This week Important Importables was going to look at and rate some DS and PSP straps and charms. That was before Nintendo made the major announcement that Stafy/Stafi/Starfy – whatever you want to call him – was going to appear outside Japan. So, I figured it would be fitting this week to go back to the beginning and review the first Starfy game, Densetsu no Starfy for the Game Boy Advance.

I often wonder if, back when TOSE and Nintendo were creating Starfy, they had any idea that the charming star would become a beloved icon. Practically any GBA or DS gamer who imports regularly knows, and may even be a fan, of the game.

The original Densetsu no Starfy may seem cute and simple. It’s your average platformer, similar to the Kirby or early Mario games. And yet, there’s something special that makes it memorable…

It’s taken over seven years, but Nintendo has finally decided that the brave, adorable starfish known as Starfy (or Stafi, or even Stafy) is ready to explore new horizons. Nintendo recently announced that the fifth Starfy game, Densetsu no Stafy Taiketsu! Daiiru Kaizokudan, will be released in North America on June 8, 2009 as The Legendary Starfy.

Seems like Nintendo is going back to Starfy’s roots with the title – the original GBA game (which will be reviewed March 6, 2009 in Important Importables) went by the same name.

But who is this mysterious little star/starfish which has inspired a fan following in Japan and such devotion among importers? Let’s look back over the history of Starfy over the past five games. After all, we may never see Densetsu no Stafi 1 – 4. Okay, if The Legendary Starfy does well, then maybe Nintendo would release the DS game Densetsu no Stafi 4 as The Legendary Starfy 2…