Noobow is the Sweetest Game You'll Ever Play

[@robintst]

I love his walk cycle with that permanent smile on his face, this game is too adorable.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

It really is--when I popped in the game and saw how great and "pure" the animations were, I instantly fell in love with it.

[@robocami]

7:18 I think the whale may be a reference could be a reference to the Ottotto mascot! Ottotto is a snack also from Morinaga with a whale mascot

[@metalslugfest]

Great video, so glad to hear you mention Healthy Game Nerd as I feel he does just as a great of a job sharing many deep cut imports with us all, too!

[@UltraHealthyVideoGameNerd]

Jimmy and I are loving rivals. He's been doing this for much longer than me, but I've been more consistent with uploads. But he's the godfather of producing informed, high quality reviews of super obscure imports

[@ImportGamingFTW]

If I can send a few people in his direction, than I'm more than happy to make the mention!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

@@UltraHealthyVideoGameNerd I have never made love to this person in my life. But beside that, thanks for the kind words!

[@bumbaclaarted7792]

i have seen this game on ebay a few times and has always caught my attention but the £30 price tag put me off, but seeing the history behind noobow now and finding out its actually a past mascot of morinaga makes me wants it more. they brought high chew to the UK a couple years ago and its been one of my fav sweets since haha. anyways great video man you just got yourself a new subscriber :)

[@dacq9038]

The Noobow animated shorts are the purest thing on the planet, the kind of stuff that makes grown men cry (as long as they have souls) He's such a _good boy_

[@ImportGamingFTW]

He's simply the best--I'm probably going to buy the DVDs that contain all of those shorts. I'm lucky that I have that Noobow coinbank smiling at me at my desk at work--reminds me to smile as well when things are hectic.

[@Larry]

Pokky was licensed to the UK in the early 80's and released under the name, "Mikado". The stupid thing is stores also sell Pokky here now alongside Mikado, despite the fact they're the exact same product! We also have a thing called "Choc Dips", sort of a thick pocky you can dip into a little chocolate dip in the corner of the pot, that was licensed from Japan too in the 70s, but I can't work out what the original product was there.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Hey Larry, thanks for watching and giving me a neat fact without requiring the hunt. I think the product you're thinking of is "Yan Yan," which I used to enjoy as a kid, moreso than Pocky at least. I think Meiji made them.

[@Larry]

@@ImportGamingFTW No worries dude, yeah that's the product, thanks! They do milk and white chocolate versions here, also tried a cheese version in the 80s, but it didn't do too well.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

@@Larry I thought so! I've never tried those ones (cheese sounds pretty good), but I think I've had strawberry before. It's like instant diabetes.

[@michaelgeorgiou4730]

Man Noobow seems amazing, it reminds me of an amalgamation of Quaqsire, Ditto and Kirby. Thank you for showing us this gem Jimmy, and I am glad you have started pumping content these days.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

I do see a bit of Pokemon/Nintendo character in his simple design. Thanks for watching, I hope to put out more videos this year than last!

[@slopesgameroom]

such a great video... one of my fav channels :D

[@ImportGamingFTW]

I appreciate it, Dan, you've been a great supporter of the channel for years and have helped me grow, and I don't mean in subs.

[@user-dd6on5cr3u]

Glad to see a shoutout to UHVGN, would love to see a collab video between the best import gaming channels!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Maybe someday! There are so many possibilities.

[@TheLDpwnz]

Thanks for making this fantastic video (as always) and introducing this game to me. I'm recovering from a hand injury right now and I haven't been able to play very much of anything lately. However, this game looks slow and easy going enough for me to still enjoy at a leisurely pace. Plus I could use some of Noobow's cheer right now too.

[@paintguin9004]

The simple aesthetic of this game looks great, wanna give it a try to the fantranslation

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Hope you'll enjoy it!

[@importaku]

hehe the size shrinking Gullivers tunnel, never expected to see a Doraemon gadget cameo.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Good catch!

[@SamuraiSam]

Thanks for another great video showing off a gem hidden in Japan, Jimmy! It was awesome how well you explained and showed off the origin of the character, too!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Thanks as always, Sam--and I love talking about stuff beyond the game, so I'm glad you enjoyed that part. I feel like I kind of had to since the game is so short and simple.

[@pinsandneedlesgames]

A sense of care and quality design is always a nice thing to see in licensed games, and on the gameboy, no less. I’ll have to give this one a look. Great work, as always!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Thanks for watching, I hope you will try out Noobow sometime.

