Developed and published exclusively for the original black and white Game Boy by Irem in 1992, Noobow (aka Nōbow) is a cute platform/puzzle game that was only ever released in Japan. Thankfully, a fan translation patch makes this game playable to non Japanese-speakers.

You control Noobow, a tubby blob-like creature who has a strict set of movement rules. He won’t jump; he won’t fall off ledges; he won’t pick something up unless he’s standing in the correct place. In fact: he’s a stubborn little SOB. 🙂

The aim of the game is to make your way through a series of different levels by solving simple puzzles along the way. Things like: moving blocks around to make steps; giving an item to an NPC, or other simple tasks. These will un-block Noobow‘s route to the finish.

After completing the first level, the game then gives you the opportunity to choose one of three stages to play next. The Squirrel Stage, the Mole Stage, or the Bird Stage. Each one with a little backstory about a different animal.

I wouldn’t say that Noobow is a game specifically made for children, but it is relatively simple. Some of the puzzles are actually quite challenging, but you have to get to them first. Noobow might be too simple for some, but overall I think it’s a magical little hidden gem of a game that’s worth finding, patching and playing. The music in it is great too.

More: Noobow on romhacking.net