In my years of gaming, I've come to play just about every genre (while I am still forsaking the excitement which is DDR, but that's another story). I've played the role of plumbers to save damsels in distress, shown my world warrior pride and kicked Shadowloo bosses across the planet, punched and kicked my way to win the affection of a cute...flower girl (hey, you gotta believe right?). Yes, Bahn's pretty much played games of popular fame and the obscure. So, what of games for the younger generation? Aren't they gamers too? Of course the answer should be an unanimous reply of agreement and thus that's where Totally Angelica comes in as it's not only just for kids, but sweet girls who enjoy dressing up with makeup and shoes, lipstick...the whole shebang! Girl gamer extraordinaires should love me after this as I took the plunge and came away being quite the spiffy virtual fashion, um...king. :)

The story basically consists of (who else?), Angelica starring in her own fashion show. During her trek throughout the mall, Angelica misplaces her doll and thus the only way to retrieve it is to enter the Fantasy World shop, which is located on the 5th floor. The player must collect jewelry, shoes, makeup, jellybeans (well, wait...food isn't featured in the game), and other outfits from all the stores within the mall. You must then construct you own outfits (much as you'd do daily in real life) for the fashion show which is judged by the Rugrats judge panel. Thus you must impress the lil' brats...um, I mean babies so that you can advance onto the next floor.

As you guide the "prettiest, most beautiful kid in the whole universe" (her words, not mine), you'll enter stores, play a mini game and receive prizes depending on your success. Until you achieve the required score...you'll remain on the main floor. Some of the mini games are simple at best and nothing too difficult for any younger gamer. The games include successfully navigating throughout mazes in the allotted time issued, unscrambling title puzzles, and a 'simon says' esque color matching game. The final mini game, known as Fantasy World is much like a standard platform game, requiring you to rescue your doll Cynthia from the castle. Using your carousel horse, you must avoid Tommy the Knight and Chuckie the Wizard (the evil Rugrats in disguise). Not to be left helpless against the imminent dangers at hand, Angelica comes empowered with her trusty wand, using the B button to casts spells and giving Spike bones to release Fluffy and collecting apples to jump to new heights. (Personally, I motion for damsels in distress, including dolls to all receive personal guards, heroes are quite rare these days).

Graphics are quite basic, yet clear among the standard flair which Game Boy Color games depict. Though most of the time you'll be running in and out of stores, feverishly working to achieve a high score to reach new floors; there's little reason to complain (after all, its' a fashion style game). The sounds are also exceptional, tinny tunes all in a melodious tone (which reminded me of the old baby carousel tunes when I was younger) fit right in with the Angelica theme. For added replay value, Totally Angelica comes equipped with an infrared communications link known as the "Angeli-comm", a first for the Game Boy Color which will allow you and a friend to send back messages to each other. Quite a nifty feature, now you can sit in the office and tease all the other kids in style. (No, not really...please kids do not try this at home, or anywhere else for that matter. TNL does not condone such actions). The Angeli-Com actually has more constructive means, such as allowing you to not only send messages, but trade outfits with friends who also have their own copy of the game. Plus, should you wish to become creative, Totally Angelica allows you to use pictures and codes during your "Let's Pretend" session. It's important to note that in order for the link to work, your GBC's must almost be touching each other as the signal strength is much smaller than that of a child's "walkie-talkie".

A cute game that certainly will be enjoyed by younger female audiences (and editors which take long business trips) are recommended to pick this game up. The game's puzzles and overall challenge is far from being difficult which any average gamer can beat within a solid hour or two (after all, fashion collection is a very lucrative task). While it may not teach you the latest tips in fashion, Totally Angelica boasts elements that are pure fun and entertaining, exactly the type of game that younger players should engage.

· · · Bahn