[@WMARUoriginal]

Fantastic video. Love how much detail you go over

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Thanks, I had to keep out a lot of the little details otherwise this would have been a guide rather than an introduction to the game!

[@PastoKage]

I need a Noobow in my life.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Yes, you do!

[@melvinblackburn195]

Fabulous as always. I will be hunting down a copy of Noobow fairly soon, It's been on my Gameboy wishlist for a few years.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Thank you, and I happy hunting.

[@UltraHealthyVideoGameNerd]

16:10 Hi mom! I certainly wasn't expecting a review on this game, and I had no idea he was another snack mascot. It's caught my eye a few times and I would have picked it up if it weren't for how easy it is. Love the music though. Right now I'm working on another puzzle platformer for the Game Boy: Chalbo 55. You might say it's a bit harder

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Don't let your mom discover this video or your cameo in it...she may just regret giving birth to you. Also, I've never played Chalbo 55, but it looks nice. I guess I'll learn more about it sometime soon, eh?

[@allhailthelegs]

YES NOOBOW. IT IS TIME. I searched like 8 different shops in Tokyo half hoping to find a physical copy

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Hey, haven't seen you around here in a while, thanks for watching! Good luck finding a copy in the wild, they're pretty elusive...but Mercari, on the other hand...

[@allhailthelegs]

@@ImportGamingFTW Hahaha all my friends thought I was a weirdo for abandoning a sightseeing trip to go 20km out of Tokyo to some random regional Hard Off/Book Off. Which I guess they would be correct about, especially considering all I ended up with was some tea cups (didn't find any games I wanted) :D I'm impressed you remember me! Your videos get better and better. This is one of my favourites of yours, too. Keep up the good work man.

[@Jenovi]

Listening to you describe the game at the start, I though, oh, they made a game about me. I mean there’s further confirmation bias too being we both know Santa and both can’t swim. It’s my life story.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

I can't swim either, but I don't know Santa...could you...pull some strings for me? I'm a big fan.

[@barry-allenthe-flash8396]

Noobow seems to be the Japanese Kipper - just super pleasant and chill little adventures. You bet your butt I went and looked up "Noobow OVA" right when you showed some of it off at 4:15. Sadly, it does not appear to be on KZbin :/ Oh well. Hard to be too bummed out watching this game in action. Cripes, this is adorable, lol! All the little animations Noobow does, and the expressions during those actions, are insanely charming. I just can't help looking at this and thinking of western cinematic/puzzle platformers like Oddworld or Another World and just being in awe of how an old-school Japanese game company could take that kind of design, squeeze it through a Play-doh extruder _of pure joy,_ and out pops a game like Noobow. And it's a licensed game based on candy at that? What an awesome little hidden gem! (^-^)

[@ImportGamingFTW]

I didn't know about Kipper, probably because it seems to be a UK thing, but it seems very sweet. I have a link to the channel with that Noobow OVA, but it's not subtitled. I think if you do a search outside YT, you can find one with subs. I thought about contrasting Noobow with something like Oddworld or Nanatasu Kaze no Shima Monogatari, but decided to let the game stand on its own.

[@LukeOranje]

Another excellent production, good man Jimmy! Always enjoy the quality content. The Hapa-Vision was a cool addition - always like to see the aesthetic of the era recreated. But, these niche GB games ain’t cheap...

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Thanks, Luke, I appreciate the view and the kind words. Sadly, GB games have reached that point where many of the good ones not published by Nintendo are too expensive to pick up casually, even in Japan. And I'm glad you enjoy the "Hapa-Vision" thing, I try to use it whenever I can in these videos!

[@lukeridout1529]

@@ImportGamingFTW On that note, I'd like to pick up Chalvo 55 ASAP, but seeing as imports are pretty much on hold...it might have to wait a bit. Then it's always a cost vs quality situation with these games...

[@ImportGamingFTW]

@@lukeridout1529 Hope you end up picking it up...yeah, the suspension of mail services to a majority of the world from Japan is a real pain at the moment, hopefully most of the bans will be lifted soon. And it seems like Ultra Healthy Video Game Nerd is doing a video on Chalvo 55 soon, so maybe keep an eye out there for a review?

[@Caspicum]

Not a fan of games that don't have traditional gameplay, but hot damn this looks charming.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

It's certainly better than Digimon!

[@Caspicum]

@@ImportGamingFTW You just described like 99% of video games fam tbh

[@Fattydeposit]

I'm so hungry for Japanese sweets and chocolate now. Meiji sour candies, choco strawbs. Amazing, gorgeous objects and foods.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

They're all so good...all the things that are bad for you, so, so good.

