platformer.
67. Mr. Cheez
02 Jul 2008, 19:33 GMT
This looks like a cross between Super Mario World, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Bubble Bobble, with a musical influence. Sounds like a winner to me!
Would it have killed them though to translate the game? that's the only problem I have with downloading it.
68. moosa
08 Jul 2008, 02:32 GMT
This looks cool and all, but the reviews I've read here as of late haven't done a very great job of convincing me of the scores given... I'm not too convinced by what's been said that this could even rival a game as brilliant, massive and flawlessly executed as Super Mario World.
69. Luigi
10 Jul 2008, 03:02 GMT
@ moosa
I've played the game, and it's the most fun I've had playing a video game in a long time. And I've played a lot of games.
70. AlexSays
15 Jul 2008, 08:04 GMT
This game is amazing.
I was a little hesitant about buying it, but I don't regret it at all.
In my opinion, this is as good as Super Mario World.
Great game, and I'm glad it made its way to the VC.
71. Rossi
05 Aug 2008, 14:00 GMT
Still not in the EU... Just like SCEE, NOE hate eu just as much.. why cannot we have this...
72. Cocoa Man5
05 Aug 2008, 23:27 GMT
This is one of my favourite downloads so far. the controls are perfect and the music is catchy and grows on you. in my opinion this is a must download for any fan of the genre.
73. pikmin95
17 Aug 2008, 05:09 GMT
this or wonder boy in monster world?
74. Luigi
19 Aug 2008, 02:45 GMT
Haven't played Wonder Boy in Monster World, but I've played this game, and let me tell you, it is one of the best platformers ever made! Get this now if you can!
75. Apocalypse
19 Aug 2008, 23:37 GMT
^ I wish I could
-_-76. Bass X0
22 Aug 2008, 11:36 GMT
soon. maybe in two weeks. maybe in four weeks. but soon.
77. MarkyVigoroth
27 Aug 2008, 15:01 GMT
The graphics and animation in this game are so good, they make this look like a GBA game. (Then again, the GBA was compared to the SNES...)
78. PuppetMasterKuruku
31 Aug 2008, 02:12 GMT
Milon's Secret Castle? Not my favorite. This game? An awesome platformer worth your time.
79. Satan's Therapist
05 Sep 2008, 13:36 GMT
How many blocks does this game take up?
80. Bensei
05 Sep 2008, 15:41 GMT
37, I've seen NES Games that are bigger
81. Corbie
05 Sep 2008, 21:21 GMT
This is one of the best 16-bit era platformers out there. I hope everyone will give this unique platformer a chance.
82. Ry-Type
06 Sep 2008, 16:00 GMT
Downloaded it today and its one of the best 2D platformers I've ever played! I'd highly reccomend it to anyone who has enjoyed Super Mario World or Donkey Kong Country. Why aren't there more 2D platformers these days....?
83. Bensei
07 Sep 2008, 16:25 GMT
Third Dimension may be the reason. Developers are more likely to fight through Camera problems and buggy textures to present something that makes crappy game look good in Videos instead of just making a good 2D Plattformer, which are easier to make.
Oh well, I'm abit too bolemic...
84. Pocketim
09 Sep 2008, 08:34 GMT
@ Bensei: Have you ever played Klonoa? It's a game for the PSX and PS2, and it's a great 2.5D Platformer,.. thats what the gaming world needs, more 2.5D Platformers
85. Twilight Crow
11 Sep 2008, 23:42 GMT
2D Plattformers rule, and this import is just what I was looking for, cute characters, colorful stages, a lot of jumping, items to collect, and a little japanese practice (for when I learn japanese
) 5/5 for sure, and since I have all DKC and mario world's games on cartridges. this is for now, my number 1 VC plattformer game for the SNES!
86. Corbie
15 Sep 2008, 08:12 GMT
A fellow online reviewer turned me on to this unique game about two years ago and it's become one of my most beloved platformers. I've owned the Super Famicom cart for two years, but I even downloaded it for the VC just to support these unique and enjoyable imports coming to the US and European Virtual Console service.
87. JamesMcCloud
21 Sep 2008, 18:58 GMT
This game looks good but it costs 900 Points
I bought sonic the hedgehog because its cheep
88. MarkyVigoroth
24 Sep 2008, 15:16 GMT
Pocketim-san: I also played Klonoa, yet I was playing "Dream Champ Tournament," instead. Such game is still good, though. 9If only I have a fixed DS that is mine...)
89. Ho11oWxxMaN
30 Sep 2008, 19:26 GMT
Just bought this last night. I am quite pleased, with the great atmosphere (its very cheerful and calming). The 2-D platforming is good as well, not really difficult, but still fun. It's a good game to play on a rainy afternoon to cheer you up. I could careless about no translation.
I gave it 4/5 stars, mainly due to the fairly easy difficulty.
90. pikmin95
08 Oct 2008, 05:25 GMT
I'm kind of getting tired of 2-D platformers. The only one that never gets old is DKC 2.
91. Jazzem
14 Oct 2008, 21:08 GMT
Just finished this, not a bad game at all
One or two slightly annoying moments (Like on the last level where you're climbing staircases and enemies land on you without warning) aside, a really fun platformer with some lovely visuals and pleasant music. I don't think it's quite as good as Yoshi's Island, Super Mario World or Donkey Kong Country 2 but it's certainly up there. Great game!
92. rikru
01 Nov 2008, 09:36 GMT
just downloaded it and the only thing that bothers me is that hudson didn´t translate it
93. Bass X0
01 Nov 2008, 10:38 GMT
Because doing so would have bumped the price up and would have been pointless. Only Japanese games that are playable by people who don't understand Japanese will come on Virtual Console outside of Japan.
You can enjoy the game without understanding the story, right?
94. Kuugen
19 Nov 2008, 13:34 GMT
How long is this game, say compared to Super Mario World?
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