Yume Penguin Monogatari - Gameplay

Gameplay

This game is unique in that there is no life bar; instead there is a "fitness meter" that displays Penta's current progress toward being in shape enough to win back Penko. A broken heart marks the weight goal for the current level. If Penta does not reach that weight goal by the end of the level and within the time limit, the level must be restarted. Diet drinks must be collected to lose weight. Initially as a fat penguin, Penta is slow-moving, cannot jump high or far, and has only a blubber attack. As more weight is lost, additional types of attacks are acquired. Getting hit by an enemy will cause Penta to regain weight.

Among the six total levels in the game, there are three platforming levels as well as three two-dimensional scrolling shooter stages. In both types, the concept remains the same; collect diet drinks, attack/avoid enemies, and finish within the time limit. The 7th level contains the confrontation with Ginji, and is a behind-view shooting stage. At the conclusion of the game, Penta and Penko fly to a tropical island and everything initially appears to be idyllic. In a surprise move, very uncharacteristic for a NES game, Penko reveals herself to actually be very overweight and Penta slaps his head in disbelief. Penko then proceeds to start binge eating.