[@RetroIslandGaming]

What a wholesome video, from a wholesome guy! And look, the Ultra Healthy Video Game Nerd. Overwhelming wholesomeness! Are those the amazing cherry blossoms? I've never seen them in person. Game looks very relaxing. I would have enjoyed this much more instead of crappy Spud's Adventure growing up. The pure yellow box was a nice choice by the box designers. Fun video, man. I love seeing what bizarre games you dig up!

[@maximum.collecting]

I bought this game during an eBay binge, and when I was researching it for an Instagram post, I came across your video and it was so helpful! :) I linked your video to the post! Thank you for your research :) I didn’t link my post, but I can if anyone wants to see it 😂

[@FakYuhGoogel]

So glad I got this complete in box for cheap, because this game is sweet as sugar and I wouldn't want to miss it! Ultra cute artstyle and animation, sadly very easy and short.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Hey, another one got it complete for cheap! Excellent--and yeah, a shame it's so easy and short, and no sequel...

[@Karinimiki]

Another great installment!! After watching this I can’t look at the Japanese market's candy aisle the same way again. This video was the push I needed to try other titles with a food company tie-in, recently gave Myojo’s Charumera a chance and it was well worth it!

[@pferreira1983]

Looks like a nice game. I'm surprised Irem didn't push the sweets and chocolate aspect into the game although considering this was on the monochrome Gameboy I can see maybe why that was pointless.

[@RetroMoments]

Heard about this game a few weeks back. Seems to be an absolutely perfect GameBoy game to play on the go!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

It's certainly something I would bring with me on a trip along with other GB classics.

[@MrMegaManFan]

You got a shout from @RetroRGB and I left his video to check out this one. I hope he’s not mad!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

I'm telling on you! But I'll put in a good word so Bob doesn't get angry--thanks for checking out the video!

[@MrMegaManFan]

@@ImportGamingFTW The @Sarumaru Crew was how I first discovered you so I was glad to hear Bob giving you a shout out too. :)

[@grimnir6169]

Lol I just ate a green striped marshmallow last night with this cute guy on it. Coinkydink.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

I need to know what that is.

[@grimnir6169]

Jimmy Hapa (Import Gaming FTW!) I don’t know the name (I can’t read Japanese) but it was in with a load of dagashi I got imported.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

@@grimnir6169 I've not seen any in my many travels to grocery stores, but I will make it my mission to find these marshmallows!

[@habibk.2423]

This game looks pretty!

[@retractingblinds]

Ah, late night Jimmy Hapa. The history lesson really brought this video all together.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Ah, thanks man--and "late night Jimmy Hapa" sounds like something I should be featuring on more...ahem, "mature" streaming sites.

[@devingunnels3251]

Big Kirby energy

[@FakYuhGoogel]

Rumor has it that Noobow turned into Korosensei

[@ImportGamingFTW]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO....

[@Bubblun1]

That Noobow is quite a charmer! I think we're all going to end up resembling his 'soft' body after all the COVID weight gain. What are your thoughts on Guru Logi Champ for GBA? It's one of my favorites on the system for an action-puzzler and the cutscenes reminded me a bit of this game.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

I feel like I'm starting to get the Noobow body big time, and soon. Thanks for reminding me of Guru Logi Champ, I forgot about that one--I have never played it, but was interested for sure.

[@FuzzballRenakitty]

Gonna have to give this a go! Chocoball are amazing though- I don't eat nuts but you can get non-nut variants of chocoball, the seasonal ones are delicious too!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Hope you enjoy it--and I love the classic crispy peanut Chocoballs, but the caramel ones are OK...I'd rather eat Raisinets, though.

[@keypath4389]

Yeaaah its ramadhan in my country and im trying to forget how hungry i am by watching your video game video.... Aaaaand its chocopie right at the start T..T

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Ah, well that's a tough spot...but once the fast is over, you can have chocopies for days...

[@Spectralhyena]

Japanese and Asian snacks and candy are the best period, this comes from Someone who appreciates Japanese culture and art but I’m definitely not a weeb. I just have a great taste in candy and snacks. Do yourself a favor and visit an Asian market or get subscription box of them. All the brands he talks about are great, but hi chews are better than starbursts and kolalas march were in my lunch box since a kid and I’m in the west.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Ah, good old Koala's March, a childhood favorite of mine as well!

[@noneofyourbusiness4616]

they can bring the character back with a dark take... "Beat Takeshi IS Noobow; one look and he'll make chocolate in your pants."

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Ha, I don't know about all that...but I'd watch it if it were a movie.

[@Nooby.]

Can I get this in the UK?

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Only if you're lucky enough to find it in the wild, otherwise it's online auctions or the emulation store.

[@MadPanicGaming]

If only this game were as sweet as you.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Psssssshhhhhh, NO YOU.

[@TurquoiseStar17]

This game is so cute

[@perpetualcollapse]

Aight then.

[@otaking3582]

Fun fact: KyoroChan actually has a few games of his own, one of which was a reskin of the NES port of Nebulus

[@goatbone]

Fun fact, it's best to wait until the end of the video before commenting haha. I was going to say that same thing.

[@ImportGamingFTW]

@@goatbone Ha ha, yeah, it happens. In the first draft of the script, I even mentioned the reskin thing, but I don't own the other GB game nor the Famicom one, so I couldn't get footage for it...and therefore, CUT!

[@BENULTIMAN2000]

Did any Candy Mascots from either of Morinaga's Competitors have Videogames of their own ????

[@ImportGamingFTW]

There's surprising amount of snack mascot character games out there, and many of them are pretty damned good. I have another for Game Boy that I enjoy which is based on a potato chip mascot, I've always wanted to talk about it, but wanted to put a spotlight on Noobow first.

[@StuffWePlay]

This was pretty sweet!

[@denNESdanMAKU]

Hey Jimmy ma boy, thank you so so much for this delightful breakfast enjoyment! Hope you didn´t gain too much after all this sweat encounter ^^ By the way, who´s that prity girl on your TV shelf at 3:55 ? Still hoping to see you soon when I´m in Japan again. Greatings from good old Germany!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

You're very welcome--and that girl? Ah, a former love...but not really. That's Akina Nakamori, a singer who was popular in the 80s. When I was a kid my dad gave me a couple of cassettes he picked up while he was in Japan and one of the was hers, so I've always had a little crush on her, I guess. Hope to see you in Japan again when things settle down. You should join me for a stream soon, too (maybe tomorrow?).

[@denNESdanMAKU]

@@ImportGamingFTW Ah now I know. She looks prity. Since she´s japanese she barely aged and should look almost the same ^^ Yeah my flieght for June 10. got cancled but I hope to visit Japan later this Summer/Fall. Would love to be on your stream but I already have plans... May 30. would be great :P

[@okori_makuri]

Ebay lists a lose cart for roughly $60 x'D

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Oh my, my condolences.

[@BENULTIMAN2000]

So are you going to start uploading more videos but on a Regular Schedule ????

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Maybe--I'll certainly try!

[@yogi_tronimal]

I own this game myself, but I never knew he was a mascot! ●( °-°)●

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Glad you found out something new! Thanks for watching.

[@KateandJohnMark]

Gee, I hope the gyms are open again.

[@zaciroth]

Looks like famicom disk guy going up the ladder there.

[@CousinHubertRetrogaming]

Omg this game is so expensive! Around 200€

[@zintosion]

NOOBOW FOREVER! NOOBOW MOOBIES!

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Ah, you saw those captions, ha ha.

[@Sinistar1983]

2:00 is when it starts

[@ImportGamingFTW]

*0:00

[@SpaceInvaderUpdates]

He’s so cute :-:

[@ImportGamingFTW]

He even gives Kirby some stiff competition in that area.

[@crossy44]

I for one tried to play and finish this game, but I couldn't. Why? It is too slow! I didn't had the patience needed for it. I can see everything good about it, but I can't for the love of me play it for 10 minutes consecutives. Also a Speedrun and Tas-Run is pretty nice and relaxing, even if a bit stressful (for me) because of the slow movement.

[@lulukat1670]

I was lucky to Get it complete in Box :D on a eBay Action for next to noting :D lol u Beat Me to it ;D Having a Magazine Revie coming Next year ;D Spoilers I LOVE THIS GAME ;P ;D Good Revie do :D . .

[@ImportGamingFTW]

Thanks for watching, and it's great you were able to find it complete for a good deal. I picked it up in a shop a few years ago for $30 and the clerk was surprised that a Game Boy game was so "expensive," ha ha. Little did he know what how crazy things would get.

[@lulukat1670]

@@ImportGamingFTW Get Reedy to Cray ;D I Got It for 2,90 USD ;P Crazy :D but u got it Chip to :D it goes for 190 USD+